NAFOW 2026 OVERVIEW

For the first time in its nearly 100-year history, the North American Festival of Wales (NAFOW) is coming to New England.

Our Welsh Society of Western New England (WSWNE) will be the local host and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

We expect about 500 people from all over North America and Wales to gather in Springfield, Massachusetts over Labor Day weekend, September 2-6, 2026.

Springfield is a city rich in both heritage and innovation. Back in 1640, this was the edge of the New World, and among its earliest settlers were pioneers from Wales.

Today, it is known as the hometown of Dr. Seuss, the birthplace of the Indian Motorcycle and the Springfield rifle, the descendants of Miles Morgan, such as the famous JP Morgan, and the site of the world-famous Basketball Hall of Fame.

So, if you've never been to the best Welsh weekend in North America—or you attend as often as you can—join us in this historic city as we celebrate Welsh language, history, and culture with seminars, music, and community in an unforgettable settng on the Connectcut river.

Registration is now open at festvalofwales.org, - the official website of the North American Festival of Wales (NAFOW).

Sheraton hotel rooms at a special NAFOW rate can be reserved NOW on that site… so start planning to join us!

As Local Host for NAFOW 2026, WSWNE has created a special website menu item NAFOW 2026 where you can find this overview plus additional pages with some information like that found on the main festivalofwales.org website, plus special events and opportunities available to WSWNE members.

Visit NAFOW 2026 often as September 2-6 approaches to see what’s new.

Below are some special events and opportunities we are featuring for WSWNE members.

Click on images for full details.

Click on images for full details.