From Scratch weekend is a workshop designed for true beginners. If you’re interested in learning a new instrument or craft, this is the weekend for you! This year’s offerings include classes with expert musicians, artists, and the return of beginner ceramics. With more than 1,140 acres of forest consisting of breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and glistening streams, there’s plenty of exploring to do during your free time.

REGISTER HERE

Classes: $220.00 - $255.00

• Mandolin: Ben Ayers
• Banjo: Bailey Hill
• Fiddle: Gretchen Priest
• Guitar: Jason Bailey
• Bass: Ashleigh Caudill
• Flatfoot Dancing: Rebecca Stout
• Foraged Salve Making: Cameron Strouss
• Hand-stitched Sampler Quilts: Aaron Head
• Blacksmithing: Quinn McKay
• Intro to Ceramics: Kelly Towe

One of our most popular events is back with great workshops in bluegrass music, traditional crafts, and a Gee's Bend quilting retreat. This four-day workshop series provides a truly immersive experience with a fun and enthusiastic community of musicians and artists.

Register Here

Sample Schedule

Join us for Youth Folk Camp – our only Alabama Folk School workshop series designed for rising 5th-12th graders. YFC is a unique combination of summer overnight camp and folk school instruction in music, farming, craft skills, and more! Campers choose one major and minor class for the workshop, all taught by experienced farmers, musicians, and artists. Some experience with violin, guitar, or banjo is recommended for music majors. Campers who choose farming for their major should select a different subject for their minor.

• Ages: rising 5th - 12th graders

• Cost: $425 (need based scholarships are available)

• Registration closes July 7th, 2025 at 5:00 pm

Registration Open Now!

September Sampler offers a sample of all the Alabama Folk School has to offer. During this one-day event, crafters and true beginners alike can find something to love. Students sign up for one of several class options and will enjoy an included lunch with live music. Tuition also includes the majority of supplies needed. We’re excited to welcome back Sarah Ward with Heirloom Pie Making as well as Cameron Strouss teaching her popular tea blending class.

Registration Opens June 2025

Cost for Workshop & Lunch Per Person: $100-$150

At Old Time & Gee’s Bend, quilters, painters, and blacksmiths pursue their work in an encouraging atmosphere while music students fully immerse themselves in Old-Time classes, their days and nights filled with instruction from master musicians and jam sessions. This year, we’re excited to have Sami Braman returning to teach a new Fiddle III class, as well as Kay Justice returning for Guitar and Harmony Singing. We are also excited for the return of painting workshops with Howard Rains.

Afternoon mini classes give all participants a chance to take part in learning something totally new. Guests are also welcome to spend their free time exploring the beautiful nature that surrounds Camp McDowell. At night, all attendees are invited to a concert led by our talented instructors, with an occasional square dance, too! Lodging for this event will be in Bethany Village. Participants will have the option to stay in a Parsley Commons lodge room or a dorm-style cabin. All lodging options include refreshments on opening night and nine meals throughout the weekend starting with Thursday supper and ending with Sunday lunch.

Registration Opens June 2025.

The Alabama Folk School's Creative Retreat offers a restful weekend with the beautiful backdrop of Camp McDowell in the fall. Bring your personal projects and join us for a long weekend of focused time to rest and create. In the past, participants have brought sewing, woodworking, and writing projects or have simply spent their time reading, hiking, and resting. The time is your own! We’ll provide all your meals, access to wifi, nature trails, quiet spaces to work and rest, and evening refreshments.

Lodging for this event will be in Bethany Village. Participants will have the option to stay in a Parsley Commons lodge room or a dorm style cabin. All lodging options include refreshments on opening night and nine meals throughout the weekend starting with Thursday supper and ending with Sunday lunch.