Mark your calendars and dust off your banjos because the Wheeler County Bluegrass Festival is back for another unforgettable year! Friday, July 5th through Sunday July 7th, this annual event promises three days packed with toe-tapping tunes, engaging workshops, and the camaraderie that defines the bluegrass community. The festival is a free event with donations welcome.
The heart of the festival beats on the main stage at the Wheeler County Courthouse Park, where from 3 pm to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday, acclaimed bluegrass bands will take center stage to deliver fantastic performances. Expect a lineup that showcases both seasoned musicians and emerging talents, ensuring there's something for every bluegrass fan.
Make Your Own Music. For those looking to deepen their musical talent, the festival offers a series of workshops on Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 2:45 pm led by skilled instructors. Whether you are a beginner eager to master basic chords or a seasoned player aiming to refine your technique, these sessions provide invaluable learning experiences in a supportive environment. Workshops include Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Fiddle, Reso phonic Guitar, Bass, Clawhammer banjo, Harmony Singing, Bluegrass & Duet Singing, How to Bluegrass Band, and a special session just for kids. "Git yourself up on stage" to share your music on Friday at Open Mic and Saturday during Bluegrass Karaoke, The Songwriting Contest, or Sunday morning Gospel Open Mic!
One of the hallmarks of any bluegrass gathering is the spontaneous jam sessions that spring up throughout the event grounds and camp sites. In Fossil we also have two "facilitated" Jam Sessions on Friday and Saturday, from 1:30 to 2:45 on the shady lawn at Haven House Retirement Center and Hyatt House B&B in downtown Fossil. Grab your instrument and join fellow musicians where the joy of making music together transcends skill levels and genres.
Family-Friendly Fun. The festival is known for being family-friendly, with activities designed to welcome all ages. Kids can enjoy designated play areas in parks around town and the open lawn areas on the festival grounds while adults indulge in the musical festivities. Camping at the Wheeler County Fairgrounds, Fossil City Park, and the Fossil Motel & RV Park ensure that families can immerse themselves fully in the experience, waking up to the sounds of banjos and fiddles echoing through the morning air.
Local Flavor and Beyond. No festival experience is complete without delicious food, and the Wheeler County Bluegrass Festival delivers with a variety of food vendors offering everything from traditional festival fare to local specialties. In addition to local businesses providing delicious meals and treats, many of our vendors raise funds for local organizations and non-profits throughout the weekend. Start your day on Saturday at the Isobel Edwards Hall, with breakfast served to benefit the Fossil Senior Meal site.
Community Spirit. More than just a music festival, Wheeler County Bluegrass Festival fosters a sense of community among attendees and performers alike. Whether you are a longtime fan of bluegrass or a newcomer curious about this distinctive genre, you'll find yourself welcomed into a warm and inclusive environment where the love of music is paramount. The festival turns twenty-four this year, with two years of hiatus for Covid, we're celebrating 22 years of music and fun together! Festival leaders work year-round to pull it all together and are always looking for local volunteers to join the effort. If you would like to help with set up or at the information booth please contact local committee chair Anne Mitchell, 541-256-0551 to get involved.
As July approaches, anticipation for the Wheeler County Bluegrass Festival 2024 builds among bluegrass enthusiasts and the local community alike. Whether you come for the stellar lineup on the main stage, the educational workshops, the jam sessions, or simply to enjoy the company of fellow aficionados, this festival promises an experience that resonates long after the last note fades. Don't miss your chance to be part of this annual celebration of music, culture, and community in the heart of Wheeler County.
For more information, including festival history, the latest updates on performers, local camping, to make a donation and more, visit the festival website www.wheelercountybluegrass.org.
Full Festival Schedule
Friday July 5
10 am - 2:45pm Workshops
3:30 – 4:30 Open Mic
4:20- 5:00 Honey Duo
5:00 – 5:30 Dinner Break
5:30 – 6:10 Fossilgrass
6:20-7:10 Rubber Wheels
8:20 – 9:10 Tucker Adkins
Saturday July 6
10 am – 2:45 pm Workshops
3:00 – 3:20 Clyde Clevenger & Kids Recital
4:20 – 5:00 Bluegrass Karaoke
5:00 – 5:40 Dinner Break
5:40 – 6:10 Misty River ¾ Time
6:20-7:10 Tucker Adkins
7:20 – 8:10 Rubber Wheels
8:20 – 9:10 Skillethead
Sunday July 7
10:30 – 11:15 am Gospel Open Mic
11:30 – Noon Double Wide
12:15 – 1:00 Robinson & the Rimrockers
1:15 – 1:45 Rock Ridge
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