A groundswell of anticipation has been building among music enthusiasts as the annual Folk Meets Punk Festival approaches, bringing together diverse artists at the intersection of traditional folk and rebellious punk sensibilities. The 2026 Sing Us Home Festival, scheduled for June 12-14 at Riverside Commons in Portland, Oregon, will feature headliners The Mountain Goats and The Menzingers, representing the genre’s dual lineage of storytelling and raw energy.
Festival organizer Eliza Thornberry explains, “We’ve created a space where the DIY ethos of punk meets the communal tradition of folk music, allowing artists to share authentic stories through a variety of acoustic and electric instruments.” The festival embraces the genre’s commitment to sonic minimalism that creates a direct, unfiltered connection between performers and audience members.
Folk punk thrives in the fertile ground where grassroots rebellion meets timeless storytelling traditions.
The three-day event will showcase over thirty bands performing across three stages, with camping options available for attendees seeking the full immersive experience that has become a hallmark of folk punk gatherings. Each performer brings their own unique interpretation of the genre, reflecting the truth that each wave of punk responds distinctly to its time and place.
Unlike mainstream music festivals, Sing Us Home operates on cooperative principles, with volunteer crews handling everything from stage setup to food service. This approach reflects folk punk’s commitment to accessibility and community-building outside commercial music industry structures.
Tickets are offered on a sliding scale starting at $65, with work-exchange options available for those unable to afford entry fees.
The festival lineup demonstrates the genre’s diverse musical palette, featuring traditional folk instruments like banjo and mandolin alongside distorted guitars and thundering drums. Many of the drummers participating in the festival have mastered their craft through alternative practice methods rather than always relying on full drum kits, demonstrating the genre’s resourceful spirit. Local favorites Bread & Roses will bring their distinctive blend of Appalachian folk traditions and politically charged lyrics that address contemporary social issues. Many participating bands have successfully diversified their income through merchandise sales at past festivals, offering everything from hand-printed t-shirts to limited vinyl releases.
Workshop spaces will offer hands-on opportunities for attendees to learn instrument repair, zine-making, and community organizing skills—extending the participatory nature of folk punk beyond music consumption. Evening campfire sessions provide informal spaces where the line between performer and audience often dissolves into collaborative jam sessions.
First launched in 2018, the Sing Us Home Festival has grown steadily while maintaining its grassroots character, proudly operating without corporate sponsorship.
As festival volunteer coordinator Jamie Hernandez notes, “This isn’t just about watching bands; it’s about experiencing what community-driven music culture can be.”
