Sunday’s 15th Great Indoor Folk Festival unfurled at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons with more than 75 musicians and singers performing. The story and photos at Local Spins.
Afternoon Magic: Singer-songwriter and sea shanty troubadour Ben Traverse at the Indoor Folk Fest. (Photo/Sean Miller)
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There nothing quite like experiencing performers from all corners of northern and western Michigan crooning songs around every corner of a historic building.
As singer-guitarist Michael Libby put it: “It was a blast as always.”
Traverse City’s Great Indoor Folk Festival made its return Sunday (Feb. 23), bringing dozens of performers together from northern Michigan and beyond.
Fun Set: Peter Farmer of Farmer Foot Drums performed upbeat songs on Sunday. (Photo/Sean Miller)
Held at the iconic Village at Grand Traverse Commons, the 15th edition of the free event was a celebration of folk music, collaboration and the enduring spirit of live performance, with several stages in the hallways of The Mercato in Building 50.
This year’s festival featured a slightly rearranged layout that provided a fresh and improved experience for attendees. The adjustment proved beneficial for both musicians and fans, creating a seamless environment to enjoy the day-long showcase of talent.
Among the standout acts were the dynamic duos and trios that graced the stages. Trillium Groove’s set on The Barrel Room Stage left audiences captivated, while The Fridays delivered a harmonious Americana and folk-filled set on The Stella’s End Stage.
A special highlight: Performances by students from Interlochen Center for the Arts, whose artistry and poise stood out as a testament to the next generation of northern Michigan musicians. Their sets on The Louan Lechler New Folk Stage drew enthusiastic applause and underscored the importance of fostering young talent in the region.
While the festival seemed to see a slightly lower turnout than in previous years, the crowd throughout the day still brought a warm and supportive atmosphere for the performers. Those who did attend were treated to an eclectic mix of folk, Americana, blues, bluegrass and even some rock that highlighted the area’s vibrant musical culture.
Overall, the Great Indoor Folk Fest remains a great sampling of Michigan talent, all provided free to the public — friends, fans and musicians alike reveling in a music-filled day.
Husband-and-Wife Duo: The Fridays played The Stella’s End Stage. (Photo/Sean Miller)
PHOTO GALLERY: Great Indoor Folk Festival 2025
Photos by Sean Miller
