Murfreesboro, TN - The final days of the International Folkfest are here, bringing Middle Tennessee residents a last opportunity to experience the vibrant sights, sounds, and traditions of Estonia, Poland, Puerto Rico, and our hometown Cripple Creek Cloggers—with all of the final events free! In fact, this week of international performances offers attendees to meet and engage with performers from distant lands. Many leave with a renewed perspective, realizing that people from around the world share similar hopes and dreams. A touching finale sees both visitors and foreign dance troupes joining hands to sing “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
All Final Performances Are FREE
Thursday, June 12, 2025
- 10:00 AM: Puerto Rico Troupe at LaVergne Public Library (Free)
- 6:30 PM: All Troupes & Slim Chance Band at Bell Buckle Banquet Hall (Free)
Friday, June 13, 2025
- 12:30 PM: Estonia Troupe at Patterson Park Community Center (Free)
- 5:30 PM: All Troupes & Slim Chance Band at Cedar Glade Brews, Murfreesboro (Free, lawn chairs encouraged)
Saturday, June 14, 2025 – Grand Finale!
- 6:30 PM: All Troupes & Slim Chance Band at Simply Smyrna Music Festival, Smyrna Depot District (Free, bring lawn chairs)
Beginning of Folkfest
This festival, started in 1982 by Steve Cates and the Cripple Creek Cloggers, has become a beloved tradition for Middle Tennessee, now celebrating its 43rd year. Through colorful performances and heartfelt interactions, attendees get the chance to see firsthand that despite cultural differences, our love for family and community binds us together.
The International Folkloric Society Planning Council, a nonprofit founded in 1986, has been instrumental in preserving and sharing international cultural heritage. Founder Steve Cates reflects, “Our mission is to celebrate diversity through the arts, fostering connection and appreciation across cultures.”
As Steve Cates explains, cultural understanding is essential for building trust, respect, and minimizing misunderstandings in an increasingly interconnected world.
And let’s not forget our own Cripple Creek Cloggers—true international ambassadors of Middle Tennessee. For 42 years, they’ve shared local traditions across the globe, performing in countries like Canada, Mexico, Belize, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Taiwan, Thailand, and many European nations.
So if you haven’t yet caught a performance, don’t miss this chance! The remaining events are all free, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the world’s cultures—right in your own backyard.