The Board of Directors for the Kutztown Folk Festival has announced that its nine-day summer event will not be held in 2025.

“This decision comes as a result of mounting financial challenges that have made the event unsustainable,” a news release said Wednesday.

“This was a difficult choice, but due to dwindling attendance, increased costs and continued net losses, we are no longer able to host the Kutztown Folk Festival,” said Ed Richmond, vice president and chief financial officer of the Kutztown Pennsylvania German Festival Inc. “We are hopeful that a successor, or successors, will step up to reimagine the event and take on its operations moving forward.”

The Kutztown Folk Festival, the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America, provided insight and understanding of the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their fascinating way of life.

Richmond said the festival board would like to express its gratitude to all who have supported the Kutztown Folk Festival.

“The festival is a true community event, and we are grateful to the volunteers, staff, vendors, craftspeople, sponsors and patrons who contributed to its cultural legacy,” said Richmond. “This decision to suspend operations was difficult. The Board wanted to announce now, so that our vendors and craftspeople have the opportunity to make alternate summer plans. We encourage our guests to continue to support Pennsylvania Dutch culture in the region.”