35th Annual Folk Ball Festival

The 35th Annual Folk Ball Festival will take place January 24-26, 2025 in the UW Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street. Folk Ball is Madison’s largest public participation international dance festival, powered by eight bands. Find up-to-date information, register online, and reserve optional dinner spot at madfolkball.org. You can also email info@madfolkball.org or call (608) 571-4389.

Featured dance sets by Balkan, Polka, Hungarian, Romanian, and Klezmer bands: Orkestar Bez Ime, Yid Vicious, Száska, Orkestar Sloboda, Izvor Orchestra, Black Bear Combo, and special guest bands Cherven Traktor and DB Polka Express.

Featured Balkan dance instructor will be Michael Ginsburg.

FRIDAY DANCE PARTY: 7:30-Midnight in Great Hall

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm in the Memorial Union

will include Balkan and Cuban Rueda dance workshops, a singing workshop, a brown bag lunch presentation, Balkan and Carpathian Dance session and more

SATURDAY DINNER: 5:00 – 7:00 pm in Tripp Commons ($15 per person). Register online at madfolkball.org

SATURDAY LEGENDARY FOLK DANCE PARTY: 7:00 pm – Midnight in Great Hall

SUNDAY REVIEW: 10:30 am – Noon in Memorial Union's Festival Room

Folk Ball is funded by your GENEROUS DONATIONS. Come and go freely, but please bring CASH, CHECK or CREDIT CARD. Give as you can! Make one full-weekend donation at the Info Table in Great Hall (checks to “Madison Folk Dance Club”) or donate at each event you attend.