Article Contributed by Dreamspider Publicity
Published on 2026-04-15
Sat & Sun, Sept. 19 & 20, 2026
There are festivals, and then there are gatherings with purpose. The Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival has quickly grown into the latter—a place where music, community, and environmental stewardship meet along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Now entering its fourth year, Baygrass returns to Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 19–20, 2026, bringing with it an expanded lineup and a mission that continues to resonate far beyond the stage.
This year’s announcement adds three dynamic Artists-at-Large—Allie Kral, Alvin Lee, and Patrick Rainey—who will weave their improvisational magic throughout the weekend, joining an already stacked bill featuring Little Feat; Yonder Mountain String Band; Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart; Sam Bush; Mountain Grass Unit; TopHouse; Shadowgrass; SCYTHIAN; Sister Sadie; Fireside Collective; Midnight North; Jammy Buffet; Melody Trucks & The Fitzkee Brothers Band; and Geraldine.
Set across two alternating beachside stages, the festival promises a continuous flow of music and collaboration. The Artists-at-Large concept remains one of Baygrass’s defining elements, allowing standout musicians to appear across multiple sets, creating once-in-a-lifetime moments rooted in spontaneity and connection.
Allie Kral brings a wide-ranging musical voice shaped by classical training and years in the jamgrass world, including a decade with Yonder Mountain String Band. Her playing effortlessly bridges Bach and Pink Floyd, delivering an emotional and exploratory edge. Alvin Lee, founder of The Lee Boys, infuses the lineup with Sacred Steel traditions—joyful, gospel-rooted, and driven by funk and blues energy. Baltimore-based saxophonist Patrick Rainey adds a soulful, genre-bending presence, known for blending rock, funk, and roots into a deeply expressive sound.
Since its inception, Baygrass has evolved into one of the country’s premier eco-conscious destination festivals, drawing fans from across the United States and beyond. But the music is only part of the story. At its core, Baygrass is built on a mission: to support Chesapeake Bay restoration and promote mental wellness through community engagement and shared experience.
“From the beginning, Annapolis Baygrass has brought people together through music to support Chesapeake Bay restoration and mental wellness,” says CEO and Co-Founder Ron Peremel. “Our new tagline, Every Jam Heals the Bay, reflects what our community already knows—music heals.”
That philosophy is woven into every aspect of the festival. A portion of every ticket, beverage, and merchandise purchase supports nonprofit partners including Watershed Stewards Academy, Oyster Recovery Partnership, and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Since launching, the event has raised more than $114,000 for conservation efforts.
Beyond the stages, Baygrass offers immersive programming through its Bay Guardian Village and Wellness Way, where attendees can explore conservation initiatives, participate in mental health workshops, and engage with community partners. Festivalgoers can also enjoy beachfront yoga, a dedicated sober space, and interactive sessions led by artists and educators.
Co-Founder Ron Katz captures the spirit best: “Baygrass makes sound waves to create clean waves.” What began as a mission to heal the Bay has grown into something broader—supporting both environmental restoration and the well-being of the people connected to it.
The festival experience extends well beyond the music. A curated selection of local food, craft beverages, seafood, BBQ, and vegan offerings highlights the region’s flavors, while activities range from workshops and games to a vibrant artisan village and KidZone. VIP options elevate the weekend with exclusive viewing areas, private performances, chef-prepared meals, and premium amenities.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Sandy Point State Park—with views of the Chesapeake Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the historic Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse—the festival offers both scenic beauty and accessibility, including ADA-compliant facilities and convenient lodging and shuttle options.
As Baygrass continues to grow, its identity remains clear: a festival where music meets meaning, where community meets purpose, and where every note played carries a ripple beyond the shoreline.
For tickets, lodging, volunteer opportunities, and more information, visit annapolisbaygrass.com.
