Activities, Workshops & Exhibitions at the Floyd Living Traditions Festival

The Floyd Living Traditions Festival is more than a day of music, demonstrations, and vendors - it's an opportunity to experience the creativity, craftsmanship, and traditions that make our region unique.

Kids & Family Fun

Bring the whole family and get hands-on with activities designed to inspire creativity and curiosity.

In the Kids Craft Tent, children can decorate a laser-cut dream catcher-inspired project to take home and enjoy free art activities throughout the day. In the Fiber Arts Area, families can explore natural dyeing traditions by creating colorful bandanas and streamers.

We're also excited to welcome the Sensory Barnyard to this year's festival. Dedicated to creating opportunities for growth, exploration, and connection among children of all abilities, the Sensory Barnyard will offer hands-on sensory exploration bins and a make-and-take sensory toy or craft activity for children to enjoy.

Children and adults alike are encouraged to join dance workshops and visit the Handmade Music School near the Outdoor Stage to try flatfooting and experience Appalachian music and dance traditions firsthand.

Dream Big in the Blue Ridge: Community Art Project

Help us create a one-of-a-kind community artwork during the festival.

Visitors of all ages are invited to contribute to our large collaborative dream catcher, adding cord, handmade beads, feathers, and other creative elements throughout the day. Inspired by the beauty, hopes, and traditions of our region, this evolving artwork will grow with each participant and become a visual representation of our community coming together.

Stop by, add your touch, and help us Dream Big in the Blue Ridge.

Storytelling & Spoken Traditions

Gather around and experience one of humanity's oldest art forms. Festival storytellers from Let Me Tell Ya! and Blue Ridge Story Space will share tales, memories, and traditions rooted in Appalachian culture and everyday life. Whether humorous, heartfelt, or historical, these stories help keep our region's rich oral traditions alive for future generations.

Try It Yourself: Festival Workshops

Looking for a more hands-on experience? Festival workshops offer a chance to create your own artwork while getting a taste of the classes offered year-round at the Floyd Center for the Arts.

For just $25, participants can join one of this year's mini-workshops in Pottery or Stained Glass and leave with a handmade creation of their own. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.

Workshop spaces are limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

Register for Workshops

Explore Four Special Exhibitions

While you're at the festival, step inside the Floyd Center for the Arts and enjoy three exhibitions celebrating the art, history, and landscapes of our region.

Strings Attached – The Enduring Appeal of Overshot Coverlets

Presented by the Old Church Gallery in the Hayloft Gallery, this exhibition showcases antique historic coverlets and treasured examples of Appalachian weaving traditions, highlighting the enduring beauty and craftsmanship of overshot coverlets.

Landmarks: The Rock Churches and the White Churches of the Blue Ridge

In the Falcon Gallery, artist Donald Sunshine presents paintings and drawings inspired by the historic churches that have long served as landmarks throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Art 4 All: Circle of Friends Paper Quilt Exhibition

Created by the Circle of Friends group, this colorful exhibition features paper quilts that celebrate creativity, community, and artistic expression. The exhibition highlights how art can bring people together and provide opportunities for everyone to participate in the creative process.

5th Floyd Plein Air Biennial Preview Exhibition

Visit the Breezeway Gallery for an early look at work by artists selected for this year's Floyd Plein Air Biennial. The exhibition offers a preview of the talented painters who will return to Floyd in September to capture the beauty of our region during Biennial Week.

All exhibitions are included with festival admission and provide another opportunity to experience the stories, traditions, and artistic spirit that make Floyd such a special place.

The Floyd Living Traditions Festival is presented by the Floyd Center for the Arts in partnership with the Floyd Country Store's Handmade Music School.

We extend our sincere thanks to the sponsors and funders whose support helps keep the Floyd Living Traditions Festival a free, all-day event for our community. This year's festival is made possible through the generous support of:

• Skyline National Bank

• Virginia Tourism Corporation

• Town of Floyd

• Floyd Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

• Floored

• Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Network

• Virginia Humanities

• Red Hill General Store

• The Spice Bar

Additional support is provided through Mid Atlantic Arts' Central Appalachian Living Traditions initiative and the Mid Atlantic Folk and Traditional Arts program, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Floyd Center for the Arts is proud to participate in Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026.