Mark Your Calendar
Date: St. Johns County Fairgrounds
Time: (Tentative)
Friday, April 12, 2024 — 4:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday, April 13, 2024 — 10:00am-10:00pm
Sunday, April 14, 2024 — 10:00am- 6:00pm
Location: St. Johns County Fairgrounds
Get Directions
About Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
Honoring “modern troubadour” James Gamble Rogers, the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival celebrates their 28th anniversary in 2024. Usually held the first weekend in May, the festival is now in April. And the location has changed. The festival is now at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds. Which is great, because camping is available for those festival goers who are interested.
The music festival features wonderful music on four stages, camping opportunities, food trucks, local artisans and craft vendors as well as childrens’ activities! One of the highlights of the festival is the YoungFolk Stage. A new generation of musicians have an opportunity to perform on a nationally-recognized professional stage. 19 and younger, they epitomize how the festival is keeping the folk music tradition alive for future generations. Mandolin prodigy, Wyatt Ellis, returns this year with his band as a highlight performance of the YoungFolk Stage.
Childrens’ activities are in the Childrens’ Area — open 10:00am-5:00pm (to be confirmed) Saturday & Sunday — with Instrument Petting Zoo, Live Animal Petting Zoo, and Pony Rides! There will be lawn games, arts & crafts … and more! And Children 16 & under are Free.
Headliners for 2024: AJ Lee & Blue Summit and the John Jorgenson Quintet, with supporting acts including Verlon Thompson, Jerron “Blind Boy”, Paxton, Remedy Tree, The Krickets, Red and Christopher Henry & Their All Star Band, Wyatt Ellis, and more.
There are dozens of other performers as well including several popular, local musicians.
And, great news … the Friday Night Fish Fry is back!
You’re sure to have a great time.
About Gamble Rogers
Born in 1937, James Gamble Rogers IV was the son and grandson of prominent architects in Florida. He chose to be a musician instead – blending music with dialogue and storytelling. Gamble balanced a love of balladry and folk songs with a passion for the oral tradition and storytelling.
Described as both a “modern troubadour” and the “resurrection of Will Rogers and Mark Twain”, Gamble was a master performer. He captivated an audience with Travis-style guitar finger picking and relating downright rib-tickling tales about the inhabitants of the fictitious Oklawaha County.
In 1991, just as he was hitting his peak, Gamble died trying to save a man from drowning. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area in Flagler County where the accident happened was renamed after him in 1992.
The Folk Festival was created by Gamble’s friends in his memory and to honor him.
Mission of Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
Dedicated to commemorating the life and music of Gamble Rogers, whose passion for balladry, storytelling, and the oral tradition have shaped American folk music.
Its mission is to keep the folk music tradition alive for future generations.The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival gives back to music programs at area schools and holds a youth music contest at the festival each year.
