KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 26, 2025
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy families can soon step back in time during a popular and free event. The 39th Annual Katy ISD Folk Life Festival offers a hands-on experience into the lives of early Texas pioneers.
The 39th annual Folk Life Festival is Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Katy ISD’s Kenneth D. Welch Outdoor Learning Center (6301 S. Stadium Lane) 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. It’s free entry for all and introduces Katy families to hands on activities that shows them what it was like to live in Texas in the 1800’s.
Where did children go to school in the 1800’s? What skills did they need to survive? These are just some of the many questions that students and their families can answer together at this popular event.
“The Folk Life Festival brings together many amazing volunteers who are able to share their knowledge and skills with the visitors,” says Paul Dunk, Specialist at the Outdoor Learning Center. “It offers guests a look into the past so they can see what life was like for those living in Texas long ago.”
The Folk Life Festival debuted in 1986 and was originally part of the Republic of Texas Sesquicentennial celebration in 1986 and was a combined effort between the Katy Heritage Society and the Outdoor Learning Center. After that, the event was continued by Katy ISD and continues to serve and educate the community to this day.
Events and Activities Include:
Texas Pioneer Soldier Re-enactments
Blacksmith Demonstration
Honey Bee Keeping
Chuck Wagon
Dulcimer Players
Quilting Spinning Weaving
Farm Animals
One-Room School House
Native American Culture
Texas Cowboy Camp
Tin Punching
Pioneer Games
Corn Shelling/Grinding
Rag Doll Making
Arts and Crafts
Learn more about the Folk Life Festival online.