Your online resource for the Smoky Mountains
Headquartered in the historic former Hazelwood Elementary School building, Folkmoot USA is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to fostering global relationships, cultural exchange, and community prosperity through music, dance, and the arts. Designated in 2003 as North Carolina’s official international folk festival, Folkmoot—an Old English term meaning "meeting of the people"—has welcomed over 8,000 performers from around 200 countries to Western North Carolina since its inception in 1984.
Beyond its signature festival roots, the Folkmoot Friendship Center operates as a vibrant, multi-use cultural facility and arts hub:
Provides affordable studio, retail, and gallery spaces for local craft artists, musicians, independent creative businesses, and wellness programs (such as Axis Yoga).
Spaces like the 300-seat Queen Auditorium, classrooms, boardroom, and outdoor grounds are available for community meetings, social gatherings, weddings, performances, and retreats.
Houses exhibits and stops connected to regional Appalachian heritage and handcrafts.
While historically famous for its summer festival, Folkmoot offers continuous community cultural enrichment throughout the year:
Presents live music performances, storytelling sessions, and traditional dance showcases featuring regional, national, and international artists.
Hosts workshops, "Cultural Crash Courses," Southern Storytellers Series, and International Friendship Dinners featuring global cuisines.
112 Virginia Avenue, Waynesville, NC 28786
(Located in the Historic Hazelwood district)