Gainesville
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Stephen Foster Rural Folklife Days

  • When: Thursday, October 30, 2025,  9:00 am -  2:30 pm
  • Location: Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs, FL 32096
  • Cost: $5 per person

Step back in time and experience Florida’s rural traditions during this hands-on celebration of heritage, history, and fun for all ages!

At Rural Folklife Day, demonstrators will bring the past to life with engaging activities and live demonstrations. Visitors can:
• Taste homemade jellies and sugar cane juice
• Churn butter and make lye soap
• Quilt on a frame or join a lively square dance
• Play traditional games and sing along to folk songs
• Watch blacksmithing and cane grinding in action
• Learn to fish the old-time way

This long-standing tradition has been a favorite for students and families for decades! Schools are encouraged to pre-register for this educational event. Schools that pre-register will receive free admission to the Florida Folk Festival Education Day in May 2026 — and teachers and bus drivers are always free with pre-registration.

Pack a lunch and enjoy it under the oaks after your adventure through Florida’s history.

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