The 11th Annual Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival is returning on Saturday, October 17th from 11:00am – 6:00pm at Winding Trails in Farmington. Set amongst the beautiful 380 acres of forest and fall foliage on Dunning Lake, there will be music on two stages, with food trucks, a vendor village, and a beer garden at the beach featuring free samples from local breweries.
The festival headliner is Howley. As founding members of We Banjo 3, the Galway-born Howley brothers brought Irish traditional music to new heights — blending it with Americana, bluegrass, and contemporary songcraft to create a sound beloved across the world. Their electrifying live shows, virtuosic playing, and brotherly chemistry made We Banjo 3 one of the most celebrated acts on the international folk scene. Now, the brothers return with a brand-new project: Howley — a re-imagining of that signature sound for a new era. Joined by two world-class artists, Kiana June (fiddle, vocals) and Caitlin Leahy (percussion, flute, vocals), Howley expands the brothers’ trademark sound with lush harmonies, fiery fiddle, and rhythmic flair.
The Festival also features Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill. The band is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. Their original song “Banks of the Brandywine” was a Grand Prize winner in the 2024 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and the video for their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” amassed over 16 million views on Facebook, where it was shared over 400,000 times.
Also appearing on the main stage will be Beg Steal or Borrow and the Clements Brothers. Beg Steal or Borrow is a Vermont-based bluegrass band formed in 2013, known for their warm harmonies, virtuosic instrumentals, and a mix of traditional and original music. In in their first project together since playing in the internationally touring grass-roots band, ‘The Lonely Heartstring Band,’ the Clements Brothers have roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences.
In addition, award-winning songwriters from local and nationally-touring acts will be performing. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Early bird discounted tickets available until July 1st for $30. After July 1, tickets will be $40 adults, and $10 children at windingtrails.org/music-festival or on Eventbrite.
This one-day music festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to sunset and is rain or shine. Performances take place on the Boathouse stage and the Dunning Lake stage. Bring a tent in the event of rain. Free samples from over 20 local breweries will be available, while supplies last. Food and additional refreshments are available for sale or attendees may BYOB and picnic. Take advantage of the scenic grounds at Winding Trails, with 12 miles of walking trails, sports fields, and disc golf.
Festival proceeds benefit the Winding Trails, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing year-round recreational and educational activities for the enjoyment and growth of families and individuals of all ages.