Lark Traditional Arts (LTA) is a nonprofit formed in 2019, but the community of talent and spirit it supports has been growing for over 40 years in Mendocino and the Bay Area.
LTA began primarily to ensure the continuation of Lark Camp, an 8-day traditional music, song, and dance educational event held annually in the Mendocino Woodlands. Now, several years and one global pandemic later, LTA has carefully grown into a unique educational and performance organization.
Besides our magical 8-day Lark Camp (traditionally held the week surrounding August 1st every year), we host our annual Jug Handle Campout (every October) on the Mendocino Coast, and our online Virtual Lark (every February), a weekend of free live-streamed workshops and jams.
In 2026, we continue to grow meaningful relationships with 2 legendary Berkeley folk and roots venues, The Freight and Ashkenaz. With them, we began developing our first Youth and Family performing arts workshops and series, Today’s Song. And we continue to develop our “LTA Presents” education series, presenting year-round in-person workshops, sessions, and performances in the Bay Area and Mendocino County.
Your Musical Journey, Your Way
We’re excited to host a space where you create memories, learn skills, and take your musical abilities to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start learning traditional music, song, or dance, or a professional wanting to expand your creative toolkit, LTA has you covered with camps, workshops, jams, classes, and events led by culture-bearing instructors from around the world.
Lark Traditional Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 83-2424940)
Our Mission Statement:
“The mission of Lark Traditional Arts is to present, preserve, and promote traditional music, song, and dance by engaging culture-bearing artists and creating educational opportunities that bring communities together in our shared worlds of music.”
LARK CAMP 2026: July 31st-Aug 8th
Registration is OPEN!
WORKSHOPS FOR 2026 (still subject to change)
Get ready for a summer experience you’ll never forget—Lark Camp is where music, dance, song, creativity, and community thrives. Whether you’re brand new to the performing arts or have years of experience, you’ll find a welcoming space to learn, explore, and grow at your own pace.
Picture this: music filling the air from morning to night, hands-on workshops led by inspiring teachers, tune sessions, and jams where you can jump in, experiment, and have fun. You’ll discover new styles, build confidence, and connect with people who share your passion for music, dance, and creativity.
And Lark Camp is more than just classes—it’s an unforgettable community. From spontaneous collaborations to late-night jams under the stars, every moment brings connection, joy, and inspiration. You’ll leave not only with new skills, but with lasting friendships and memories that stay with you long after camp ends. As a camper recently told us, “I came for the Balkan music, and stayed for the swing dance.”
Step outside your routine, try something new, and be part of something truly special. Lark Camp 2026 is your place to create, connect, and be inspired.
Register now and start counting down to the most musical, meaningful week of your year.
Purchase your 2026 Lark Camp t-shirt on Etsy.
all sales directly support our educational program development
As we get closer to Lark Camp 2026:
ENJOY a few snippets of the edifying, epic Lark Camp 2025!
Worlds Of Music
For Lark Traditional Arts, “Worlds Of Music” refers to the diverse and rich musical traditions, songs, and dances from cultures across the globe. It highlights the unique contributions of different communities, blending various musical expressions into a global tapestry that celebrates the shared human experience through rhythm, melody, and movement.
Because, at the core of our work, lies the truism that “Music Connects Community”.
LTA UPCOMING EVENTS
| WHEN | WHAT | WHERE | LINK TO MORE INFO/TICKETS |
| July 31- Aug 8, 2026 | LARK CAMP | Mendocino Woodlands, CA | LINK HERE registration open |
| Oct 16-18, 2026 | Jug Handle Campout | Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center Caspar, CA (Mendocino Coast) | LINK HERE registration opens late-Summer 2026 |
| Feb 2027 | Virtual Lark | Online | LINK HERE registration opens January, 2027 |
LTA ETSY STORE
for LTA and Lark Camp T-shirts, hats, merch, and more (https://www.etsy.com/shop/LarkTraditionalArts)
All sales go directly to LTA’s Educational Program, and support our vision of presenting, promoting, and preserving traditional music, arts, and dance from around the globe.