Call of the Loon 13th Annual Contra Dance Weekend
2026-04-10 19:30 - 2026-04-12 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
April 10, 11 & 12, 2026 | Tapestry Folkdance Center, Minneapolis, MN

Featuring callers Gaye Fifer and Beau Farmer with live music by Toss the Possum & Toot, Squeeze & Co.!
Learn more or register at our website.

Registration Fee:
$125 (before Jan 1)
$135 (Jan. 1 – Mar 1)
Late Registration $145 (after Mar 1)
$75 Student/Young Adult (before Mar 1)
$85 Student/Young Adult (after Mar 1)
Friday
6:45 pm Registration opens
7:30–11:30 pm Welcome dance
11:30–12:30 am Campfire gathering

Saturday
9 am Coffee and registration
9:30–10:30 am Workshop
10:45 am–12:30 pm Contra dance
12:30–2 pm Lunch break & caller roundtable
(sandwiches for those who ordered with registration)
2-3:30 pm Contra dance/Workshop
3:45-5 pm Contra dance/Workshop
5–7:30 pm Dinner break
7:30–8:00 pm Concert
8:15–11:30 pm Flower Power Ball
11:30 pm–1 am Techno contra with DJ Rynkie / Jam session

Sunday
9:30–11 am Brunch for those registered for the weekend
10:30–11:30 am Workshop
11–11:45 am Singing around the campfire
11:45 am–2:30 pm Farewell dance

Pitt's Maggot English Dance Weekend 2026
2026-04-17 - 2026-04-19 | Anne Ashley Memorial United Methodist Church, 334 E 22nd Ave, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
An English Dance Weekend with Jenna Simpson calling to music by Dave Weisler, Carrie Rose and Miranda Weinberg in Pittsburgh PA.

Trillium Twirl Sprint Dance Camp
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-26 | Battle Creek Outdoor Recreation Center, 10160 M-37, Dowling, MI, 49050, United States
A residential grand weekend of cool Contras, hot Squares, beautiful English Country Dance, plus singing, music jams, workshops, and more – featuring caller Bob Isaacs and Toss the Possum.
Full weekend registration includes the full dance and activities schedule, lodging, all meals, daily evening snacks, Sunday farewell ice cream social.
Full weekend registration for dancers aged 30+ is on a sliding scale starting at $225 up to $275 (or more). Ages 15-29 $160. Ages 6-14 $70. Staff Assistants $175 (apply by March 31).
À la carte options available (view details on website). Advance registration only—no walk-ins.

New England Folk Festival
2026-04-24 18:00 - 2026-04-26 17:30 (America/New_York) | Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA, 01752, United States
NEFFA attracts over 2000 attendees from all over the country and overseas and features close to 1000 performers. The Festival is unique because of the participatory nature of the events. Not only are there concerts and performances, but there are also opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with music, dance, and folk arts culture.

When in Doubt, Swing! Contra Dance Weekend
2026-04-24 19:00 - 2026-04-26 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Sokol Athletic Center, 7448 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX, 75231, United States
Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont, known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: “It’s about the dancers!”
The Figments are Anna Patton on clarinet, Ben Schreiber on Fiddle, and Owen Morrison on guitar. Besides playing as The Figments, these three are familiar from other bands including Elixir, the Dam Beavers, and the Faux Paws. They incorporate an eclectic mix of styles into their inspired performances of music for dancing or listening. Whether grooving on an Old-time, Irish or French Canadian fiddle tune, trading daring improvisations on a swing number, or exploring the nuances of a graceful waltz or elegant English country dance tune, this trio of versatile musicians makes dynamic, spontaneous, and electrifying music.

Whitewater Whirl Contra Dance Weekend
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-03 | Fayette County Park, 1268 Fayette County Park Rd, Fayetteville, WV, 25311, United States
Welcome to the 2026 Whitewater Whirl. Whether you’re a dedicated, would-not-miss-it Whirler or new to the weekend, we look forward to dancing with you! The weekend is held at the Fayette County Park 4-H camp near Fayetteville, WV. Online registration is now open.
The Bands
Louisville-based Hot Coffee Breakdown is one of the most popular bands on the contra dance weekend circuit. Tom Cunningham’s fiery fiddle combines with the driving rhythms of Kate Sanders on keyboard and Luis de Leon on percussion and harmonica. Their dynamic range and musical crescendos will make you want the dance to go on forever! From the Ohio hills, we welcome The Hollertones with Paul Brown on banjo, Linda Scutt on fiddle, Jeanie Thieken Creamer on guitar and vocals and Nick Weiland on bass, with a blend of traditional, old time and Celtic music that’s made them popular at contra dances throughout the Midwest and East Coast.
The callers
The talented Darlene Underwood from Cincinnati returns for her second Whirl to spread happiness, connection and fun. It’s a Whirl debut for the talented and very funny Bob Isaacs, choreographer of so many creative dances, who’s driving all the way from Princeton, NJ (thanks, Bob).
We’re delighted that Gaye Fifer will again join us to teach the Beyond the Basics waltz workshop. Regular Whirlers know that Gaye called at every Whirl from 2005 to 2024. She’s taking a break, but we hope she’ll be back as a regular Whirl caller in future.
In 2024, we added a late-night techno-contra with DJ Polly Whittaker teaming with “Queen Darlene.” It’s back by popular demand, retitled as “DJ Contra,” and with “King Bob” on the team.
Our sound engineer, maestro Hanno Meingast, will be making the music in the hall sound great.
Accommodation and meal plan
Cabin accommodation (metal frame bunk beds) or camping onsite at the Fayette County Park 4-H camp near Fayetteville, WV is included in the weekend price. When you register, let us know if you’ll be staying in one of the cabins, designated as coed, women and men.
You can pitch your tent anywhere, but if you’re pulling a camper the camp staff will tell you where to park.
The camp will open on Thursday night, April 30, for early arrivals. Consider staying Sunday night, May 3, hiking or rafting in the New River Gorge.
Café One Ten in Oak Hill, WV, will provide catering—a five-meal plan with vegetarian options. Jennifer Horrocks and Heather Oelker will be running the kitchen and dining hall, with Jennifer preparing her signature desserts for Saturday dinner.
$140 for weekend; a la carte for evening dances and workshops

