Events

Poetry reading and conversation with current poet laureate Gina Ferrara and immediate past poet laureate Alison Pelegrin. The event will be moderated by Ben Morris.

Held at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches, this free event will feature members of Native Nations Intertribal, who will symbolically open the 46th annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival with traditional music and dance. The performance will be a preview of the group’s performances at the Festival on July 18. Members of Native Nations Intertribal will also engage in a discussion of their traditions with anthropologist Dr. Hiram “Pete” Gregory, an expert on Southeastern Native American tribes and culture. Dr. Gregory will also facilitate an audience Q&A with Native Nations Intertribal.

Performances take place at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. 

Members of Native Nations Intertribal will perform two sets of traditional Native American music and dance at the 46th annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on the NSU campus in Natchitoches.

The Traditional Music and Dance Performance will take place on the West Stage at 11 a.m. and noon and on the Main Stage at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. 

The Winnsboro Easter Rock Ensemble will perform their traditional Easter Eve ritual as part of the 46th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on the NSU campus in Natchitoches.

Performing their Easter Eve vigil on the stage of the Magale Recital Hall directly before the annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, the Ensemble will also engage in a discussion of their tradition with folklorist Dr. Susan Roach, who will facilitate an audience Q&A.

Performances take place at noon and 1 p.m.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. 

Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue will perform two sets of classic country, honky tonk, and Americana music as part of the 46th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches.

Performances are at 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. on the West Stage and 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. on the East Stage.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.