Westerleigh Folk Festival celebrates music, art and community on Staten Island (67 photos)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Westerleigh Folk Festival, a cherished Staten Island tradition, returned for its 18th year on Saturday, bringing music, art, and family-friendly activities to Westerleigh Park.

Founded by Jim Indelicato and Joan Caddell and now proudly organized by the nonprofit Community Arts Commission Inc., the festival drew hundreds and has become one of the borough’s most anticipated community events.

Held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the festival featured dozens of arts, crafts, and food vendors, pony rides and two performance stages showcasing more than a dozen music acts.

Staten Islanders of all ages strolled the park under sunny skies, enjoying a diverse array of refreshment and craft tables, and a host of family-friendly activities.

Highlights included face painting, art workshops, and plenty of entertainment for all ages.

Performances galore

The WestFest 18 Gazebo Stage (main stage) showcased a dynamic lineup of local talent and special performances throughout the day.

Highlights included Brandi and the Alexanders, whose lively performance set the tone for the festival, followed by the collaborative Divine Women, featuring a talented ensemble of artists including Joan Caddell & The Midnight Choir, Queen Tipsy, Mackenzie Terry, Jaylin Sky, and others.

Later in the day, the Savannah Jaine Band delivered an engaging set, followed by a spirited performance by the Niall O’Leary Irish Dance Troupe, which added a cultural touch to the festivities.

The Diamond Spur Rodeo brought high-energy thrills, while Our Own Yokos captivated the crowd with their unique sound.

The day culminated with an unforgettable performance by the headliner, Amanda Cross, who delivered a powerful and emotional set.

The WestFest 18 Meadow Stage (secondary stage) offered even more musical diversity, with performances that delighted audiences throughout the event. The Rock-A-Silly Band kicked things off with fun tunes for the whole family, followed by Aria Narang’s soulful sounds.

Jack Romano & the Staten Island Three kept the energy going with their folk-inspired rhythms, while Gabrielle Lea charmed the crowd with her indie-pop flair. Ab-Do brought an eclectic blend of beats, and Jaylin Sky’s performance added an electric vibe to the afternoon.

Closing out the Meadow Stage performances was Prasanna, who brought a fusion of rhythms and sounds that had the audience on their feet.

A celebration of unity

At its core, the Westerleigh Folk Festival was more than just a day of entertainment — it was a celebration of the multicultural and multigenerational spirit of Staten Island. The festival created an inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to gather, fostering a sense of unity through art, music, and shared experience.

“We were incredibly proud to bring this event back for its 18th year,” said festival organizer Joan Caddell. “Our mission was to provide a space where the community could come together, celebrate the power of art, and support local talent. We were thrilled to offer this event for free to all who wanted to enjoy a day of creativity and fun.”

Community support and sponsors

The Westerleigh Folk Festival was made possible by the dedication of volunteers, local organizations, and generous sponsors. This year’s sponsors included Staten Island Arts, The Lois and Richard Nicotra Foundation, and Stop & Stor, all of whom helped make the event a success.

For more information about the festival or future volunteer opportunities, visitors could visit communityartscommission.org or contact the team at communityartscommission@gmail.com.

About the festival

Founded 18 years ago, the Westerleigh Folk Festival has been a nonprofit, community-based event that celebrates music, art and culture on Staten Island.

Through performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities, the festival has strived to inspire creativity, strengthen community bonds, and showcase the borough’s artistic talent.