Nestled in the heart of the hills of Tennessee, where time slows down and healing traditions run deep, Red Boiling Springs welcomes you to the Folk Medicine Festival—an annual celebration of folk life, folk arts, and the timeless wisdom of nature. This one-of-a-kind event brings together heritage, hands-on learning, and heart-centered community in a way that nourishes the soul.
🪻 A Walk Through History
Since the 1980s, Red Boiling Springs has hosted this cherished gathering every first Saturday in June. What began as a local appreciation for Appalachian folk wisdom has blossomed into a vibrant festival that attracts herbalists, crafters, gardeners, musicians, and seekers of natural wellness from all across the region.
It’s only natural that a festival celebrating the restorative power of nature would find its home right here.
Red Boiling Springs itself is steeped in healing history. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, this quaint town became known for its mineral springs, drawing thousands to “take the waters.” The town flourished with bathhouses, boarding houses, and hotels where visitors came seeking restoration and rejuvenation—long before “wellness tourism” became a trend.
🧶 Every Item, Handmade with Heart
What makes the Folk Medicine Festival truly special is the care and craftsmanship behind every booth. Every vendor handcrafts their items, whether it’s herbal salves, woven baskets, hand-thrown pottery, natural soaps, tinctures, or traditional folk art. These are not mass-produced goods—they are the result of skilled hands, generations of knowledge, and a deep connection to the land. When you shop at the festival, you’re not just buying something beautiful or useful—you’re supporting local makers and keeping time-honored traditions alive.
🌿 What is Folk Medicine?
Folk medicine is more than old remedies passed down through generations—it’s a living tradition. Rooted in indigenous wisdom, European herbalism, African healing traditions, and Appalachian ingenuity, folk medicine reflects the unique ways people have learned to live in harmony with the land.
It includes:
- Herbal remedies for common ailments
- Homegrown and handmade self-care techniques
- Spiritual and seasonal wisdom for aligning with nature
- Food as medicine, from wildcrafting to fermentation
Folk medicine isn’t just about what’s in your apothecary—it’s about how you live your life, care for your family, and respect the rhythms of the earth.
🧺 What is Folk Life and Folk Art?
Folk life encompasses the traditions, values, and everyday skills of communities passed down through generations—often without formal instruction. It includes food preservation, music, storytelling, quilting, woodworking, soap-making, blacksmithing, and more.
Folk arts are expressions of this life—handmade, heartfelt, and deeply meaningful. At the festival, you’ll see weavers at looms, quilters sharing heirloom patterns, potters shaping earth into beauty, and herbalists stirring salves by hand. These are not just crafts—they’re connections to heritage.
🎻 What to Expect at the Festival
🌼 Why Red Boiling Springs?
There’s a sacred stillness in the air here. The whisper of the creeks, the strength of the mineral waters, and the warmth of the people all contribute to the healing nature of this place.
Many say Red Boiling Springs is a portal to the past—but not in a dusty, forgotten way. It’s alive with stories, music, healing, and hope. The Folk Medicine Festival honors that legacy and breathes new life into it every year.
This is more than an event—it’s a revival of connection, tradition, and trust in the natural world.
💚 “Celebrating the Restorative Power of Nature” isn’t just a tagline—it’s our way of life.
Why I’m Personally Invested
As a wellness coach, herbalist, and owner of The Armour’s Hotel & Spa, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact that natural healing, nourishing food, and connection to the land can have on our well-being. Hosting guests in a historic mineral springs hotel—where people once came seeking healing—has deepened my appreciation for the folk traditions that shaped this region.
Supporting the Folk Medicine Festival is personal. It aligns with everything I stand for in both life and business: restoring vitality, preserving heritage, and empowering people with the timeless wisdom of nature. It’s not just about looking back—it’s about keeping these traditions alive for future generations.
🪷 Join Us!
If you’ve ever felt a longing for the old ways—to know the names of plants, to make medicine with your hands, or to pass on a craft your grandmother taught you—this is your invitation.
Come to the Folk Medicine Festival and be part of something real, rooted, and restorative.
Families welcome. Admission is free. Bring a friend, a notebook, and your curiosity. Rain or Shine, we’ll be there.
Keep this pin, and join us each year. We are already planning ahead for next year.
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