HWS News
8 April 2026 Folk Fest Returns April 26
Revived campus tradition brings music, vendors and community to Bristol Lawn.
Folk Fest returns to campus on Saturday, April 26. Organized by HWS Student Government, the spring concert will feature headliner Kaleb Cohen, a rising singer-songwriter whose breakout track “East Coast Summers” has garnered more than 6.9 million streams on Spotify.
The event will also feature a lineup of student performers and local acts.
- Darwin, a Geneva-based rock band featuring Sodexo staff members Laura Black and Zachary Schoonover
- That One Crocodile, Rochester-based band featuring Ben Baker ’09
- 3 Miles Lost, HWS a cappella
- Ende Brothers, Finger Lakes band
Originally a cherished HWS tradition from 1976 to 2001, Folk Fest was revived last year through the efforts of HWS Student Government. The event quickly reestablished itself as a signature spring gathering, bringing students, faculty and staff together for a day of music and fun.
“Bringing back such a sacred HWS tradition has been so well received, and everyone involved is thrilled to see all the hard work from the past semester come to fruition,” says Katherine McPhail ’28, vice president of HWS Student Government. “We have multiple student-led subcommittees working together, and HWSSG has partnered with offices and student organizations across campus to make this event the best it can be. We could not be more excited for April 26.”
Emily Gorczynski ’26, president of HWS Student Government, says students were involved in every part of the planning process. “I am very excited about Folk Fest 2026. After a very successful event last year, HWSSG was eager to host it again. Having students involved on the committee is essential to the goal of Folk Fest — bringing the entire HWS campus together.”
In addition to live music, the festival will feature a variety of vendors, including student-run and alumni businesses Mirabilia Jewelry, Darling’s Dahlias and Em’s Threads.
Folk Fest is open to students, faculty, staff and alumni.
