Portland's Folk Festival began in 2018 at McMenamin's White Eagle as a way for Portland musicians to come together to celebrate the burgeoning local scene and enjoy each other's craft. It was a 10-hour love fest that featured 12 local and regional artists sharing their songs, stories and sweat on the White Eagle stage. 

The fest quickly outgrew the 125 max cap at the White Eagle and moved across the river to McMenamin's Mission Theater. This dual level venue provided a sophisticated yet rowdy atmosphere as we expanded the festival to two days. It was a music filled frenzy that tested the patience of our pro sound techs but was a joy for the sold out audience and artists alike. 

Later that year we received the news that the Mission Theater would be returning to a full-time movie theater. We were devastated at the thought of losing our new home but often, when one door closes, another opens. We were offered the opportunity to host the 2020 festival at the legendary McMenamin's Crystal Ballroom. We had originally dreamed of expanding to the Crystal around year 10 of PFF, so when the offer came early, we jumped at the upcoming challenge.  (Albeit it was a frightening leap of faith at first.)

Thus began our current residency at one of Portland's most legendary venues, the Crystal Ballroom. Energy exudes from the stage that has been marinated in decades of iconic artists creating an atmosphere that feels oddly transcendent. We transitioned to a benefit event in 2024 and we are happy to continue supporting our partners at SUNSTONE WAY.

We continue hosting this festival for the same reason we started, to bring the Portland music community together to recognize and support each other. This is not the first Folk Festival that Portland has had, and we know it won't be the last, but we'll be its shepherds until the next generation of artists carry the proverbial torch.  

2023 PFF SNAPS

2024 PFF SNAPS

2025 PFF SNAPS

2026 PFF SNAPS