Swarms of green-haired, pierced teen-agers wearing black concert T-shirts are often glimpsed throughout downtown Lawrence, usually signifying to locals that an indie rock or punk act will be performing that night at a nearby venue. But Lawrence also is known for another subset of music fans who revel in folk, bluegrass, Americana or “strangs ‘n’ thangs.”

Here are a few of the forthcoming rural flavors that the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” crowd will be able to appreciate:

Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships

This respected festival, on Aug. 24-25 at various spots throughout Lawrence, offers competition and workshops in a variety of divisions, including flat-picking, banjo and ensemble folk singing. A youth award allows participants to witness some of the brightest up-and-coming talent, and it’s one of the few times that kids are encouraged to indulge in behavior that involves the words “fiddling” or “picking.” Free-form jams are held throughout the weekend event.

Contact: 749-1356 or www.sunflower.com/~seeds/ksfpc.htm.

The Lawrence Barn Dance Assn.

With a goal of “promoting community through dance and music,” the group organizes contra dances, workshops and other events in the area. A dance is usually held on the third Saturday of the month. Beginners are welcome, even if they’re not wearing denim or gingham.

Dates and locations:

 Sunday: Family dance, 4 p.m., with potluck at 5:30 p.m., East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E. 15th St. Local callers and musicians are featured at family dances.

 Aug. 17: Regular dance, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., with caller Sandy Strand and music by Bob and Melissa Atchison, Woodlawn School, 508 Elm St.

 Aug. 24: Fiddling and picking dance, location to be announced.

 Aug. 31: Bloo Moon Advanced Dance, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., with caller Wesley Brown and music by The Euphoria Stringband, Woodlawn School, 508 Elm St.

Contact: 749-1356 or www.lawrencebarndance.orgwww.lawrencebarndance.org.

West Side Folk

This Lawrence-based organization has gained a national reputation as a recruiter of touring folk talent, providing local audiences with places other than coffeehouses to watch their favorite singer-songwriters. Since the mid-’90s West Side Folk has featured acoustic-themed acts such as Dar Williams, Patty Larkin, Lucy Kaplansky, The Nields and Small Potatoes. The artists are always presented in a listening-room environment  appropriate given the reverential nature of the venues.

Dates and locations for the fall concerts:

 Sept. 22: Terry Hendrix, 7:30 p.m., Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave.

 Oct. 18: Vance Gilbert, 7:30 p.m., St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5700 W. Sixth St.

 Nov. 1: Greg Greenway, 7:30 p.m., Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave.

 Nov. 9: The Wilders and the Mid-day Ramblers, 7:30 p.m., St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5700 W. Sixth St.

 Nov. 15: Kris Delmhorst, 8 p.m., Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vt.

 Dec. 7: Connie Dover, Ann Zimmerman and Friends, 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.

Contact: 865-FOLK.

Walnut Valley Festival

The preeminent acoustic music gathering, Sept. 19-22 in Winfield, marks its 30th anniversary this year. The Woodstock of wooden instruments has been a showcase for everyone from Alison Krauss to Lester Flatt to Nickel Creek to The Dixie Chicks.

Thousands of people attend the four-day event. Confirmed performers this year include Bluestem, Tommy Emmanuel, Exit 81, Hot Club of Cowtown, Misty River, Prairie Road Wranglers, Red Wine, The Wilders, The Yonder Mountain String Band and dozens more.

Tickets for the festival are $65 in advance and $70 at the gate. Daily tickets vary in price.

Contact: (620) 221-3250 or www.wvfest.com.