Instantly recognizable and often misunderstood, the banjo is an instrument with deep African roots that holds a unique place within the American musical landscape, and it has many tales to tell.

Join us for BanjoFest whether you’re a picker, a listener, or a little bit of both!

An evening concert with banjo all-stars caps off a day of workshops and activities led by both the performers and Swallow Hill teachers.

7-10 pm: Concert (Doors at 6pm; see below for set times)

BanjoFest’s workshops will be open to all banjo players, across all levels.

Workshops will feature instruction for the predominant styles in American banjo playing: Scruggs style or three-finger picking, and clawhammer playing.

(For a good explainer about the differences between Scruggs style and clawhammer banjo, click here.)

Loaner banjos for the day are available – click here for details.

Workshop times and details subject to change.

Syncopate Your Bum-Ditty on Clawhammer

with Natalie Spears

11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Jam Sessions for Scruggs, Clawhammer, and other styles

with Mike Jagel & Caleb James Hall

3:30 – 5:30 pm

Workshop Instructors

Rex Rideout

Get tickets for the workshops or the concert, or do both and save with the Full Day Pass!

Swallow Hill members get $5 off full day passes with their discount code! (Become a member here.)

Featured Vendor

The Denver Folklore Center offers a broad selection of new, used and vintage banjos from popular companies like Deering, Gold Tone, Pisgah and Rickard – both open-back and resonator style, in a wide range of prices. Learn more here.

They’ll also have several loaner banjos on-hand in case you want to try a different kind of banjo during workshops, or if you are unable to travel to BanjoFest with yours.