Toronto Contra Dance - Spring Thaw 2026
2026-05-08 - 2026-05-09 | St. Barnabas Hall, 175 Hampton Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4K 2Z3, Canada
The annual Spring Thaw dance weekend will be held on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2026 in the St. Barnabas on the Danforth Church hall. There will be a mix of mask-mandatory and mask-optional events.
Calling by Alexandra Deis-Lauby. Music provided by Les Quatre Patates as well as Toronto musicians Adam Iredale-Gray, Áine Schyer-O’Gorman and Jon Cannon. Cost will be $30 to $115 CDN.
See our website for more details and online registration.

Apple Blossom Bliss—Contra Dance Weekend
2026-05-08 20:00 - 2026-05-10 14:00 (America/New_York) | Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
The Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance invites you to join us for our upcoming Apple Blossom Bliss contra dance weekend this May! This year’s event features the music of Stringrays and Big Fun and the calling of Gaye Fifer and Sam Smith. Please see our event website for full details.
You can purchase admission to the full weekend ($110 early bird, $130 regular), or attend individual days with our a la carte payment options. Saturday lunch and dinner served in the dance hall are included with your admission fee. Walk-ins are accepted, but advance registration is encouraged so that we can plan meals accordingly. Early Bird registration closes on 4/8/2026. Cancellations accepted until 4/24/2026. Cancellation fee is $10.

Mad Robin Ball Weekend
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17 | Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Ave, Petaluma, CA, 94952, United States
Friday evening welcome dance with Bruce Hamilton calling; musicians Charlie Hancock, Michelle Masek, and Christopher Jacoby
Saturday afternoon workshop and evening Ball with Andrew Shaw calling; musicians Persons of Quality, Rebecca King, Jim Oakden, and Jon Berger Program includes many unpublished reconstructions by Andrew Shaw
Sunday potluck brunch followed by an afternoon dance with Andrew Shaw and Persons of Quality
$25, $75, $25

Dancing Bears Dance Camp
2026-05-22 16:00 - 2026-05-25 12:00 (America/Anchorage) | Kings Lake Camp, Wasilla, AK, 99654, United States
The Dancing Bears Dance Camp is held every Memorial Day Weekend at King’s Lake Camp in Wasilla, Alaska. Our next camp will have calling by Lisa Greenleaf and Michael Karcher with music by Supertrad (Sam Bartlett, Eric Schedler, and Tadhg O’Meachair) and Steam Machine (AJ Srubas, Rina Rossi, Sam Bartlett, and Abby Ladin).
Registration will open in March 2026.

Meet Me In St. Louis Contra Dance Weekend
2026-05-22 19:30 - 2026-05-25 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Webster Groves Masonic Hall, 12 E Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO, 63119, United States
4 days of Dance, Music & So Much More!
Playing with Fyre, the Arcotones, and caller Sarah Kaiser will bring the contra dance magic. Jams, open calling, and a wide variety of workshops are here for you to enjoy at our historic venue in beautiful Webster Groves, Missouri, this Memorial Day weekend. Registration is open at our website.

Meet Me in St Louis
2026-05-22 20:00 - 2026-05-25 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Masonic Lodge, 235 Vernon St., Roseville, CA, 95678, United States
Music by Playing with Fyre and by The Arcotones.
Calling by Sarah Kaiser plus other local and national callers.
Discounted tickets until May 1. Students half price.
Hosting / couch surfing available. Financial assistance available.

“Across the Lake” English Country Dance Weekend
2026-06-05 19:30 - 2026-06-06 22:30 (America/New_York) | Elley-Long Music Center, 223 Ethan Allen Ave., Colchester, VT, 05446, United States
Tom Roby calls to music by Karen Axelrod (piano, accordion), Rachel Bell (accordion), and Naomi Morse (violin). Friday night welcome dance for all, Saturday afternoon challenging session for experienced dancers, Saturday afternoon review session for all, Saturday night gala (dressy attire requested).

