The FSGW sponsors a number of special events every year.
Event Name | What it is | Registration / tickets | Time of year |
Mini-Fest, aka Mid-Winter Festival | Singing, dancing, storytelling, and workshops, crafts for sale and impromptu hallway performances. Dance all day, listen to wonderful concerts, or participate in one of workshops or jams. In the evening, a concert and a dance. |
Half day, Full day, or Evening tickets, all at the door |
early February |
Potomac River Shape-Note Singing Convention | *This year the convention will be a one day event* Two days of shape-note singing: 4-part, participatory, and unaccompanied song. Tunes from The Sacred Harp, Christian Harmony and (since 2013) Shenandoah Harmony. There's usually a potluck on both days. |
Free | April |
Washington Spring Ball | An elegant evening of English Country Dancing. An afternoon practice session to review the steps. All dances are talked through and prompted. | Pre-registration or at the door |
May |
Washington Folk Festival | Two days of performances by musicians, storytellers, dancers, and craftspeople representing many cultures. Children's activities. Crafts by local artisans. Many participatory events. | Free | June or May: 1 weekend after Memorial Day |
#dance Weekend |
An ultra challenging urban contra dance and squares weekend |
Pre-registration, Evening dances at the door |
July |
Contrastock | A full afternoon and evening of contras and squares. Multiple top-tier bands and callers, joining for an end-of-the-evening mash-up. Potluck dinner. | Pre-registration or at the door |
September |
Getaway | A weekend of informal participatory workshops, mini-concerts, song circles, and jam sessions, with several simultaneous events. | One, two, and three day tickets |
September or October |
New Year's Eve Contra Dance Ball | A festive evening of contra dancing to ring out the old year. Champagne toast at midnight. | Pre-registration or at the door |
end of December |
New Year's Eve English Gala | English Country dancing to celebrate the New Year. All dances walked through. Champagne toast at midnight. Run by BFMS. |
Pre-registration | end of December |