Arkansas Country Blues and Stringband Festival

11/20/2025

This is also from Las Baladas. Carolina Mendoza-Music, the Songbird of the Ozarks, in what we can only describe as an ethereal prayer, accompanied by Larry & Joe and the audience.

11/19/2025

From an intensely beautiful and emotional Las Baladas this year. That Saturday morning, Larry and Joe had learned of the ICE raids in Charlotte, North Carolina (their home state) from friends. Here, they share an original song called “Dreamer” that Joe Troop wrote in collaboration and solidarity with his friend Moses. This is a deeply important message for our times.

11/19/2025

The Jake Leg Stompers sharing the tale of St. James Infirmary at

11/17/2025

More pictures! Images captured by Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts! Photo Credit: Lauren Willette.

11/17/2025

Whatta time, whatta time! Thanks to all the folks that came out and shared the JOY with us this weekend and all that supported this year’s festival. Here are some of our pics. We’ll post videos soon!

If you have pictures from the weekend, please tag us here or on our Instagram at

11/16/2025

Congratulations to our 2025 Ozarks Stringband Champions, the Bledsoes!!!!!!!

Maya’s been learning the tunes of Violet Hensley, working with Betse Ellis. Carrying the family and female fiddling tradition of the Ozarks forward with her Dad by her side. Way to go, guys!!! 👏👏👏🏆🏆

Thanks to sign painter and muralist, Olivia Trimble of Sleet City Creative, for making this year’s beautiful award and to Arkansas Folk and TArkansas Folk and Traditional Arts prize money for this year’s contest!

11/16/2025

Today at 1pm at the Jones Center in the Conference Center!

🎻 The 5th Annual Ozarks Stringband Championship 🎻
Part of the Arkansas Country Blues and Stringband Festival

🗓 Sunday, November 16 at 1:00 PM
📍 The Jones Center, Springdale

Think your band has what it takes to claim the title? Bring your best tunes and join us for a celebration of Ozarks music and community spirit!

🎶 Competition Details:
• Bands perform three tunes or songs of your choice
• No entry fee
• $500 prize sponsored by Arkansas Folk and TraArkansas Folk and Traditional Artsrequired 👉 Register here

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQzjuEFDXSuqVdQzTfDQ3TL2A-4daiqHdinFhKOa5Rz2OQuA/viewform

https://www.arbluesandstringbandfest.com/

Come cheer on your favorite bands and experience the heart of Ozarks stringband tradition—alive, local, and full of joy!

11/16/2025

This morning, 10:30 until noon! Af the Jones Center Conference Center! Tickets available at the door!

11/15/2025

Happening now!! Head down to Downtown Springdale at Luther George Park!!!

11/13/2025

We got you! Te respaldamos! 🫶🏼

11/13/2025

🌟 Sponsor Spotlight: Smithsonian Folklife Festival & Arkansas Folklife Festival 🌟

We are honored to partner with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Arkansas Folklife Festival, whose shared commitment to cultural traditions, community voice, and storytelling helps make the Arkansas Country Blues and Stringband Festival stronger each year.

Through generous support from the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the Arkansas Folklife Festival is able to power vital community engagement efforts at ACBSF leading to the America 250 celebration next year!

✨ This year, that means:

• Bilingual cultural surveys onsite to help lift up community identity and representation across Arkansas
• Resources and information about the upcoming 2026 Arkansas Folklife Festival, including how you can get involved
• A shared mission to honor Arkansas’ living traditions—from our blues roots to our stringband heritage

We’re grateful for this partnership and the continued investment in the people, places, and cultural practices that make Arkansas sing. 🎶💙