Celebrate the sounds of bluegrass during Lakeside’s two-day Bluegrass Festival, Aug. 8-9. Enjoy nationally recognized artists, hands-on activities for all ages, a community square dance, a jam session and unforgettable live performances.
A LOOK INTO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF OLD-TIME & BLUEGRASS MUSIC
1:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8
Orchestra Hall (122 W. Second St.)
Orchestra Hall (122 W. Second St.)
Discover the roots of old-time and bluegrass music with musician and historian Clint Holley. From fiddle tunes and banjo rhythms to the high, lonesome sound of bluegrass, explore the people, places and stories that shaped the music and the traditions passed down through generations. Read more.
GIVES TRUCK
3-8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8
Walnut Plaza
The State Bank GIVES (Gathering Individuals to Volunteer, Empower and Serve) program is a volunteer effort that pairs their employees with local nonprofit organizations. These combined efforts make a difference in the lives of the people and communities in which we live, work and play. The GIVES TRUCK will be serving root beer floats and donating up to $500 of their profits to upcoming camp programs at Lakeside.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
4-6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8
Third Street near Hoover Auditorium (115 W. Third St.)
In the case of inclement weather, all Family Activities will be held in the Hoover Auditorium lobby.
In the case of inclement weather, all Family Activities will be held in the Hoover Auditorium lobby.
Before you take in the iconic music of The Del McCoury Band with The Travelin’ McCourys, enjoy family activities that celebrate bluegrass.
Kids’ Crafts
Children of all ages are invited to create bluegrass-inspired crafts. There’s no cost to participate, and registration is not required.
Meet the Instruments
Visit the tent on Third Street to hear demonstrations and try a banjo, mandolin, guitar and fiddle with regional musician Drew Andreatta.
Roaming Musicians
Ohio musicians Paul Kovac and David Mayfield will perform traditional American favorites throughout the festival area.
Community Square Dance (4:30-5:30 p.m.)
Dance along during this intergenerational square dance, organized by Lakesider Char Wilkerson. Dancing is recommended for ages 10+; experience isn’t necessary but encouraged. See the Rhein Center class schedule for opportunities throughout the summer to learn how to square dance.
SATURDAY HEADLINE CONCERT:THE DEL MCCOURY BAND WITH THE TRAVELIN’ MCCOURYS
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8
Hoover Auditorium
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Bluegrass legend Del McCoury headlines Lakeside’s 2nd Annual Bluegrass Festival with The Del McCoury Band and The Travelin’ McCourys.
Few names in bluegrass carry the weight and reverence of Del McCoury. From humble beginnings in York County, Pennsylvania, to the iconic stages of the Grand Ole Opry, McCoury has been a defining force in the genre for nearly eight decades.
Along the way, he has captivated audiences on primetime and late-night television, sold-out concerts and music festivals of every size and style, earning admiration from country-rock icon Steve Earle to jam band legends Phish.
McCoury’s journey began as a teenager, inspired by the banjo virtuosity of Earl Scruggs. By 1963, he joined Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, where the "Father of Bluegrass" transformed him from banjo player to lead guitarist and singer, providing him with a lifetime of musical insight and mentorship.
Today, leading The Del McCoury Band alongside his sons Ronnie and Rob, he remains a torchbearer of bluegrass, blending decades of tradition with a willingness to embrace new sounds and connect with a new generation of fans. With unmatched musicianship, storytelling and heart, McCoury delivers an evening of bluegrass that is as timeless as it is inspiring.
SPECIAL CONSENSUS MEET THE BAND & COMMUNITY JAM SESSION
3-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 9
South Auditorium (540 Central Ave.)
South Auditorium (540 Central Ave.)
Meet members of Special Consensus during an interactive afternoon exploring the band’s 50-year history and the traditions of bluegrass jam sessions. The program includes "Jamming 101," covering the basics of jam session etiquette before transitioning into a community jam. Bring an instrument or simply listen and enjoy. All experience levels are welcome.
SUNDAY CLOSING CONCERT:SPECIAL CONSENSUS
6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 9
South Auditorium (540 Central Ave.)
South Auditorium (540 Central Ave.)
Award-winning bluegrass band Special Consensus closes the festival with an evening of exceptional musicianship.
Led by banjo master Greg Cahill for 50 years, Special Consensus blends the drive of traditional bluegrass with contemporary creativity and award-winning songwriting. Featuring the powerful lead vocals of Greg Blake (2023 and 2025 International Bluegrass Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year), Brian McCarty (mandolin, vocals) and Nico Humby (bass, vocals), the band delivers music that honors its roots while continually moving the genre forward. Special C has released 22 recordings that have garnered two Grammy nominations and eight IBMA awards.
ADMISSION & PARKING
Admission and parking fees include admittance to the Lakeside grounds, as well as access to evening entertainment in Hoover Auditorium and South Auditorium, the pool, wellness center, and a variety of religious, educational, cultural and recreational opportunities.
Parking within the gates of Lakeside is limited. Festival attendees are encouraged to park in the Danbury School Parking Lot or South Gate Parking Lot. A shuttle is provided from the South Gate Parking Lot near the welcome center. BUY ADMISSION & PARKING!
STAY OVERNIGHT
Book a weekend getaway! Lakeside offers rooms at Hotel Lakeside and the Fountain Inn. Both hotels are located within walking distance of Hoover Auditorium for the concert. RESERVE ONLINE or call (419) 798-4461, ext. 230.
