The annual Bearsville Bluegrass Festival returns to Bearsville Center in Woodstock on Sunday, May 24, bringing a full afternoon of live music, local food, and family-friendly activities to the heart of the Catskills.
Held each year over Memorial Day weekend, the festival transforms Bearsville Park into a community gathering centered around traditional bluegrass and roots music. The 2026 edition runs from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a lineup featuring regional performers and interactive programming throughout the grounds.
This year’s musical lineup includes On the Trail with Austin Scelzo, Catskill Mountain String Band with Bruno Bruzzese and Bugs on a Log String Band.
The performances will span traditional bluegrass, instrumental showcases, and high-energy string band sets designed to keep audiences engaged throughout the afternoon.
Beyond the music, the festival offers a variety of activities across the park. Visitors can explore guided nature trails led by Dave Holden, join a Rock & Roll history tour with Larry Germack, and browse vendors curated from the Phoenicia Flea Market.
Food vendors will be serving festival staples including brats (with meat and vegan options), pulled pork, grilled sweet corn, salted potatoes, and fresh watermelon.
Musicians can also start the day early with a Wernick Method Jam Class hosted by Austin Scelzo from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The workshop is open to players of guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, and dobro who are comfortable tuning their instrument and moving between the common bluegrass chords of G, C, D, and A. No previous jam experience is required. Tuition is $25 in advance or $30 onsite.
Festival organizers emphasize that the event is designed for music fans of all ages, with family activities and games scheduled throughout the park. Children are admitted free.
Advance tickets for the festival are $25 general admission or two for $45, with VIP reserved pagoda seating for six available for $250.
More information and tickets are available through Bearsville Center.
Read more on Bearsville here.
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