Smiling Banjo

A chronicle of 55 years of Philadelphia Folk Festival, the longest continually running folk festival in America, and its musical heritage, featuring over 800 photos of musical greats from Joni Mitchell to Pete Seeger, Taj Mahal to Bonnie Raitt.



Attended by tens of thousands of people each August, the Philadelphia Folk Festival is the longest continually running folk festival in America. These pages capture 55 years of its beloved, creatively charged atmosphere. Over 800 photos from 1962 to today feature the more than 825 performers and bands who have taken the stage, including Jackson Browne, Roseanne Cash, Judy Collins, Ani DiFranco, Steve Earle, Arlo Guthrie, Janis Ian, Odetta, the Tuva Throat Singers, and Doc Watson.



Enjoy stories of how the festival began, and the unusual and unique experiences that seem to transpire only at Festival. Revisit traditions like the creatively-constructed campground compounds, the Dulcimer Grove hammocks and kids' activities, and the origins of the "Smiling Banjo" logo. Whether you are a regular or haven't visited yet, learn why so many say of the Fest, "This is my home."