Dance Trance 2026
2026-06-05 20:00 - 2026-06-07 15:00 (America/New_York) | Artworks at the Carver School, 522 Patterson St, Lexington, KY, 40508, United States
Dance Trance is a contra dance weekend in Lexington, KY, produced by the Lexington Traditional Dance Association. For 2026 we have the 27th Dance Trance.
Dance Trance 2026, 5-7 June 2026, will feature Contraforce with callers Seth Tepfer and Kenny Greer.

Flamingo Fling 2026 Contra Weekend in Oklahoma City
2026-06-12 - 2026-06-14 | International Dance Studio, 3001 NW 73rd St, Oklahoma City, OK, 73116, United States
Contra Weekend in Oklahoma City featuring Adina Gordon calling and Brian Lindsay, Eric Schedler, and Owen Morrison as the band!

Contra Hall at the 75th National Square Dance Convention
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-27 | Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX, 76701, United States
Enjoy several days of contra dancing at the 75th National Square Dance Convention in Waco, TX June 24-27, 2026.
Note: Contra callers who register by Dec 31, 2025 and indicate their interest on the registration form can be scheduled to call contra dances or other traditional formations at this national convention, which will have 3,000 attendees!
Registration is $80 for adults until May 1, 2026, when it increases to $95.
Register on our website. The contra hall schedule (which might include you as a caller!) will be posted in the Spring of 2026 on the Contralab Facebook page.

Bear Hug Contra Dance Festival
2026-09-11 16:00 - 2026-09-13 13:00 (America/Denver) | Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp, 21339 Methodist Camp Rd, Rollins, MT, 59931, United States
Get ready to contra dance, sing, swim, canoe, and play music at the 2026 Bear Hug weekend on the shores of Montana’s Flathead Lake! Music provided by Raven and Goose and The Unstrung String Band, with callers Susan Petrick and Rab Cummings. Singles, couples, families, and all ages are welcome! Entertainment, meals, and lodging (shared rustic cabins, or tent or RV camping) are provided. Registration fees are on a sliding scale. Hope to see you there!

Fandango! 2026
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-20 | Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA, 30030, United States
Join us in Atlanta/Decatur, GA for a weekend of English Country Dance!
Joanna Reiner Wilkinson, caller
Music by Karen Axelrod, Shira Kammen, & Anna Patton
Registration opens April 2026—check our website for updates.
See you in September!

Northeast Squeeze-In
2026-09-25 - 2026-09-27 | Wisdom House Conference and Retreat Center, Litchfield, CT, United States
An informal weekend gathering of free-reed players—all varieties of concertinas, accordions, and related instruments, plus fellow travelers with or without other instruments. There are no paid performers or teachers. You can take or give a workshop, learn new tunes, explore different genres, improve your skills, jam, or just hang out. We’re delighted to include beginners.

Lady of the Lake Music and Dance Weekend
2026-10-02 15:00 - 2026-10-04 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | N-Sid-Sen Camp & Retreat Center, 36395 S Hwy 97, Harrison, ID, 83833, United States
The 45th annual Lady of the Lake Music and Dance Weekend features a wonderful staff drawing from across the Northwest and well beyond. Callers Lindsey Dono and Jeremy Kors will lead contra dances and workshops. The Dam Beavers and the Baby Corns featuring Hayden Sterns will provide rousing music. Enjoy the falling leaves from heritage apple trees and the cry of loons from the bordering Coeur d’Alene Lake, just 75 minutes from Spokane, WA. Amazing food with five different dietary options.

Nashville’s Music City Masquerade
2026-10-23 - 2026-10-25 | Nashville, TN, Nashville, TN, United States
Join us for an incredible weekend of music and dance October 23-25, 2026 in Music City, USA (aka Nashville). Countercurrent will provide the electrifying music for the creative calling of Luke Donforth! Registration opens April 1.

English Country Dance Weekend
2026-10-23 19:30 - 2026-10-25 13:30 (America/New_York) | Ontario
Mark your Calendars for Oct. 23-25, 2026
when Cleveland will be hosting an English Country Dance weekend with Susan Kevra as caller and Incomparable Music by Karen Axelrod, Rachel Bell, and Audrey Leigh Jaber!
Details and registration will be posted when available at our website.

The Five Borough Fling
2026-11-06 - 2026-11-08 | Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, 263 W 86th St, New York, NY, 10024, United States
Three days of contra dance, music, & song in NYC!

Head for the Hills
2026-11-13 - 2026-11-15 | Camp Harlam, 575 Smith Rd., Kunkletown, PA, 18058, United States
Princeton Country Dancers’ getaway weekend of dance, music, and song at Camp Harlam near Kresgeville, PA in the Poconos.

Contra Hall at the 76th National Square Dance Convention
2027-06-22 - 2027-06-26 | The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO, 80538, United States
Enjoy hours and hours of contra dancing and related traditional dance (English, squares, community dance) at the 76th NSDC in Loveland, CO. Registration is open and the cost is currently $70 per adult.
Contra callers! If you register by Dec. 31, 2026, you can be included as a caller in the Contra Hall! 3,000 attendees are expected at this national square dance convention!
More information available as we get closer to the date!
