A Cultural Homecoming in Davie: Celebrating the 39th South Florida Folk and Acoustic Music Festival

Every great cultural region has a few cornerstone traditions that remind people who they are and what they value. In Broward County, the South Florida Folk and Acoustic Music Festival has long served as one of those anchors. As it returns to the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie from January 30 through February 1, 2026, the festival enters its 39th year not as a mere event, but as a testament to the endurance of community, creativity and the shared stories that shape the 954.

John McCutcheon

This festival has always held a special role in our region. Long before Broward became known for its growing neighborhoods, cultural districts and creative renaissance, this gathering brought people together in an atmosphere that felt equal parts family reunion, music school and front porch storytelling. Today, as Broward continues to grow into a more connected and culturally confident community, the return of this festival feels both nostalgic and newly essential.

This year’s lineup captures that spirit. Headliners like Livingston Taylor, John McCutcheon and South Florida’s own Mean Mary set the tone for a weekend rooted in acoustic excellence, while more than sixty performers across two stages round out a diverse musical landscape that spans folk, Americana, bluegrass, blues and acoustic roots. The range of artistry reflects the region itself. South Florida’s creative ecosystem has always been shaped by cultural convergence, and the festival has become a space where those intersecting sounds find a shared home.

Yet the magic of this weekend extends far beyond the stages. The festival’s under cover, open air format transforms the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds into a living classroom where anyone can wander between songwriting intensives, instrument demonstrations, open jam tents and artist showcases. The workshops invite beginners, seasoned players and the simply curious to sit shoulder to shoulder and learn from one another. That kind of hands-on creative exchange is rare, and it strengthens one of Broward’s most important cultural assets: accessibility.

Mean Mary

Saturday’s National Singer-Songwriter Competition has become a proving ground for rising talent, with judges Michael Stock of WLRN, Michael Yunis of Vintage Rock Radio VR2 and respected local artist Susan Moss selecting this year’s finalists from more than sixty applicants nationwide. Having a platform of this caliber in Davie underscores Broward’s growing reputation as a region capable of nurturing artists at every stage of their journey.

Sunday brings one of the festival’s most joyful traditions: Kids’ Music Day. In an era where arts education is often the first thing cut and the last thing restored, an afternoon dedicated to musical exploration for young people is more than a nice addition. It is an investment in the future of the creative economy. With activities like Mr. Noam’s Kids’ Music Circle, Songwriting for Kids with Grant Livingston, Puppet Karaoke and hands-on instrument making, the festival invites the next generation to discover music not as a performance to watch, but as a language they can speak. Kids twelve and under attend free with adult admission, reinforcing the belief that culture grows strongest when everyone has a seat at the table.

The Kennedys

Presented by the South Florida Folk and Acoustic Music Club, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing acoustic music across the region, the festival continues its mission of building community through creativity. Its longevity speaks to more than organizational dedication. It speaks to Broward’s appetite for shared experiences that feel real, rooted and human. In a county known for its eclectic blend of cultures and its rapid evolution, this festival offers something grounding. It reminds us that community does not happen by accident. It is built, practiced and passed from one generation to the next.

Events like this strengthen walkability, support local vendors, and attract both regional and national visitors. More importantly, they give Broward residents a reason to gather, listen and connect in ways that strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods. As our arts and culture ecosystem continues to grow through festivals, placemaking initiatives, independent venues and grassroots movements, moments like this help define Broward’s cultural identity. They give our region a sense of place that is both distinctly local and proudly shared.

For anyone who believes in supporting local culture, this is the kind of event that deserves attention. It is a reminder that Broward’s creative landscape is thriving because people continue to show up for one another. Whether you are a longtime festival regular, a musician looking to learn, a family searching for meaningful weekend experiences or simply someone who cares about the cultural health of the 954, the South Florida Folk and Acoustic Music Festival offers an invitation to be part of something enduring.

Tickets, programming details and updates are available at sffolk.org.

About Choose954

Choose954 is a hyper local cultural platform dedicated to supporting and showcasing the best of Broward County through storytelling, editorials, social media, newsletters, event listings, videos and on the ground activations. As creative entrepreneurs and arts advocates rooted in the 954, the Choose954 team works daily to elevate local artists, institutions and experiences while helping residents discover the culture in their own backyard. The platform serves as a trusted connector for those looking to explore and support Broward’s creative community in meaningful ways.