Article Contributed by McGuckin Entertainment PR
Published on February 3, 2026
The heart of Sonoma County will be picking, stomping, and swinging again this spring as the Sonoma County Bluegrass & Folk Festival returns for its 22nd annual celebration on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Presented by the California Bluegrass Association (CBA), the one-day gathering brings a full day of live music, dancing, workshops, and community to the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, running from noon to 9 p.m.
Long-time festival favorite Laurie Lewis teams up with legendary guitarist Nina Gerber for a special collaboration sure to be one of the weekend’s standout moments. The 2026 lineup also features two acclaimed national touring bands: Five Mile Mountain Road from Franklin County, Virginia—featuring Solano County’s own Josh Gooding on mandolin—and Minnesota’s beloved bluegrass powerhouse Monroe Crossing.
Northern California is well represented with performances by the Evie Ladin Band, Jesse Appelman’s West Coast Stringband Project, and the Manning Music youth spotlight. Evie Ladin will also lead the festival’s big, inclusive square dance, inviting everyone to the floor.
In addition to live performances, the festival offers workshops, cultural demonstrations, open jamming spaces, and a variety of food and drink options—making it a true celebration of roots music and community.
Noon–12:30 p.m. — CBA After School Bluegrass showcase (Main Stage)
12:40–1:10 p.m. — Mesoamerican Sounds with Pulso de Barro
1:20–2:15 p.m. — Jesse Appelman’s West Coast Stringband Project
2:25–3:05 p.m. — Manning Music Youth Spotlight
2:30 p.m. — Vocal Workshop with Michaela Mae and Ryan Harlin (Annex)
3:15–4:10 p.m. — Monroe Crossing
3:45 p.m. — Son Jarocho Demonstration by Pulso de Barro (Annex)
4:20–5:15 p.m. — Evie Ladin Band
5:25–6:20 p.m. — Five Mile Mountain Road
6:35–7:35 p.m. — Laurie Lewis & Nina Gerber
7:50–8:45 p.m. — Festival-Wide Square Dance with KC Heil’s All-Star Dance Band & caller Evie Ladin
The Sonoma County Bluegrass & Folk Festival is presented by the California Bluegrass Association, with the support of the Sonoma County Folk Society and the Sebastopol Kiwanis Club.
Tickets are on sale now at sonomabluegrassfolk.org.
Second mention: For updates and ticket details, visit the California Bluegrass Association and keep an eye on our festival calendar as the Sonoma County Bluegrass & Folk Festival returns to the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center on March 14.
