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.

Schedule

Exact times subject to change.

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

Mainstage Performers

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 coming soon.

Mapping the Fretboard

with Kyle Tuttle

Jam Sessions for Scruggs, Clawhammer, and other styles

with Mike Jagel & Caleb James Hall

Swallow Hill Workshop Instructors

Get tickets for the workshops or the concert, or do both and save $10 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.