Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on December 30, 2025
Grateful Festival returns May 22–24, 2026 in Flagstaff, AZ with Cubensis, Electric Waste Band, Easy Jim, yoga, camping, and Dead-inspired community vibes.
Happy Friday, Deadheads. If Santa somehow missed your stocking this year, consider this your friendly reminder: discounted early-bird tickets for the 7th Annual Grateful Festival are still available through December 31. The independently owned, community-driven celebration returns May 22–24, 2026 to the cool pines of Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds in Flagstaff, Arizona—a mile-high (actually 7,000 feet) gathering rooted in Jerry Garcia’s enduring spirit and the music that continues to flow from it.
Grateful Festival has quietly become one of the Southwest’s most beloved boutique Dead events, blending top-tier tribute bands, laid-back mountain vibes, and a genuine sense of family. This year’s lineup leans heavily into the Grateful Dead universe while still leaving room for surprises, jam-adjacent favorites, and homegrown regional talent. At the heart of the weekend are Cubensis (CA) and the legendary Electric Waste Band (CA), each performing two full sets across two days, ensuring plenty of deep grooves, exploratory jams, and shared smiles under the Arizona sky.
Joining them are longtime Dead torchbearers and scene favorites including Easy Jim (CO), Xtra Ticket (AZ), Legion of Mario (AZ), Easy Wind (CA), Flagship of Fools (AZ), BrotherSound (NM), Red Eye Gin (NV), Bush League (AZ), Crosstown Players (AZ), and more. Sunset campfire sets with Dave Logan Band & Friends on Saturday and Sunday promise those extra-special, only-at-this-festival moments.
The weekend kicks off properly with a Friday Night Welcome Concert featuring a full two-set performance by Electric Waste Band, blowing minds since 1989. From there, the festival unfolds at an unhurried pace that encourages connection as much as celebration—something the organizers have championed since day one.
Beyond the music, Grateful Festival continues to stand out for its thoughtful, people-first approach. Free morning yoga on Saturday and Sunday is led by Pamela S. Cox, with live musical accompaniment by Craig Yarbrough. Kids 12 and under get in free, teens enjoy deeply discounted tickets, and everyone benefits from FREE water, FREE parking, FREE re-entry, and a welcoming, inclusive environment. As the organizers like to say: Everyone is a VIP.
Camping and RV packages—available exclusively through Grateful Festival—go on sale in January 2026, with vending and volunteer opportunities rolling out in the months prior. A portion of festival proceeds is donated back into the Flagstaff community through multiple nonprofit partners, continuing a tradition that has raised more than $140,000 locally over the years.
If you’re looking for a Dead-centered gathering that prioritizes music, community, affordability, and authenticity over flash and excess, this is your sign. Early-bird pricing ends December 31—don’t sleep on it.
Grateful Festival 2026
May 22–24, 2026
Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds – Flagstaff, AZ
Tickets & Info:
https://gratefulfestival.ticketspice.com/gf26
Lineup Highlights
Electric Waste Band (CA) – 2 days
Cubensis (CA) – 2 days
Easy Jim (CO)
Xtra Ticket (AZ)
Legion of Mario (AZ)
Easy Wind (CA)
Flagship of Fools (AZ)
BrotherSound (NM)
Red Eye Gin (NV)
Bush League (AZ)
Crosstown Players (AZ)
Dave Logan & Friends – Campfire Sets (Sat & Sun)
Craig Yarbrough and more
Only buy tickets and camping directly through Grateful Festival, and beware of third-party sellers. All ticket sales go through the festival—if you need help transferring tickets, the team has your back.
Come for the music. Stay for the magic. 🌹
