Summer Is the Time for Bluegrass Festivals

Blue Highway on the main stage at Summergrass.

Attending bluegrass festivals is a key part of enjoying the bluegrass experience. Here’s a quick rundown on what you can expect this summer. Never been to a bluegrass festival? Here’s a primer on how to have a successful experience.

Tips for Enjoying your Festival Experience.

• Stage Shows. All bluegrass festivals have stage shows presenting live bluegrass music.
• Workshops. Most festivals also present free workshops where you can learn from great players and performers. Typical workshops include topics like harmony singing and playing skills on various bluegrass instruments. Often these workshops are presented by the stars performing on the main stage.
• Camping. Most festivals accommodate camping, either by tent or by motor home, or both. Most provide optional access to electric power for campers at a cost. Some provide showers, some don’t.
• Vendors. Many festivals have on-site vendors offering a variety of wares, from musical instruments and accessories, to jewelry, food products, and more. Find the vendor section of the festival and take some time to browse.
• Kids Activities. Many festivals have a “Kids Camp” or similar programs to engage youngsters in learning the bluegrass instruments and music. You may also find face painting, and other activities for the youngsters.
• What to bring. A low-back folding chair that won’t block the view of the folks behind you, sun screen, water, a good hat, your instrument, and a tuner. Some festivals have seating, but most expect you to bring your own.
• Food. Festivals typically provide a variety of on-site food vendors offering food and drink. Some have beer gardens, some don’t.
• Reserving your seat. Standard etiquette allows you to place your chair where you want to sit for the stage shows and leave it there, reserving your spot while you shop, go to eat, visit the restroom, etc.
• Jamming. Informal jamming is a key aspect of every festival,, so bring your instrument. You will find these jams everywhere at the event. If you want to participate, walk up to a jam, listen for a tune or two, and if it seems to meet your ability level and if you want to join, ask “can I join?” Unless you have accidentally found a band that is practicing for its stage performance, you will no doubt get a “yes—please join our jam.” Note these jams expect bluegrass instruments only, and only one bass at a time.

How to Find a Festival. There are festivals throughout the summer season throughout the U.S, in Europe and Asia, ranging in size from huge like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado, to the medium like Summergrass here in San Diego, to numerous smaller festivals. One resource to check out a variety of festivals is https://bluegrasscountry.org/festivals/.

For now, here’s a rundown on a few great opportunities in the San Diego area. There’s more if you look, but these are a good start:

• Summergrass is held every August at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Vista California. This year’s event is August 15-17, 2025. Check it all out here: https://summergrass.net/
• Sam Hinton Festival. This event will be held Saturday June 7, 2025 in Poway. https://sdfolkheritage.org/events/sam-hinton-25/
• South State 48. This event is held every November in Carlsbad. This year it will take place from November 6 to 9. https://californiabluegrass.org/cbaevent/south-state-48/
• Bluegrass Day at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, Saturday, July 5, 2025. This one-day event features performing bands, a band scramble, a youth performance, fiddle demonstration, and more. It’s free with your admission to the Fair and takes place on the Avenue Stage from 11 am to 5 pm.Read about it here: https://www.sandiegobluegrass.org/

You owe it to yourself to get out and enjoy one or more bluegrass festival this summer. Take the kids or grandkids to these wholesome family friendly events. I hope to see you there!