Press Release

The 45th annual 3-day Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance will be held on June 27, 28 & 29, 2025 at the Altamont Fairgrounds, in Altamont, NY near Albany, NY.

Old Songs is a family-friendly festival of folk, traditional, Celtic and world music and dance, known for its relaxed atmosphere, interactive sessions and workshops, hands-on experience and participatory nature. In addition to evening concerts each night, there are over 100 daytime workshops, dances, and performances. Also featured are craft, food and instrument vendors, and a well-run children’s activity area.

There are three main stage concerts, each featuring multiple artists on Friday & Saturday from 6:30 – 11 pm, and Sunday 3:30 – 7 pm in the leafy, open-air main stage area (rain site also provided).

Music with Roots! Old Songs celebrates Folk, Celtic, Quebecois, Klezmer, Roots, Americana, and World music; from England, Scotland, Italy, China, Quebec, the Midwest. Appalachia, New England, and more. Hear traditional, fusion, and new music from Contemporary Musicians, Singers and Songwriters.

Sing, Dance, Jam, and Listen at this highly participatory event for the whole family, Old Songs encourages audience members to join jam sessions, take part in learn-how sessions, classes, sing sacred harp, or move their feet to our great dance bands.

School-age children who play an instrument can participate in the “Great Groove Band” during the festival with the help of music coaches and musical instruction. The band does a stage performance on Sunday.

Listen to featured performers, representing many regions and countries: with Martin & Eliza Carthy • Hubby Jenkins • Bon Débarras • The Klezmatics • Alasdair Frasier • Beppe Gambetta • Nic Gareiss & Simon Chrisman • Vanaver Caravan • Reggie Harris & Pat Wictor • The Clements Brothers • From China to Appalachia: Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer & Chao Tian • Sean Dagher • Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road • Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. • Christine Tassan & les Imposteures • Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen • Claudia Schmidt • Keith Murphy & The Band of Amber • Jamcrackers • Roy Book Binder • Magpie & Rolly Brown • Jeff Davis • Andy Cohen • Larry Hanks & Deborah Robins • Wendy Grossman • Wild Asparagus • Sycamore • Alexandra Deis-Lauby • George Wilson • Alan Thomson • Paul Rosenberg • John Dickson • Stefan Amidon • Chris Koldewey • Deirdre & Sean Murtha • Jake Thomas • Cate Clifford • Ron Gordon • The Great Groove Band • Dirty Blue Shirts • Roger the Jester • and more!