On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Ferdinand Folk Festival, brought to you by NextEra Energy Resources, Best Home Furnishings, and Universal Design, returns to the beautiful 18th Street Park for its 16th annual event. The 2026 Main Stage lineup features six local, regional, and national artists including headliner, The Last Revel.
The Last Revel headlined the 2022 Ferdinand Folk Festival with an unforgettable set that has had many Folk Fest goers requesting their return to southern Indiana. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Americana/indie-folk outfit harkens to the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of what it means to pursue your dreams in real time. The foundation of which is conjured by a deep appreciation and genuine respect for the vast landscape and sometimes-harsh realities of what it means to emerge from the Midwest. Guitarist Lee Henke, banjoist Ryan Acker, and fiddler Vinnie Donatelle formed The Last Revel in 2011. “The name comes from the idea of saying, ‘One last go, one last celebration,’” Henke recalls. Early on in the band’s tenure, The Last Revel was clocking in around 200 shows each year, and did so for several years. Burnout was real, with the act deciding to go on hiatus in 2019 to recalibrate and reenergize what it is within the group that remains steadfast. A couple years went by, with Henke and Acker eventually circling back to one another. The musical chemistry and unbreakable camaraderie was still intact, with each thinking the same thing — let’s give music another shot. When The Last Revel released Dovetail in 2023, the reunion album sparked wildfire, whether it was with longtime, loyal fans of the band or newcomers coming across the group by mere happenstance. Now back on the road on the stage, the bandmates were happily surprised by the unexpected response by sold-out gigs wherever they toured. Their second album since reuniting, Gone for Good, was released in July of last year. Reflecting on their latest record, Acker feels a real, tangible, more so positive shift in what it is The Last Revel aims to do moving forward. It’s this collective realm of collaboration, all in hopes of connectivity not only between the bandmates, but also the audience itself night in and night out — from coast-to-coast and back around to Minnesota.
The Best Home Furnishings Main Stage will also feature:
● John Németh and the Blue Dreamers: We are bringing some Blues to the Folk Fest! According to Blues Blast Magazine, “One of the best vocalists working today, John Németh has received a multitude of nominations for Blues Blast and Blues Music Awards, with four consecutive BMA nominations for the B.B King Entertainer Of The Year Award. His live shows highlight his dynamic stage presence, super-tight band, and a wealth of original songs that range from down-home blues to fervent ballads.”
● Candi Jenkins: A singer-songwriter from Fayette County, Kentucky, Candi is making her mark in the country music scene. Kin to Conway Twitty, her music emanates an authenticity that reflects the heart of the Bluegrass State. Her music, which blends classic country with fresh
modern influences, speaks of her connection to her Kentucky roots. Songs like “Wild Blue” and “God Don’t Care” showcase her raw, genuine approach to songwriting, and her live performances have already earned her a growing following.
● Valley Flower: This 5 piece string band based in Austin, Texas, blends Appalachian bluegrass with country, folk, and jam influences. Known for powerful songwriting and high-energy live performances, they have become staples in the Texas Americana scene, featuring members who met playing in Virginia, North Carolina, and Minnesota.
● March to August: Having performed at the 2023 Ferdinand Folk Festival, this string duo comprised of Derrick and Jodi Mears based in the Ozark Mountains, makes a return trip to the Main Stage. Known for storytelling, thought-provoking lyrics, and intricate instrumentation, their roots-driven style melds elements of Americana, Alt-Country, and Bluegrass genres on music with powerful songwriting.
● Hayley Payne: Born and raised in western Kentucky, Hayley Payne is an authentic, vivacious girl-next-door who has had music in her blood for as long as she can remember. A CMA (Country Music Association) Member and a finalist in the 2022 International Songwriting Competition, Payne is immersing herself in the Nashville music scene. Hayley will be making her third overall appearance at the Folk Fest, and first since 2016.
The presenting sponsors of the 16th annual Ferdinand Folk Festival, NextEra Energy Resources and Best Home Furnishings along with Diamond Sponsor Universal Design (Kids Playtown Area) help provide a FREE festival for everyone to experience . Platinum
Sponsors include Kyana Woodstock and Betz Insulation. The Town of Ferdinand, Ferdinand News, and DC Broadcasting/101 Country WBDC make up the Founding Sponsors. Additional support is provided by the Dubois County Visitors Center & Tourism Commission, with more sponsors to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Ferdinand Folk Festival is a Free, family-friendly, earth-friendly event promoting music, the arts, environmental awareness, education, and wellness. The festival offers fun and educational activities for all ages. For more information, visit our updated website at
www.ferdinandfolkfestival.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram..