The 37th Annual Anchorage Folk Festival
January 22 to February 1, 2026
Let’s Dance!
All these are free except for the Barn Dance and the Odd Man Rush concert!
Anchorage Folk Festival 2026 Dance Events
• Six free dance workshops (no experience necessary) •
• Two ticketed events with live music (buy tickets HERE) •
SAT, JAN 24 | IRISH CEILI DANCING
11:00 am–12:15 pm • Wendy Williamson Main Stage
FREE. Come learn (or practice) Irish ceili (sounds like “kay-lee”) dances! Don’t worry, it’s not Riverdance—the closest American equivalent is contra dancing. No partner or experience needed and all ages are welcome, but kids please keep your responsible adult handy…and adults, you may need to help smaller children through the dance. We’ll have live music from the Red Cap family band!
SAT, JAN 24 | HENHOUSE PROWLERS & WILEY POST IN CONCERT
7 pm • Odd Man Rush Brewing
10930 Mausel Street, Eagle River
Fundraiser: $30 • 21+ only
7:00 pm Doors open
7:30 pm Wiley Post
8:30 pm Henhouse Prowlers
SUN, JAN 25 | IRISH FOLK DANCING—A BLEND OF MULTIPLE TYPES
9:30–10:45 am • Wendy Williamson Main Stage
FREE. Have you ever admired the lively steps of Irish dancers or found yourself tapping your foot to a catchy tune? Join us for a beginner-friendly continuation of Céilí—Irish social dancing. Sharing roots with many styles of folk dancing like contra and even country, our dances are performed in groups, forming intricate patterns that are as much fun to dance as they are to watch. These classes will build on the beginning class, expanding to include set dancing and other group dances. First weekend class recommended but not required. Join us as individual, couple, or bring a group; dancers can dance any role they choose, and you will dance with different people as the session progresses.
SUN, JAN 25 | INTRODUCTION TO SOLO JAZZ
11:00 am–12:15 pm • Wendy Williamson Main Stage
FREE. Solo jazz is a highly improvisational dance style that emerged from African American communities. While most people recognize the Charleston, solo jazz includes so many other moves like the Suzie Q, Fall off the Log, and Boogie Forward. In this beginner class, we’ll learn a few moves that you can mix and match and add your own style. No partner or dance experience necessary. Just bring water and comfortable clothes and shoes.
THU, JAN 29 | BARN DANCE
7–10:30 pm • Spenard Community Recreation Center |
SAT, JAN 31 | YOUTH CONTRA DANCE
11:00 am–12:15 pm • Wendy Williamson Main Stage
FREE. Anybody can learn how to do-si-do! Bring your dancing shoes and be prepared for a good time. This workshop is especially geared for kids and teens, but all are welcome!
SUN, FEB 1 | IRISH FOLK DANCING—A BLEND OF MULTIPLE TYPES
9:30–10:45 am • Wendy Williamson Main Stage
FREE. Have you ever admired the lively steps of Irish dancers or found yourself tapping your foot to a catchy tune? Join us for a beginner-friendly continuation of Céilí—Irish social dancing. Sharing roots with many styles of folk dancing like contra and even country, our dances are performed in groups, forming intricate patterns that are as much fun to dance as they are to watch. These classes will build on the beginning class, expanding to include set dancing and other group dances. First weekend class recommended but not required. Join us as individual, couple, or bring a group; dancers can dance any role they choose, and you will dance with different people as the session progresses.
SUN, FEB 1 | SWING DANCE
11:00 am–12:15 pm • Wendy Williamson Main Stage
FREE. Learn the basics of swing dancing to the live music of Hot Club of Nunaka. All dancers welcome; no experience needed.
