Saturday, August 23, 2025 • 10 AM – 6 PM • Free Admission • Rain or Shine • Free Parking & Shuttle
Experience Floyd County’s
Art & Music Living Traditions
Celebrate the heritage of Floyd County and the artists carrying it forward today. Two stages of music & dance, 70+ craft demonstrations, and a community gathering where the old inspires the new.
Rain or shine • Family-friendly Free entry & Parking
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Experience Floyd County’s Living Traditions
Presented by the Floyd Center for the Arts in partnership with the Floyd Country Store’s Handmade Music School, the 3rd Annual Floyd Living Traditions Festival is a free, rain-or-shine celebration of the songs, stories, and skills passed down through generations — and the artists keeping them alive today. On Saturday, August 23, 2025, 10 AM–6 PM, the Floyd Center for the Arts comes alive with two stages of music & dance, 70+ traditional craft demonstrations, artisan vendors, workshops, storytelling, exhibitions, community project, kids’ activities, silent auction, and local food.
From blacksmiths and broom makers to dancers, quilters, and luthiers, you’ll meet the makers preserving Appalachian heritage and see how old traditions inspire new creations. With tributes to legendary musicians, hands-on activities, and vibrant community spirit, it’s both a look back and a step forward in the living story of Floyd County.
Accessibility
The Floyd Center for the Arts is committed to making the Floyd Living Traditions Festival accessible to all members of our community. We strive to ensure that everyone can fully participate in and enjoy the event.
Large-print and braille materials, as well as audio descriptions, are available upon request with at least one week’s notice.
For accessibility accommodations or questions, please contact our staff at info@floydartcenter.org.
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors
This project is made possible by Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachia Living Traditions program with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Kick Off the Festival at the
Floyd Country Store Friday Night Jamboree
Join us Friday, August 22, at The Floyd Country Store to kick off the Floyd Living Traditions Festival with a special edition of the beloved Friday Night Jamboree!
The evening kicks off at 5:30 PM with the Floyd Shape Note Singers, followed by a soulful gospel set at 6:30 PM, and lively old-time dance tunes from the Whitetop Mountain Band at 7:30 PM.
Celebrate the rich musical heritage of Floyd County as we launch a weekend honoring Floyd County’s art and music traditions!
General admission tickets are available at the door beginning at 4:45 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 7–12; kids 6 and under are free. Seating is not guaranteed, and tickets are not sold in advance.
Music & Presentations
The Festival has two Stages - Outdoor & Indoor
From gospel harmonies to old-time string bands, the festival features an incredible lineup on two stages. The Outdoor Stage, curated by our partner the Floyd Country Store’s Handmade Music School, spotlights some of the best in Appalachian music — from local legends to rising stars. The Indoor Stage offers a mix of dance, storytelling, artist talks, and more, all in the intimate setting of Fallon Community Hall.
Full Line Up
Floyd County’s Living Traditions
The Floyd Living Traditions Festival celebrates the skills and stories that have shaped life in our mountain community for generations. From the blacksmith’s forge to the weaver’s loom barn, these demonstrations showcase the heritage crafts that built our culture — and the artisans who keep them thriving today. Nearly 70 makers will share their talents, passing down knowledge through hands-on demonstrations that connect the past to the present and inspire the next generation.
Demonstrations
Blacksmithing
Pottery
Basketry
Luthiery
Woodworking
Spinning & Weaving
Quilting
Limberjacks
Soapmaking
... AND MORE!
Storytelling
We are proud to partner with Blue Ridge Story Space and Let Me Tell Ya! to bring the art of storytelling to this year’s Floyd Living Traditions Festival. Find them on the Pottery Studio Porch and enjoy captivating tales that celebrate Appalachian heritage, personal journeys, and the power of spoken word.
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Activities & Workshops
There’s something for everyone at the festival! Kids can get creative with free craft activities and join our community art project, adding their own touch to a collaborative piece that grows throughout the day.
Want to dive deeper? Drop in for one of our hands-on workshops — just $20 each — and get a taste of taking a class at the Floyd Center for the Arts. This year’s offerings include Needle Felting and Stained Glass, taught by our talented FCA instructors. No experience needed — just bring your curiosity and leave with something beautiful you’ve made yourself.
Exhibitions
While you’re at the festival, step inside the Floyd Center for the Arts to explore three inspiring shows. In the Hayloft Gallery, Kindly Mirrors, presented by the Old Church Gallery, offers a thoughtful look at community and heritage. The Falcon Gallery features Lamentations and Exultations, a solo exhibition by beloved local artist Charlie Brouwer, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and hope.
In the Art Center’s entryway, discover the Art 4 All Exhibit, highlighting creative works by participants in our inclusive arts program — a celebration of talent, diversity, and the joy of making art together.
Festival Merch
This year’s merch tent is loaded with
goodies you won’t want to miss.
Our Famous Southern Savory Pinto Bean Kits – Easy, hearty, and delicious! Each quart jar kit comes complete with beans and seasonings — $7 each or grab TWO for just $10.
A huge thanks to our festival friend Red Hill General Store for sponsoring our bean kits. Red Hill General Store is located in Hillsville, VA — specializing in “Quality Products for Everyday Living,” with the largest supply of food preservation supplies east of the Mississippi. They’re also home to local arts, crafts, and fine workmanship. Learn more at redhillgeneralstore.com.
2025 Festival T-Shirts – Show your festival spirit in our 2025 design on a beautiful green shirt. Sizes S–3XL, just $22.
Find it all at the Festival Merch Tent right beside the Welcome Tent at the festival entrance.
Volunteers Get a Discount! - $18
Taste the Flavors of the Festival - Food & Drink
Enjoy delicious bites from Floyd favorites The Vittle Wagon and Copper Dog food trucks. Savor a plate from the Floyd Center for the Arts’ own Pinto Bean & Cornbread Tent, featuring cornbread made by the Floyd Country Store, or cool off with a treat from the Ice Cream Tent — every purchase supports the Art Center’s programs.
And don’t miss the Beer Garden by the Outdoor Stage, the perfect spot to relax with a cold drink while enjoying live music.
Volunteer at the Festival
Be part of the magic that makes the Floyd Living Traditions Festival happen! From greeting guests and helping at activity stations to assisting with demonstrations and the Art Center’s food tents, volunteers keep the day running smoothly. It’s a fun, hands-on way to connect with the community, meet artists and performers, and support the Floyd Center for the Arts.
Whether you can give a couple of hours or the whole day, your time and energy make a real difference — and you’ll leave with great memories (and maybe a new skill or two!).
Sign up now to join our festival team!
Benefits of being a festival volunteer: Discounted 2025 festival t-shirt and swag bag. Most importantly, you will be contributing to supporting and building Floyd’s creative culture!