Crossroads Folk Art Festival
Saturday, May 9, 2026
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rose Hill Park, Columbus, GA
FREE Admission
Experience a celebration of folk art, music, and culture!
Crossroads Folk Art Festival
The Crossroads Folk Art Festival returns on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Columbus, Georgia, for a free, family-friendly celebration of handmade visual art and folk music.
Hosted by Columbus Collective Museums, this community festival brings together working folk artists, self-taught makers, and traditional musicians from across the region for a full day of art, music, and storytelling.
What to expect:
- 🎨 Original handmade folk art by the artists who create it
- 🎶 Live acoustic folk music rooted in Southern tradition
- 🗣 Artist talks and informal conversations
- 🚗 Classic and outsider vehicles
- ✍️ Poetry and creative experiences
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly atmosphere
This is a curated, maker-focused festival, not a resale market, celebrating artists whose work is personal, handmade, and rooted in place.
📍 Location: Rose Hill Park, Columbus, GA
🗓 Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
🎟 Admission: FREE and open to the public
Artist and music announcements coming soon.
Highlights from Last Year
A look at the artists, music, and folk art that made the first annual Crossroads Folk Art Festival unforgettable.
What is Folk Art?
Folk art is artwork created by self-taught artists working outside the formal art world. It is rooted in personal experience, cultural tradition, and place. Folk artists use whatever materials they have on hand, from wood and metal to recycled objects and house paint, transforming the everyday into something deeply meaningful.
In the South, folk art has a particularly rich tradition. Artists like Howard Finster, Eddie Owens Martin (Pasaquan), and Butch Anthony have made the region a destination for collectors and curious visitors alike. The Crossroads Folk Art Festival celebrates this tradition by bringing working folk artists, makers, and traditional musicians together for a single day of art, music, and storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the festival really free?
Yes. Admission is completely free. There are no tickets, no wristbands, and no charges to enter or attend any of the artist talks, performances, or demonstrations.
Is the festival kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The Crossroads Folk Art Festival is a family-friendly event. Bring the whole crew. Children of all ages are welcome and there is plenty to see, hear, and experience for everyone.
Where exactly is Rose Hill Park?
Rose Hill Park is located at 3218 Hamilton Rd, Columbus, GA 31904. It is at the crossroads of Hamilton Rd, Veterans Pkwy, and River Rd. Free parking is available on-site.
What time does the festival start and end?
The festival runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Most artists will be set up and ready to talk to visitors throughout the day. Live music performances are scheduled throughout the afternoon.
Will food and drinks be available?
Yes. Food vendors will be on-site offering a variety of options. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle as well, especially if it is a warm day.
Can I bring my dog?
Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. Please bring water for your pup and clean up after them. Service animals are always welcome.
What if it rains?
The festival will go on rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, we will post updates on the Columbus Collective Museums Facebook page and on this website.
Can I buy art at the festival?
Yes. Most participating artists will have work available for purchase directly. Bring cash for the smoothest transactions. Many artists also accept cards or mobile payments.
Is the festival accessible?
Rose Hill Park has accessible pathways. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate.
How can I get involved as an artist or vendor?
We are always looking for folk artists, makers, and traditional musicians who want to be part of the festival. Reach out to Columbus Collective Museums through the contact page on this website to express interest.
Getting There
Address: 3218 Hamilton Rd, Columbus, GA 31904
Coming from Atlanta? Take I-185 South to Exit 7 (Veterans Pkwy). Head south on Veterans Pkwy for about 4 miles. Rose Hill Park is at the crossroads of Hamilton Rd and Veterans Pkwy.
Coming from Auburn or LaGrange? Take US-29 South into Columbus. Turn east on Veterans Pkwy and continue to the Hamilton Rd intersection.
Coming from Macon? Take I-75 South to I-475, then US-80 West into Columbus. Follow signs to Veterans Pkwy.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available throughout the day.