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The worn brickwork of the Pioneer Museum set against the pleasant tintinnabulation of a hammer dulcimer might be enough to convince a crowd it has stepped back in time. This weekend, however, is no anachronism as the Coconino Center for the Arts hosts the Flagstaff Folk Festival for its 23rd year.

“People bring their highlighters and pick which things they want to go to,� said Gretchen Vollbrecht, Flagstaff Folk Festival co-director alongside Amy Horn. “There’s a little bit of something for everyone.�

The festival features music of all varieties, with both solo and group performances. Entertainers travel in from around the state, but many are local. A few have been returning to the festival to perform year after year.

“It’s an opportunity to listen to such a wide variety of music,� Horn said.

With nearly 400 musicians represented by 160 acts, the festival has grown exponentially from its beginnings in 2002. To accommodate the interest, a new stage has been added this year, showcasing solo and duo acts.

“It’s called '6th Stage,' and guess what? It’s the sixth one,� Vollbrecht said of the stage located adjacent to the food court. “Get your samosa and coffee and listen to music.�

Safari Samosas is just one of the many food vendors that will be on site. A more traditional fare, including hot dogs and ice cream, will also be available for purchase. Young Jammers of Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music will be selling bottled refreshments to raise funds for the nonprofit.

A warmup tent serves as something of a bonus show. Musicians will join together in an impromptu jam session that is ever-changing depending on who is there. Anyone is welcome to join in the improvisation and spectators often aggregate in enthusiastic hordes.

Concerts and food are not the only attraction: plenty of workshops, some participatory, are available to the more inquisitive attendees. An Irish dance class, a circle-sing and a steel drum introduction are just a few of the lessons offered.

“It’s really interesting what people can teach,� Vollbrecht said.

Vollbrecht became co-director this year after assisting with the festival in 2024. Recognizing it was too big of an undertaking for just one person, she recruited Horn, friend and member of her ukulele group, to put together the event. The entire homegrown operation is put together by volunteers.

“It’s a totally community-run thing,� Vollbrecht said.

Volunteer opportunities for this year’s festival are still available online at . Participants earn free entry on the day they volunteer.

Tickets for Flagstaff Folk Festival are available for $15 per day at the gate or online. Admission is free for attendees younger than 15. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Program and additional information can be found online.

“We’re looking to have some great weather that weekend,� Horn said.

“We already requested that,� Vollbrecht added with a laugh. “No rain and certainly no high winds. It’s going to be lovely.