The 27th Annual Gamble Rogers Folk Festival and St. Johns Cultural Council have announced a family weekend of free outdoor activities for children 16 years and under accompanied by adult ticketholders on Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 from 10 AM until 5 PM at the Children’s Area, St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 FL-207 East in Elkton, Florida.
A myriad of cultural events will include musical instrument and live animal petting zoos, pony rides, lawn games with bowling, cornhole, hula hoops, stilts, and bubbles, to name a few. Additionally, volunteer artists will help youngsters create artwork and handmade crafts to take home. The Youth Stage at the Fairgrounds will feature live entertainment with emerging artists and professional performers from 11 AM until 5 PMin a family-friendly environment.
The 27th Annual Festival celebrates the legacy of legendary troubadour Gamble Rogers, whose balladry and storytelling helped shape American folk music. This year, events have been held at The Waterworks in historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida and continue at the Fairgrounds from Friday, April 14 until Sunday, April 16 on four stages featuring performers in a wide variety of musical genres.
Activities attract thousands of spectators to hear renowned singers, songwriters, storytellers, and Americana acts who were influenced by Rogers’ music. The entire music festival showcases dozens of national, regional, and local musicians and storytellers.
Food trucks and arts and crafts vendors will be available all weekend. Festival attendees have the option to stay and camp at the venue with advance reservations. Camping reservations must be made in advance and day-of festival tickets will be available at the gate.
Children 16 years and younger are admitted free of charge during all festival days with adult ticketholders.
Proceeds of the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival provide funds for youth music programs for school-aged children. The organization is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit which commemorates Americana folk music with support from the St. Johns Cultural Council, which promotes and presents arts, culture, and heritage activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and the Beaches.
The 2023 Festival is funded in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. Learn more at GambleRogersFest.org.
Purchase tickets and camping passes from Eventbrite.
About Gamble Rogers
Known as the “Florida Troubadour,” Rogers popularized the state’s folk traditions in music, storytelling, writing, and philosophical humor. After Rogers died in 1991 while trying to save a man from drowning at Flagler Beach State Recreation Area, the park was renamed Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. Gamble Rogers Middle School in St. Augustine is also named in his honor.
