Annual Flurry Festival Set for Feb. 16-18 in the Spa City
The 36th annual Flurry Festival is coming this month.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The 36th Annual Flurry Festival will take place Feb. 16-18 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
Over the course of the weekend, thousands of attendees will be immersed in dozens of traditional dance and music genres, including swing, contra, blues, square and line dancing, Cajun, Zydeco, English country, Balkan, Scandinavian, Latin, Scottish, tango, fusion, international, Irish, balfolk, African, Appalachian dance, and more.
“The festival is a national treasure among certain communities,” said Jonathan Greene, Program Curator of the festival, in a statement. “People travel from all over the country, even some from abroad, to experience this one-of-a-kind festival. It’s that classic thing where locals don’t always know what we have here.”
More than 300 performers and teachers will present 221 sessions, including concerts, demonstrations, dance instruction, instrument workshops, jams, storytelling, singing, and participatory dances.
Different types of participatory dances are done solo, partnered, or in community groups, and there’s no need to come with a partner as switching is common for many styles. Non-dancers or musicians will be able to participate by attending jams, performances, sing-a-longs, and educational workshops.
Families can join in simple American and international dances, listen to multicultural stories, and attend concerts, Stuntology, and a crankie show. Other youth activities include singing, movement, body percussion, and improv workshops, along with world dance, a Wizard of Oz puppet show and puppet-making workshop, a teen music showcase, and teen jams.
Full or partial weekend tickets can be purchased online through Feb. 11 or throughout the weekend at the door, with discounts available for seniors, under age 26, and military. Scholarship tickets are available for those in need, and children 12 and under are free.
Learn more about the 2024 Flurry Festival and view performers and schedules at www.flurryfestival.org.