The family-friendly festival is typically held the second-to-last full weekend in July at Tourist Park in Marquette, a campground nestled on the banks of the Dead River near Presque Isle Park.

The event features traditional music styles that include bluegrass, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues, folk and more — including singer/songwriters. It also features traditional dance styles. Main stage acts include nationally known performers as well as regional and local favorites.

The festival opens its gates at 1 p.m. Friday. Events begin with the opening ceremony, followed by the Friday night dance at the second stage. Food concessions open when the gates open.

Activities and performances for children up to age 8, 9-12 and 13-17 run all day on Saturday and Sunday, with a special teen-only dance Saturday night on the second stage. Various musician-led workshops, open jams and dance sessions run throughout Saturday and Sunday. The children’s parade takes place late Sunday afternoon.  

Spectators dance at a previous Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival. (Photo courtesy of Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival)

Artists in the Round, a juried traditional arts show, is on Saturday and Sunday, with the young artists corner on Saturday afternoon.

This year’s featured acts include Melissa Carper, Round Creek String Band, Mama’s Broke, Runa, Lone Pinon, The Union Suits, Christie Lene, Joe Hall and The Louisiana Cane Cutters.

For more information about the festival or to purchase tickets, visit www.hiawathamusic.org, email hiawathamc@gmail.com, drop by 1015 N. Third St., room #9 in Marquette, or call 906-226-8575.