Article Contributed by Ariel Rosemberg
Published on 2026-04-23
Photo: Courtesy of DelFest
Cumberland, MD (April 23, 2026) — DelFest is one month away. From May 21-24, the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD will host four full days of music led by The Del McCoury Band and The Travelin' McCourys, bringing together one of the most complete lineups in roots and bluegrass music for the 2026 season.
This year's bill features Allison Krauss & Union Station, Punch Brothers, Blackberry Smoke, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Sierra Ferrell with Water Tower, the Infamous Stringdusters, Sierra Hull and over 20 more bands, most of whom are arriving to the festival gates with brand new music too.
One of this year's most anticipated collaborations is the Toy Factory Project, a tribute to the Marshall Tucker Band. At the helm is the original MTB drummer Paul T. Riddle, joined by a lineup that bridges generations of Southern rock and improv: Marcus King, Oteil Burbridge, Charlie Starr, Josh Schilling, and the newly announced Sam Bush.
Fans can expect the high-level musicianship and looseness that define DelFest.
Additional highlights include The Travelin' McCourys Super Jam, an unscripted, all-hands collaboration across the Sunday lineup; Marty Stuart's Psychedelic Cosmic Jam, which leans into extended honky-tonk exploration; a special full Irish set from Gaelic Storm; and the Infamous Stringdusters.
For Grateful Web readers, the DelFest lineup once again carries strong jamgrass and Dead-adjacent energy, especially with Oteil Burbridge on site, Sam Bush in the mix, and the open-ended spirit that defines the Super Jam tradition.
DelFest also continues to be built for more than just the stage.
The festival's KidZone offers an interactive space to keep younger fans engaged throughout the weekend. It's all about creativity and participation, and it's fully led by volunteers.
And finally, this year's DelFest will debut the Young Guns, a supergroup composed of the best young pickers from across the Mid-Atlantic.
A call to action was issued ahead of the Travelin' McCourys Spring Tour, bringing together many random players to perform as the opening band. No rehearsal, no soundcheck, just an opportunity.
After deliberation by the Travelin' McCourys, the four “official” Young Guns were selected, coming together once again to perform on the DelFest stage.
DelFest's setting remains a core part of the experience.
Cumberland is a different pace — mountain views, access to the outdoors, and a great local scene. Within a few hours' drive of major East Coast cities, it offers a clear break from the day to day and serves as the official summer kickoff, without the hassle of a major trip.
Festival Details
DelFest 2026
May 21-24, 2026
Allegany County Fairgrounds
Cumberland, Maryland
Tickets, lineup details, and travel info can be found at www.delfest.com.
