Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-03-29
As the chilly mornings give way to crocuses and snowdrops, spring has arrived in the Finger Lakes—and with it comes the long-awaited return of one of the country’s most beloved independent music gatherings. The 34th Annual Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance has officially unveiled its 2026 lineup, once again promising a deeply diverse, community-driven celebration of global roots music.
Hosted by festival founders and Americana mainstays Donna The Buffalo, this year’s gathering brings together an expansive and vibrant roster of artists from across genres and continents. Among the highlights: Grammy Award-winning folk visionary and MacArthur “Genius” recipient Rhiannon Giddens, blues legend Taj Mahal, and bluegrass royalty Del McCoury Band.
The 2026 lineup continues the festival’s long-standing commitment to global sounds and cultural exchange, featuring Latin Grammy-winning Venezuelan cuatro ensemble C4 Trio, Yemeni punk-folk innovators El Khat, Senegalese sabar master Aba Diop Trio, and the powerful return of Ukrainian folk quartet Dakhabrakha. Roots reggae pioneers John Brown’s Body, Ireland’s high-energy family outfit The Byrne Brothers, and Louisiana Zydeco heavyweights Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band—alongside Zydeco legend Preston Frank—round out just a portion of the more than 80 artists set to perform.
Beyond the stages, the GrassRoots experience once again expands with the return of the 8th Annual GrassRoots Culture Camp, taking place July 12–15 in the days leading up to the festival. Known for its immersive, hands-on approach, Culture Camp offers attendees the rare chance to learn directly from festival artists through workshops, collaborative sessions, and nightly Dinner & Dance gatherings that embody the spirit of the event.
For more than three decades, the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival has stood as a beacon of independent music culture—equal parts festival, family reunion, and global crossroads. With its 34th edition, that spirit remains as strong as ever.
Fans are encouraged to explore the full lineup and secure tickets early to take advantage of advance pricing and prepare for another unforgettable summer gathering.
Tickets & Info:
https://www.grassrootsfest.org/tickets
