Evanston Folk Festival Announces Headliners Indigo Girls, Trampled by Turtles

The Evanston Folk Festival will return for its third year this fall, with Indigo Girls and Trampled by Turtles set to headline the 2026 event. The two-day festival is scheduled for September 12 and September 13 at Dawes Park in Evanston, Illinois.

In addition to Indigo Girls and Trampled by Turtles, the 2026 lineup includes Josh Ritter, Valerie June, Mdou Moctar, Kathleen Edwards, Sierra Hull, Hayden Pedigo, Margaret Glaspy, Tift Merritt and James McMurtry. Emerging artists Angela Autumn and Folk Bitch Trio are also scheduled to perform.

Notably, the festival weekend will begin on September 11, with a kickoff concert by Punch Brothers at Cahn Auditorium.

Organized by SPACE Presents and Chicago-based promoter 16 On Center, the festival launched in 2024 and has since become an annual showcase for folk and roots music on the North Shore. 

Jake Samuels, Director of Music for SPACE and 16 On Center, said the festival’s reception over its first two years has encouraged organizers to continue building the event. “The warm embrace this festival has received since its inception in 2024 has been inspiring to see, and we have high hopes for this third edition building on that incredibly solid foundation.”

“As Evanstonians, seeing our Lakefront filled with music fans and families enjoying artists from around the world and seeing some of what makes Evanston so special is so fulfilling for all of us,” Samuels said.

Tickets for both the Evanston Folk Festival will go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 20, at 10 a.m. Central Time. Tickets will be available through the festival’s official website. 

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