The 67th annual Kutztown Folk Festival will return on July 2, 2016 with the launch of new a new one-room school house.

In conjunction with the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University, a one-room replica school house will make its return after nearly a 20-year absence. The 15’x 20’ replica will feature a bell tower, old desks, chalk board, pot belly stove, and many other items of the era. Inside the school house festival-goers will be able to join in on Pennsylvania Dutch dialect lessons.

Children visiting the festival will also be able to partake in school lessons throughout the day led by a school house “marm.”

Also in conjunction with the German Cultural Heritage Center will be a hex sign painting demonstration taking place on vertical barn siding positioned 12’ off the ground giving visitors a true idea of what hex sign painting entails. The finished pieces will be auctioned off at the the quilt auction on Saturday, July 9. Proceeds will benefit the Heritage Center’s Folklife programming as well as the Dutch Hex Tour Association, an organization in Berks County that financially assists barn owners in the repainting of hex signs on their barns.

As tradition of the festival, many artists, craftsmen, and folk bands will delight and entertain festival-goers throughout the event.

As part of the sister city exchange with Germany and Reading, PA the German-based HHC Reutlingen accordion club, Hohner Handharmonika und Akkordeon Club, will make its first appearance at the 67th annual Kutztown Folk Festival on July 4 and July 5, 2016.

“We’re honored to present this world-renowned talent at Kutztown Folk Festival, thanks in part to Dave Kline of Reading Eagle, former Mayor Tom McMahon and Kutztown University Foundation,” said festival Director, Steve Sharadin. “With folk music as the club’s focal point festival guests will experience yet another feature of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch culture in addition to traditional food, craftsmanship, and more.”

Founded in 1930, HHC Reutlingen is one of the oldest accordion clubs in Germany with an ever-evolving repertoire ranging from classical to show tunes, dance rhythms and more. Under the leadership of Horst Amann, the club has gained global recognition with an award-winning reputation marked by success at international competitions including the highly acclaimed World Music Festival in Innsbruck, Austria.

HHC Reutlingen Performance Schedule

Monday, July 4 and Tuesday, July 5
Main Stage | 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Hoe Down Stage | 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

The 2016 Kutztown Folk Festival will run July 2 – 10, 2016 with the following hours.

July 2 – 3 and July 8 – 9 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
July 4 – 7 and July 10 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

2016 Kutztown Folk Festival Tickets Prices:

Adults: $14.00
Senior Citizens (55+): $13.00
Students (13-17): $5.00
Children 12 and under: Free
Weekly Pass: $24.00
Discounted festival tickets are now available online here.

About Kutztown Folk Festival 
In its 67th year, Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America. This eight-day event continues to draw visitors from all over the world, entertaining families while providing valuable insight into the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their fascinating way of life. Children’s activities abound and admission is free for children 12 and under. The festival also houses the largest quilt sale in America and has an internationally attended Quilt Auction of top prize-winning quilts. To learn more visit KutztownFestival.com.