That’s a wrap on the 2026 River City Bluegrass Festival!
We’re still buzzing from the incredible energy this weekend! To everyone who made this year's festival our best yet—THANK YOU!
To the Fans: You’re the reason we do this. Thank you for buying tickets, bringing your friends, and creating the welcoming atmosphere that River City is famous for!
To our Sponsors: Thank you for believing in the arts and supporting our community. You helped us bring the music to life.
To our Volunteers: Rain or shine or heavy frost, early mornings and late nights—you kept the festival running smoothly. We are endlessly grateful for your dedication.
What’s Next? We aren't slowing down! Our team is already back at the drawing board to ensure the 2027 River City Bluegrass Festival is even bigger and better. Until then, keep picking and grinning!
2026 RIVERCITY
LINEUP
Watch for the 2027 Lineup in October!
Presenting Sponsor
Performers and schedule are subject to change without notice.
Supercharge your playing or singing
skills with over 4 hours with the pros.
Friday: 4:00 to 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
2026 INTRUCTORS:
• 5 STRING BANJO with Daniel Amick - High Fidelity
• MANDOLIN with John Reischman
• FLATPICKING GUITAR with Eli West - Old Acoustic
• RHYTHM GUITAR with Patrick Hamilton - Happy Trails, Prospector
• UPRIGHT BASS with Sam Howard - Old Acoustic
• BLUEGRASS FIDDLE with Trent Freeman - Old Acoustic
• VOCAL HARMONY with Corrina Rose Logston - Stevens &
Jeremy Stevens - High Fidelity
• DOBRO with Miles Zurawell - Happy Trails, Prospector
A fiddle academy just for kids aged 4 to 18.
In 2026, Melanie Doderai, Zachary Moostoos-Willier and Jarred Albright walked the kids through fiddle songs and techniques, with a closing performance on the NBCMS Stage!
Saturday: 9:30 am to 12 Noon
Performance at 1:00 pm
Sponsored by
Front Lobby Jamming
Sponsored by
Remember that feeling of walking from the crisp winter air into the Front Lobby and experiencing the buzz of hospitality and friendship and the warmth of a smokin’ hot jam!
Yup, be sure to check the upcoming schedule as the Front Lobby will once again be jam central.
On the one hand, the hosted jams will be your big opportunity to hook up and jam with the pros. Remember the late evening jam with the Kody Norris Show last year– wow that was amazing to see so many gifted regional musicians stepping up to show their stuff.
On the other we’ll be bringing back our slow-pitch jam. If you are just starting out, you will find a structured environment that encourages learning and growth, led by patient and knowledgeable leaders. It’s a place to build confidence, develop skills, and enjoy the spirit that defines the essence of making music together.
So, bring your instruments and be ready to jump in where you feel comfortable – or start your own jam anytime. And by the way, we are planning to improve the temperature in the space – so thanks to your feedback.
RiverCity Marketplace
In 2025, the marketplace proved to be a happy place for meeting up with friends and buying some swag. For 2026, we have right sized the space, moving it out of the hallway and it into the next-door ballroom so we can include new vendors who are super-excited to be a part of the RiverCity buzz.
Festivalgoers can now take a break from the action and explore a more expansive Marketplace with local artisans showcasing their crafts, musical instruments and accessories, vintage recordings, and loads of regional bluegrass information. With a new lounge also included in the Marketplace, it’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends, share a drink, and soak in the atmosphere without missing a single note.
Sponsored by:
Photo: Stephanie Craig
Photo: Drew Borgwardt
Photo: Drew Borgwardt
Photo: Stephanie Craig
Photo: Drew Borgwardt
Photo: Stephanie Craig
Photo: Drew Borgwardt
Photo: Drew Borgwardt
