Natalie and Donnell at RockyGrass 2008
Natalie and Donnell at RockyGrass 2008

Snow may have blanketed the ground in Lyons, but it's time to think of the glorious summer days along the St. Vrain River at the 37th Annual RockyGrass - July 24-26, 2009. Tickets and camping - including beautiful Meadow Park - are available now. Have a look at our preliminary lineup then get your tickets and camping. If you joined us last year, connect with your fellow Festivarians at the Festivarian Forum. If you missed out, read a few articles about the weekend.

The Scene

RockyGrass festivarians
RockyGrass festivarians

RockyGrass is held at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado - located along the wooded banks of the beautiful St. Vrain River. The historic quarry town of Lyons is just 15 miles north of Boulder in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The town is known for its antique stores, restaurants, artists, and musicians.

Numerous camping options nearby include: on-site at the festival grounds, under the cliffs at Meadow Park (a quick five-minute walk from the festival), or at the Olson Campground (a 10-minute walk or via the free shuttle buses).

Sam Bush Band all-star finale
Sam Bush Band all-star finale

Non-musical activities in and around Lyons include single-track mountain biking at Hall Ranch, river sports in the Meadow Park whitewater course, touring through Rocky Mountain National Park (40 minutes up the hill from Lyons), and hiking in the nearby National Forest lands.

A Day at RockyGrass

A day at RockyGrass starts with a campground breakfast or a quick walk to downtown Lyons to relax at one of the fine coffee shops. Whether walking the campgrounds or Main Street in Lyons, live bluegrass music already fills the air. Soon the sound of bagpipes echoes off the canyon walls, signaling the opening of the festival grounds and the morning tarp rush.

Sparrow Quartet
Sparrow Quartet

As the afternoon heats up, kids of all ages flock to the sandy beach - beach toys, inner tubes, and all. Meanwhile older folks make new friends with tarp dwellers close to the main stage or under the shady trees. Away from the stage, kids work on crafts in the family tent, while musicians form jam circles in the woods along the river or listen to an instrument contest or workshop in the Wildflower Tent.

All day the audience is treated to headliner after headliner on the main stage. Then when the final headliner finishes their set on the main stage, the campgrounds come alive with jam sessions. A walk through the campground is a vital part of the RockyGrass experience - hearing pickers of all ages and backgrounds sharing in the common language of bluegrass music.

Festival tickets and camping are now on sale. Make sure you're signed up for our "Notes from the Planet" emails for all the latest lineup and ticket news. We look forward to seeing you next July for the 37th RockyGrass - July 24-26, 2009.