Laconia Multicultural & Folk Festival postponed until 2026

LACONIA — Organizers of the Laconia Multicultural & Folk Festival shared last month that this year’s event is canceled, and they’re looking toward bringing it back, bigger than ever, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.

Citing unforeseen circumstances, an announcement published on social media read:

“We are sorry to announce the unavoidable delay, as it is a wonderful day anticipated by many, but we are excited for new opportunities this extra time allows.

“This isn't the 1st time the festival has been rescheduled with a better than before comeback; including more attractions, vendors, performers, food and crafts - improving the overall experience!”

In the announcement, posted May 29, organizers said they’ll begin making preparations for next year’s event soon.

“This event holds great energy and excitement as the community joins together to celebrate each other and the greater world! Together, let us circle the globe and be sure to put SEPT 5TH, 2026 on your calendar,” the announcement reads.

The multicultural festival is an annual celebration of the many cultures and people of the world. Each year, organizers research and identify colorful and interesting foods, entertainers and vendors to bring to downtown for a day of family-friendly fun.

Planning for an event of that scope and scale is no easy task — organizers work nearly all year to make it happen. This year, which would have been the 23rd, members of the organization hoped to hire a new coordinator to take the lead on the event, which brings together residents and visitors from far and wide each year. 

Becky Guyer served as the event coordinator for 15 years, and decided it was time she retired, intending to take a reduced role in the event’s planning. She would still be involved, albeit to a lesser extent, and was working to hire a new coordinator to oversee the event.

In an hiring effort which kicked off in January, organizers were seeking a highly-organized, friendly individual who’s adept at dealing with vendors, entertainers and all other aspects which play a part in making the festival a success each year. 

And, for a time, it appeared they found the perfect person.

Susan Young, an employee of the Partnership for Public Health, has a wealth of experience planning and running large-scale public and private events. 

At the April 28 meeting of the city council, Young — newly tapped to head the festival — introduced herself as its new coordinator.

“I’m fairly new to this, but I also run the Concord Christmas Parade and Miss Lakes Region Scholarship Program, so I have a lot of experience in events,” Young told councilors.

“Two legendary events here in New Hampshire,” Mayor Andrew Hosmer said at the time. “Terrific, I’m really pleased that you’ve taken this over.”

But Young’s ability to run impressive events came at a price, not least because of profound success this year. 

Xanthi Russell won the Miss New Hampshire contest on May 3, and Young is one of her coaches. Russell is headed to the Miss America contest on Sept. 6, which directly conflicted with the date set for this year's Laconia Multicultural & Folk Festival. 

“I would be gone the whole week,” Young said, noting she doesn’t know if she’ll be involved with the event next year, either. 

If she’s lucky, another pageant contestant could bring Young back to the national competition next year, too. 

“It didn’t work out,” Guyer said in an interview. There’s too much to organize this close to the event, especially without the critical position of coordinator being filled. For now, Guyer and other organizers are focused on making the 2026 event the best it can possibly be. 

They’re working to reorganize the coordinator position — which is responsible for a lion’s share of the event’s development — to make it a simpler job, moving forward. 

“We didn’t want to do a small version of it,” Guyer said. “We’re all very excited for next year — we have high hopes.”