Albany Contrafest 2026!
Albany Contrafest 2026!
November 14 @ 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm EST
Friday November 13 and Saturday November 14, 2026
Contrafest is three dances over the two days, plus a half hour of waltzes tossed in on Saturday evening. See the full schedule below. Note that the sliding scale for admissions varies from our regular monthly dances, and this year we’re also offering a Full-Fest price good for all three dances.
2026 Contra Fest Performers So Far:
Friday November 13 8:00-11:00 – The fabulous caller is Hannah Johlas! Oliver Scanlon & Aldo Lavaggi (of Stove Dragon & The Russet Trio respectively) are fiddling with Casey Murray playing cello……& possibly a surprise musician too!
Saturday November 14 2:00-5:00 – Another fabulous caller, Maggie McRae leads the afternoon dance. Rohan Weeden on guitar, accordian & fiddle with friends will play the tunes.
Saturday, November 14 7:30-11 – Caller, Hannah Johlas is back for the evening dance! Rohan Weeden on guitar, accordion & fiddle is leading the band!
Full 2-day Schedule:
– Friday Lesson and Contra Dance (7:45pm – 11:00pm) : $15-$25
– Saturday Exciting Contras (2pm – 5pm) : $14-$25
– Saturday Waltzes (7:30pm to 8:00pm) AND Contra Dance Party (8pm – 11pm) : $15-$25
Full-Fest (All 3 Dances): $45 -$55
Calling will use Larks and Robins to denote dance roles. No experience necessary. No partner needed. Feel free to wear a mask for health safety. Masks are welcome but not required.
More 2026 Details To Be Announced Soon!!
Below are details from 2025.
Liz Nelson calling with music by the Gaslight Tinkers!
The Gaslight Tinkers are, from left, Eli Martinez (drums), I-Shea (percussion/vocals), Clara Constance-Stickney (fiddle), Garrett Sawyer (bass) and Peter Siegel (mandolin and guitar).
Photo: Peter Siegel
Support the Abany Contra Dance and help spread the word with a T-shirt!!
Shirts will be available at Contra Fest for $25.
