By Gari Voss
Thanks to the Allegan Folklife, the Music and Art Festival returns to the Allegan High School Performing Arts Center, 1560 M-40, Allegan, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, beginning at 10am. When the doors open, guests will become enveloped in an atmosphere where The Arts rule. The entrance fee is FREE so families can be immersed in a wonderful day of culture, art, music, and fun.
This is one of the first Arts and Crafts Shows of the season, and booth owners are looking forward to sharing their creations with guests. Guests can wander the halls around the auditorium, examine the many handcrafted offerings, and shop to their hearts’ content.
In addition to arts and crafts will be the performing arts – music and dance. Those in attendance are invited to bring their own instruments and join the jams. Workshops will include a variety of music, and all levels of musicians can drop in on acoustic jamming sessions for beginners through more experienced.
Add opportunities to learn in workshops on PowWow Dance with Frank Sprague of the Gun Lake Tribe and Irish Dance with Scoil Rince Ni Bhraon’Ain Irish Dancers. Plus, the Great Lakes Cloggers of Jackson will perform in the auditorium.
For the adventurous, there will be an instrument petting zoo. All ages can get close up and personal with a variety of instruments – examine the visible elements and even look into the deeper recesses and learn to play some basics. While in the Artist Hall(way), the Original Dulcimer Club, and in the Media Center Rene Meave will hold workshops.
Plan on the day with food offered on site and many interactive activities that can be interspersed with sitting in the auditorium listening to and watching the many performers.
The onstage performances will begin at 10am with the Allegan High School Symphonic Band with special guest Dr. Alex Wilson and the GVSU Trumpet Ensemble. In addition, there will be performances by the Serita’s Black Rose Duo, Great Lakes Brass, and The Whateverly Brothers. The day’s performances will culminate from 6-8pm with the Whistle Pigs Prairie Brass Band.
The Arts Festival is a free admittance event thanks to the generosity of hosts K’zoo Folklife, Allegan Chapter, the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association, and Allegan Public Schools, plus the Allegan County Community Foundation, Michigan Art and Culture Council, Knucklebusters, the City of Allegan, Wilcox Newspapers, and Broken Arrow.
The Day at a Glance
11am – 3pm: The cafeteria is open for Lunch and Dinner
10am – 10:45am: The Allegan High School Symphonic Band under the direction of Brenden Hoekstra will perform in the Auditorium with special guest Dr. Alex Wilson and the GVSU Trumpet Ensemble
11am – 12 noon and 1 – 2pm: The Original Dulcimer Players Club of Kalamazoo will perform in the Artist Hallway
11:15am – Noon: The Sarita Rose Duo will perform in the Auditorium
11:30 am – 12:30pm: Rene Meave will be in the Media Center conducting the workshop “Beyond the G-C & D Chord”
12 – 2pm: Come and Slow Jam in the Conference Center for musicians just learning and needing a slower pace. Hosted by the Great Lakes Acoustic Association.
12-4pm: Come and Go Jam. Hosted by K’zoo Folklife, the lobby overflow area near the entrance will have jamming for experienced musicians
12:15 – 1:15pm: The Irish Dance Performance by Scoil Rince Ni Bhraon’Ain Irish Dancers will be in the Performing Arts Auditorium.
1:30 – 2:30pm: PowWow Dance Workshop by the Gun Lake Cultural Center will encourage participation in the gym.
2 – 4 pm: Instrument Petting Zoo hosted by Great Lakes Acoustic Association will be in the Conference Center and encourage participation. All are invited to pick an instrument that is already tuned and ready.
2:30 – 3:15pm: Great Lakes Brass will be in the Performing Arts Auditorium
3:30 – 4:30pm: Great Lakes Cloggers will perform in the Artist Hallway
4:30 – 5:15pm: A Rene Meave Performance will be in the Artist Hallway
5:15 – 6pm: The Whateverly Brothers will perform in the Performing Arts Center
6:15 – 8:15pm: The Whistle Pigs Prairie Dance Band will perform in the Auditorium.
