The beloved Grey Fox Festival will once again transform the rolling fields of Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY, into a mountain of bluegrass, newgrass and roots music from Wednesday, July 16 through Sunday, July 20. With just 62 days until the gates swing open, festival organizers have put the finishing touches on newly leveled campground roads, upgraded facilities and an extraordinary daily lineup that promises something for every acoustic music enthusiast.
The festivities begin Wednesday evening at the Catskill Stage with the perennial Open Mic, where local musicians and seasoned pickers share the spotlight. That night’s featured sets by Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys and Mark Gamsjager & The Lustre Kings will set the tone for five nights of spontaneous collaborations and surprise appearances by 2025 Artist-in-Residence Woody Platt.
Thursday’s program spotlights Dry Branch Fire Squad as host band alongside Woody Platt’s Artist-in-Residence performances, Steep Canyon Rangers’ high-energy string wizardry, and “Hazel at 100,” a special set celebrating Hazel Dickens––performed by Della Mae with the legendary Laurie Lewis and Alice Gerrard. The Henhouse Prowlers, Lindsay Lou and Tony Furtado Trio round out an afternoon of bluegrass tradition, while The Wilder Flower and The Jean-Baptiste Cardineau Show bring fresh roots sensibilities to the evening.
Friday’s headliners include the Del McCoury Band and the acclaimed trio I’m With Her, joined by Woody Platt & The Bluegrass Gentlemen in a one-of-a-kind set. Music lovers can also catch contemporary highlights from JigJam, AJ Lee & Blue Summit and Campbell / Jensen, as well as Casey Driessen’s virtuosic fiddle work with Le Winston Band, Tanasi and the genre-bending sounds of Cécilia.
Saturday’s slate shines with Sam Bush, The California Honeydrops and Sierra Hull delivering their signature blend of innovation and improvisation. A centerpiece of the day will be “A Woodstock Celebration in Memory of Happy Traum,” featuring Adam Traum, Cindy Cashdollar, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Mike Merenda, Ruthy Ungar, Eugene Ruffolo, Sam Bush and Darol Anger. Complementing that tribute are sets from Noam Pikelny & Friends, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys and the all-star Red Shoe Stringjam house band.
Sunday morning opens with a moving gospel gathering hosted by Dry Branch Fire Squad, followed by the All-Festival Band Farewell. Attendees are invited to bring their own instruments and join in as musicians from across the weekend unite for one final communal jam.
Beyond the stages, Grey Fox offers six performance venues, camping under the stars, youth workshops, dance classes and a lively marketplace. Advance tickets and camping passes are on sale now at GreyFoxBluegrass.com, or by calling 315-404-5738. For artist updates, lodging information and full daily schedules, please visit GreyFoxBluegrass.com or email GreyFoxOffice@yahoo.com.
About Grey Fox Festival
Since its inception in the Great Northern Catskills, Grey Fox has become a cornerstone event for bluegrass and roots music, celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, legendary pick-up jams and commitment to musical craftsmanship. Each July, fans of all ages gather to unwind, smile and repeat amid the pastoral beauty of Walsh Farm.
