The Floyd Living Traditions Festival

Presented by the Floyd Center for the Arts in partnership with the Floyd Country Store’s Handmade Music School, the 3rd Annual Floyd Living Traditions Festival is a free, rain-or-shine celebration of the songs, stories, and skills passed down through generations — and the artists keeping them alive today. On Saturday, August 22, 2026, 10 AM–5 PM, the Floyd Center for the Arts comes alive with two stages of music & dance, 70+ traditional craft demonstrations, artisan vendors, workshops, storytelling, exhibitions, community project, kids’ activities, silent auction, and local food.

From blacksmiths and broom makers to dancers, quilters, and luthiers, you’ll meet the makers preserving Appalachian heritage and see how old traditions inspire new creations. With tributes to legendary musicians, hands-on activities, and vibrant community spirit, it’s both a look back and a step forward in the living story of Floyd County.

Admission and Parking are Free

Outdoor Stage Schedule

The Outdoor Stage, curated by the Floyd Country Store’s Handmade Music School,  will feature a full day of traditional music, dance, and cultural performances celebrating Floyd’s living traditions.

10:00–10:45 AM: Little River Missionary Baptist Church Choir

The Little River Missionary Baptist Church Choir of Floyd, Virginia, shares uplifting traditional and contemporary gospel music rooted in faith, community, and fellowship.

11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Ballads of Southwest Virginia and North Carolina with Elsa Howell and Murphy Campbell

Elsa Howell and Murphy Campbell explore the tradition of Appalachian ballad singing through songs passed down across generations in Virginia and North Carolina. Their performance highlights the haunting melodies, vivid stories, and family traditions that continue to shape Appalachian music.

12:15–1:15 PM: Handmade Music School Youth String Band

Students from the Handmade Music School demonstrate how the musical traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains are passed from teacher to student, phrase by phrase and tune by tune. The Handmade Music School is dedicated to sustaining old-time, bluegrass, and traditional music and dance throughout Floyd County and the surrounding region.

1:30–2:30 PM: Virginia Hollow

Hailing from Floyd, Virginia, Virginia Hollow blends Americana, country, folk, rock, and bluegrass into soulful mountain music. Led by songwriter Carrie Hinkley, the trio also features Sue Winchester on upright bass and harmony vocals and Brad Collier on lead guitar.

2:45–3:45 PM: Skinny Creek

Skinny Creek is an old-time dance band rooted in the traditional sounds of Virginia’s Blue Ridge region. Known for fast, driving fiddle tunes, lively two-steps, and waltzes, the band features Shay Garriock, Jared Boyd, Heather Krantz, and Stacy Boyd.

4:00–5:00 PM: Handmade Music School Harmonic Heritage Series featuring Marvin Harlow

The Handmade Music School’s Harmonic Heritage Series preserves the voices, songs, and stories of elder musicians from Floyd County and Southwest Virginia. This special performance celebrates legendary Floyd County musician Marvin Harlow, an acclaimed bluegrass musician and multi-instrumentalist dedicated to preserving the classic sound of Appalachian music.