According to information provided by the Kutztown Folk Festival, the fest will be held in person for the first time since 2019.

This year, visitors will rediscover a festival recognized nationally for its authentic crafts, food, entertainment, and interpretive demonstrations, as it weaves some fresh perspectives into its traditional landscape. A new Face of the Festival is Berks County native and Kutztown University alumna Heather Zimmerman who was named director of the folk festival in June 2021. She is the first woman festival director in the event’s 72-year history.

The Quilt Barn is a popular linchpin of the festival brand. “In the Quilt Barn, you will observe the broadest span of grassroots. Transitional quilts - a crossover from traditional to contemporary - are often lighter and brighter - the palate of color differs, and the design may not be traditional in any shape or form,” notes Cyndi Hershey, Quilt Education and Development Director.

Quilts are accepted for the festival through a competitive juried process. The annual quilt auction is held the second Saturday of the Festival, which will be July 9 this year.

A Pennsylvania native and watercolor artist for 39 years, Diane Phalen will staff her vendor booth in the quilt barn because she is donating a painting of the very Zigzag Log Cabin Quilt that will be featured in the quilt auction.

At noon July 9, Phalen’s framed painting will be offered for bid alongside hundreds of quilts in the auction. Phalen has featured her painting on Facebook at facebook.com/photo/?fbid=5513426998687450&set=a.1380135908683267.

The new Fresh Fest Market and two traditional Pa. German food experiences, are two of the many engaging educational and entertainment offerings for visitors. For more information on the folk festival, visit kutztownfestival.com to purchase advance tickets online and to explore schedules, merchandise, vendors and entertainment.