Hundreds of artists. Four stages. Three days.

After five years as the host of the National Folk Festival, the City of Salisbury will host the inaugural Maryland Folk Festival in Downtown Salisbury from Friday-Sunday, Sept. 22-24. Admission is free.

This large-scale outdoor event, sponsored by Perdue, celebrates the roots, richness and variety of American culture.

Here are seven ways to enjoy the festival:

1. See performers from across the country and beyond. From The Quebe Sisters, who hail from Dallas, Texas, and will open the festival, to Tifane, from Douglassville, Georgia and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Folk Festival attendees can take in a wide array of music. Genres span from polka to bluegrass and go-go and more. See a list of performers here.
2. Listen to local music. New to the festival this year is the Salisbury University Locals Stage, which will highlight local talent. The local artists who will perform on this stage include C-Mack, Callum, Chris English, Jerome Kelly and Band, Lauren Glick, Lower Case Blues, Marlee, and Red Letter Day.
3. Learn about traditions. Visit the festival’s Maryland Traditions Folklife Area & Stage to learn about all kinds of living traditions, from storytelling to spoken word and a variety of types of music. There will also be demonstrators in this area. See who will be performing here.
4. Visit the festival marketplace. Shop from the numerous vendors at the festival marketplace, sponsored by Mat and Barrie Tilghman. Admire the artists’ works and purchase a unique piece (or pieces) of art to take home.
5. Take part in family activities. The Maryland Folk Festival is fun for all ages, including little ones. The Richard A. Henson Foundation Family Area will feature hands-on crafts, quiet games, active games and creative learning activities. Cascading Carlos the Juggler will do street performances in this area.
6. Eat delicious food. Whether you’re enjoying food from one or more of the festival vendors or at a local restaurant, there will be no shortage of tasty food during the festival weekend. There will also be beer for sale.
7. Volunteer. Looking to experience the Maryland Folk Festival from a new perspective? Spend a few hours volunteering with a task like Artist CD sales, the Bucket Brigade or the Ice & Water Brigade. For more information, visit this link.

To learn more about the Maryland Folk Festival and see the full schedule, visit MDFolkFest.com.