A Typical Week or Weekend

Nestled on 270 acres in an enchanted valley, the Folk School offers those who are visiting the area a chance to experience a unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty.

A Typical Week

During your stay, start every morning surrounded by the peaceful sounds of our secluded mountains. Take a walk on our campus paths, or on trails through the woods or by the stream. Treat yourself to Morningsong at 7:45 a.m. in the historic Keith House Community Room. This Danish custom of singing, folklore, and camaraderie will bring you friendly faces sharing songs, stories, and history every Wednesday and Friday morning.

Folk School staff will work hard to provide you with a positive Folk School experience of learning and sharing. Dining Hall staff will be serving healthy and plentiful meals made fresh every day.

In the studio, you will learn by doing, at your own pace. Small class size allows for personalized, one-on-one instruction with plenty of time for individual practice. No matter your experience or skill level, you will be amazed by what you create and the friendships you forge. Classes run for six hours a day, with a long break for lunch in between.

Evening offers you the opportunity to join a campus tour, enjoy a late afternoon tour in the garden, or spend some quiet time on your own before supper. We find ways to fill the evenings with dance and music performances, readings by student and visiting writers, storytellers, and other special programming.

On Friday, we will come together for a closing ceremony and student exhibit, allowing each class to showcase their work. Admire the skill of ironworks created in the Blacksmith Shop. Revel in the handiwork of woodturned bowls and freshly stitched books. Learn about the process of making by seeing examples of works in progress.

Saturday wraps up your week of making art, making friends, and making memories. You have created something new. You have experienced the tradition and history of the Appalachians, and you will depart with inspiration and renewal that can only be found in this special place.

Exterior of Red Barn

Student Handbook

What to know, before you visit.

The Student Handbook includes more information and resources to help you prepare for your trip.

Download Student Handbook

2026 Sample Week

Note: Sunday-Friday sessions end with Friday lunch. Schedule varies each week.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
4-5 p.m.
Registration
7:45 a.m. Morningsong Morningsong Morningsong 8:15 a.m.
Breakfast
8:15 a.m. Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast
5:30 p.m.
Student Orientation
9 a.m.-noon Class Time Class Time Class Time Class Time Class Time
12:15 p.m. Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch 9 a.m.
Departure
6 p.m.
Supper
1:30-4:30 p.m. Class Time Class Time Class Time Class Time Class Time
4:45 p.m. Campus Tour Craft Demonstration Garden Tour Craft Demonstration Student Exhibit & Closing Ceremony
6 p.m. Supper Supper Supper Supper Supper
7-8 p.m.
Meet with Instructor for class start up
7 p.m. Concert Contra/Square/Social Dance Storytelling/Demo Community Jam at The Crown Craft Social

2026 Sample Weekend

Weekends run Friday evening through Sunday lunch.
Friday Saturday Sunday
7:45 a.m. Morningsong 9 a.m. Room Check Out
8:15 a.m. Breakfast Breakfast
9 a.m.-noon Class Time Class Time (9-11)
Clean Up (11-noon)
12:15 p.m. Lunch Lunch
4-5 p.m. Registration (4-5) Class Time (1:30-5) Departure
5:30 p.m. Student Orientation Student Stroll (5-6)
6 p.m. Supper Supper
7-9 p.m. Class Time Optional Class Time

2026 Sample Long Weekend

Sometimes a weekend is too short, and a week is too long-
but a long weekend is just right! Long Weekend start days vary.
Please confirm your specific start day upon registering.
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
7:45 a.m. Morningsong 9 a.m. Room Check Out
8:15 a.m. Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast
9 a.m.-noon Class Time Class Time Stuio Clean Up (9-11)
Student Exhibit & Closing Ceremony
(11 a.m.-noon)
12:15 p.m. Lunch Lunch Lunch
1:30-5:30 p.m. Registration (4-5) Class Time (1:30-5) Class Time (1:30-5) Departure
5:30-6:00 p.m. Orientation Break Break
6 p.m. Supper Supper Supper
7-8 p.m. Class Time Craft Demonstration Dance/Concert /Jam
Keith House

Getting Here

 The Folk School can arrange pick up and drop off transportation from the Atlanta Airport through our contracted shuttle service. Shuttle service reservations must be made at least one week prior to arrival by calling Registration at 828-837-2775, option 1.

Shuttle Fees
2026: $160 each way

2027: $165 each way

Shuttle Schedule

Pick up from Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport

All sessions: Pick up is from 1–2 p.m. on the session start date (Shuttle departs at 2 p.m.)

Drop off at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (Flights should be scheduled after this time)

Sunday–Saturday sessions: Saturday after 1 p.m.
Sunday–Friday sessions: Friday after 5 p.m. Weekend sessions: Sunday after 5 p.m.

Folk School Sign on the road

Getting Here

Only two hours from Asheville, Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, and a day’s drive for half of the residents of the U.S.

Student Housing

Explore Our Campus

Find a map of our sprawling campus, information about our nature trails, and more.

Exterior of Keith House

Visitor Guidelines

A few things we ask you to keep in mind during your visit.

Craft Shop

Selling the highest quality handcrafted items made by regional artists.

History Center

Discover the rich heritage that has made the Folk School a historical landmark.

Musical performers on Festival Barn stage

Events

Activities for students, visitors, and the community to enjoy.