Tickets are now on sale for the 2005 Folkmoot USA international folk dance and music festival.

This year’s festival is July 18-31 and groups tentatively scheduled to appear are from Cyprus, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Indonesia, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Togo, Turkey and Spain (from the Basque region). Due to visa difficulties, the line-up is subject to change.

Folkmoot USA is the official international festival of the state of North Carolina. The performers are housed at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville and perform at venues throughout Western North Carolina.

Tickets may be purchased at the Folkmoot Center at 112 Virginia Avenue in Waynesville or by calling 828.452.2997. Tickets are usually available at the venue sites on the day of the performance, but some events do sell out. Tickets for all-group performances are $25 or $20 reserved and $15 general admission except at Blue Ridge Community College where all seats are $20; tickets for three group performances are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

July 18

• 11 a.m. —Hazelwood Village. Free.

July 19

• 7:30 p.m. — East Junior High School in Marion, Three groups.

July 20

• 7:30 p.m. — Cherokee Fairgrounds, Cherokee Reservation/Qualla Boundary, three groups.

• 7:30 p.m. — Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center, Highlands, three groups.

July 21

• 7:30 p.m. — Gala Prevue, all groups for Donors/Friends of Festival.

July 22

• 1 p.m. — Parade of Nations down Main Street in Waynesville. Free. All groups.

• 7:30 p.m. — Grand opening featuring all groups at the Stompin’ Ground in Maggie Valley.

July 23

• 7:30 p.m. — WNC World Tour featuring all groups at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Lipinsky Auditorium.

July 24

• 2 p.m. — World Friendship Sunday featuring all groups at Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska.

• 7:30 p.m. — World Celebration featuring all groups at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Lipinsky Auditorium.

July 25

• 7:30 p.m. — Three groups at the Stompin’ Ground in Maggie Valley.

• 7:30 p.m. — Three groups at Swain High School in Bryson City.

• 7:30 p.m.— Three groups at Stecoah Valley Center.

July 26

• 1 p.m. — Children’s Program at Meadowbrook Elementary School featuring one group. Free.

• 7:30 p.m. – Three groups at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

• 7:30 p.m. — Three groups at Franklin High School Fine Arts Center.

• 7:30 p.m. — Three groups at Performing Arts Center in Waynesville.

July 27

• 2 p.m. — Blue Ridge World Celebration Matinee featuring all groups at Bo Thomas Auditorium in Flat Rock.

• 7:30 p.m. — Blue Ridge World Celebration featuring all groups at Bo Thomas Auditorium in Flat Rock.

July 28

• 7:30 p.m. — Spectacular featuring all groups at Haywood Community College in Clyde.

July 29

• 2 p.m. — Extravaganza Matinee featuring all groups at the Stompin’ Ground in Maggie Valley.

• 7:30 p.m. — Extravaganza featuring all groups at the Stompin’ Ground in Maggie Valley.

July 30

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — International Festival Day is held on Main Street in Waynesville. Main Street takes on the feel of an old-fashioned world bazaar as local and regional artisans, crafters and food vendors join the international groups with items to sell. Co-sponsored by Haywood County Arts Council. Intermingle with folk groups and see presentations at either end of Main Street, as well as on the center stage.

• 7:30 p.m. — International Celebration featuring all groups at Haywood Community College in Clyde.

July 31

• 2 p.m. – Three groups at Franklin High School Fine Arts Center.

• 7:30 p.m. — Candlelight closing featuring all groups at Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska.