June 08, 2026Howdy, friends! It's that time of year again — the bluegrass calendar is bursting at the seams with shows across the country (and even a few international stops). Let's dive into the highlights for the week of June 08 to June 14, 2026.
If you're in the Midwest, you'll want to catch Jason Carter at the bur oak in Madison, Wisconsin on Monday. Carter's a monster picker and has been tearing it up with The Del McCoury Band for years, but his solo work is really where he shines. Expect some lightning-fast fiddle runs and plenty of that warm, woody tone.
Over in New England, Greensky Bluegrass is playing a show at Tree House Brewing Company in Deerfield, Massachusetts on Monday. These guys have really carved out their own sound — a little jammy, a little progressive, but always anchored in that bluegrass foundation. If you haven't seen them live, this is the week to fix that.
Midwest Marvels
Chris Thile is at Symphony Center in Chicago on Monday. I know, I know — he's not strictly a bluegrass artist these days, but the man is a living legend and his solo shows are always a mind-bending experience. Bring your ears and get ready to have them opened.
Sierra Ferrell is playing Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Monday. If you're not familiar with Ferrell yet, she's one of the most exciting young voices in roots music. Her voice is absolutely captivating, and her songwriting has this timeless quality that'll hook you from the first note.
Speaking of the Mitten State, Sierra Hull is making a stop at the House of Culture in Helsinki, Finland on both Monday and Tuesday. I've seen Hull tear it up on the mandolin more times than I can count, and her shows are always a masterclass in tone, technique, and taste.
Bluegrass Royalty
Alison Krauss & Union Station are hitting the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana, Indiana on Tuesday. Krauss is one of the most awarded artists in Grammy history, and her collaborations with Union Station over the years have produced some of the most beautiful, emotionally resonant bluegrass albums ever recorded. This is a can't-miss show for any serious fan of the genre.
Speaking of not-to-be-missed shows, The Arcadian Wild is playing The Intersection in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday. This trio has been quietly making waves in the progressive bluegrass scene, and their intricate vocal harmonies and inventive arrangements are truly something special. If you haven't heard their latest album, Finch in a Firestorm, do yourself a favor and give it a listen before the show.
The Wandering Hours are bringing their unique brand of Americana to the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, Florida on Tuesday. This is a band that really defies easy genre classification — they've got bluegrass roots, but their sound incorporates elements of folk, country, and even a touch of jazz. If you're in the mood for something a little different, this is the show for you.
And rounding out Tuesday's highlights, I'm With Her (Sara Watkins, Aoife O'Donovan, and Sarah Jarosz) are playing The Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. These three powerhouse vocalists have been wowing audiences for years with their stunning harmonies and impeccable musicianship. Don't sleep on this one — it's going to be a special night.
Sleepers and Surprises
On Wednesday, keep an eye out for MahaviSoul at the San Diego County Library – Del Mar Branch in Del Mar, California. This up-and-coming quintet has been generating a lot of buzz in the bluegrass world, and their high-energy, groove-oriented sound is sure to get your toes tapping.
Also on Wednesday, the Walhalla Ramblers are taking the stage at Java Central Café and Roaster in Westerville, Ohio. These guys have a really cool, old-school vibe that harks back to the golden age of bluegrass, and their tight harmonies and lightning-fast picking are sure to impress.
Across the pond, Sociograss is playing Canvas Dundee in Dundee, Scotland on Wednesday. This collective of Scottish and English roots musicians has been making waves in the UK bluegrass scene, and their shows are always a lively, engaging affair.
And finally, don't sleep on East Nash Grass at Hop and Sting Brewing Company in Grapevine, Texas on Wednesday. This Nashville-based quintet has a really unique, genre-blending sound that incorporates elements of bluegrass, Americana, and even a touch of indie rock. It's always a fun time at their shows.
Festival Highlights
As if all those shows weren't enough, we've also got some killer festival action happening this week. At the 1000 Islands Bluegrass Festival in Clayton, New York, don't miss sets from the Atkins Family Band and the ever-reliable Gibson Brothers.
Over in Wimborne, Dorset, the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival is bringing in Sian & Rob Colquhoun to showcase their impeccable harmonies and masterful musicianship.
Out west, the Woollystar Music Festival 2026 in Markleeville, California is hosting a must-see performance from Never Come Down, a band that's been steadily building a reputation for their dynamic live shows and innovative bluegrass sound.
And finally, down in Nacogdoches, Texas, the Festival Park is welcoming the legendary The Little Roy and Lizzy Show. These two have been fixtures on the bluegrass circuit for decades, and their high-energy, good-time performances are always a highlight of any festival.
Whew, that's a lot of great music to take in! As always, you can find all the details on these shows and more over at GrassGigs.com. I'll be out on the road catching as many of these gigs as I can, so if you see me at a show, be sure to say hi. Until next time, keep pickin' and grinnin'!