KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The long-running Kutztown Folk Festival — established in 1950 — will not return, it was announced Wednesday.
In a release, the board of directors said the annual summer event faced “mounting financial challenges” that made it “unsustainable.”
Its annual budget in 2024 was $1 million, the release said, but since 2022, the event has lost $347,000.
“This was a difficult choice, but due to dwindling attendance, increased costs and continued net losses, we are no longer able to host the Kutztown Folk Festival,” said Ed Richmond, vice president and chief financial officer of the Kutztown Pennsylvania German Festival Inc.
“We are hopeful that a successor, or successors, will step up to reimagine the event and take on its operations moving forward.”
The festival was known as the oldest continuously operated folk festival in America.
“The Festival is a true community event, and we are grateful to the volunteers, staff, vendors, craftspeople, sponsors and patrons who contributed to its cultural legacy,” said Richmond.
“This decision to suspend operations was difficult. The Board wanted to announce now, so that our vendors and craftspeople have the opportunity to make alternate summer plans. We encourage our guests to continue to support Pennsylvania Dutch culture in the region.”
Vendors who have paid to be part of the next festival will have their deposits refunded, the release said.
