2026 Annapolis Baygrass Press Coverage:

Nominees Announced for 2026 IBMA Industry & Momentum Awards

The IBMA Industry Awards, presented by the Benwood Foundation, recognize outstanding work in non-performing industry categories and honor the individuals who help advance bluegrass music and support its artists.

EVENT OF THE YEAR
Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival
Annapolis, Maryland

Bluegrass in La Roche at 20
La Roche-sur-Foron, France

Bluegrass Spartanburg
Spartanburg, South Carolina

CBA 50th Anniversary Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival
Grass Valley, California

Marysville Winter Bluegrass Series
Marysville, Ohio

How a Love of Beer, Bluegrass, and the Bay Led to the Birth of an Ecofriendly Festival

This story starts the same way a lot of great stories start – with beer and the great outdoors.

A beer garden, to be exact. Not one that would just fill the cups of patrons, but one that would have an environmental impact on one of the most important bodies of water in the United States: the Chesapeake Bay.

While Ron Peremel, the man behind this story, later decided that a music festival was better suited to accomplish this goal, his vision remained the same – protect a natural resource that was close to his heart and have fun while doing it.

IBMA announces Industry and Momentum Award nominees

The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced the nominees for its 2026 Industry and Momentum Awards.

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival is among 5 nominees for Event of the Year!

Event of the Year

• Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival – Annapolis, Maryland
• Bluegrass in La Roche at 20 – La Roche-sur-Foron, France
• Bluegrass Spartanburg – Spartanburg, South Carolina
• CBA 50th Anniversary Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival – Grass Valley, California
• Marysville Winter Bluegrass Series – Marysville, Ohio

SEE ALL THE Momentum Award Nominees

Annapolis Baygrass Announces Friday Night Kickoff Party at Maryland Hall

The evening will feature two sets from Jammy Buffet, along with an opening performance by Cumberland Honey. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with music scheduled from 7 to 11 p.m. in Maryland Hall’s newly renovated Main Theatre.

Annapolis Baygrass Festival 2026 Adds Artists-at-Large Allie Kral, Alvin Lee, and Patrick Rainey

Allie Kral is legendary and simply shreds. We’ve been fans of her since we first saw her with Cornmeal and sitting in with Yonder at Northwest String Summit many years ago. As serendipity would have it, Allie ended up a permanent member of Yonder from 2014 to 2022. The potential for a reunion at Baygrass is awesome.

Annapolis Festivals 2026: Summer & Early Fall Guide

Annapolis doesn’t really do a quiet summer. Between Memorial Day weekend and the first frost, someone around here’s probably setting up a stage, frying something delicious, and in some cases, bringing in national acts. We counted 15 festivals worth knowing about in and around Annapolis between now and early November.

Little Feat To Headline 2026 Annapolis Baygrass Festival; Tickets On Sale Now

The biggest headline in this year’s lineup is Little Feat, which will anchor the 2-day beachfront festival. The band’s appearance is a rare chance to see the legendary group in an intimate Chesapeake Bay setting as part of its farewell-era run.

Baygrass 2026 Welcomes Allie Kral, Alvin Lee, and Patrick Rainey as Artists-at-Large

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

A Roundup of Country, Americana & Bluegrass Festivals in 2026

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, Sept. 19-20, Annapolis, Md. Performers include: Little Feat, Yonder Mountain String Band, Sam Bush

Annapolis Baygrass Announces 2026 Lineup: Little Feat, Yonder Mountain String Band, Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Mountain Grass Unit, more!

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival has been crushing the lineups since its inception just a few short years ago. For 2026, they once again went big, putting together a well-rounded roster of heavy-hitting legends, momentum-riding up-and-comers, and a few surprise twists.

Annapolis Baygrass announces dates and lineup, including Little Feat

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival has announced its line up for its fourth beachfront festival in September 2026, which includes Little Feat, Yonder Mountain String Band, Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart, and more.

Little Feat, YMSB, Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart, Sam Bush Top 2026 Annapolis Baygrass Lineup

The two-day event is set for September 19 – 20, 2026 at Sandy Point State Park along the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland.

Little Feat, YMSB, Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart, Sam Bush Top 2026 Annapolis Baygrass Lineup

Annapolis Baygrass will gather renowned and emerging voices in progressive bluegrass, jam bands, and American roots music, including 19-time Grammy-winning Béla Fleck and his My Bluegrass Heart band, consisting of Michael Cleveland (fiddle), Dominick Leslie (mandolin), Jeff Partin (dobro), Mark Schatz (bass), and Jake Stargel (guitar). Fellow newgrass pioneer and Fleck’s former New Grass Revival bandmate Sam Bush will also perform.

Annapolis Baygrass Welcomes Little Feat, Yonder Mountain, Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Mountain Grass Unit, TopHouse, Shadowgrass, SCYTHIAN and more! Sept 19 & 20, 2026

Annapolis Baygrass has grown into one of the country’s top eco-focused destination festivals since its inception in 2022 and first festival in 2023. Lovers of progressive bluegrass, improvisational jam, and American roots music have traveled from 38 U.S. states, Canada, and Europe to enjoy the country’s top eco-friendly destination festival along the Chesapeake Bay.

2025 Annapolis Baygrass Press Coverage:

Annapolis Baygrass Festival 2025 Recap: Building Community & Breaking Boundaries

By Matt Hoffman

“The festival’s lineup offered a fascinating study in tradition and authenticity, modernity and originality, both in terms of the artists who appeared, as well as their song choices and collaborations.”

Annapolis Baygrass Arrives as a Premiere Destination Festival

By Jason Law

“At Festy GoNuts, we always push the culture and adventure around music festivals. We urge visitors to extend their trips whenever they can and create greater experiences, with longer-lasting memories. No fest offers this opportunity more than Baygrass.”

Bluegrass, Beaches, and Unbeatable Vibes: Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival Delivers in Full

By Maximilian Vanegas

“At Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival this past September, we were treated to all of the above as fans from across the country gathered on the sunny shores of Sandy Point State Park to celebrate great music, awesome vibes, tasty food, and beautiful views.”

Every Jam Saves the Bay: Highlights from the 2025 Annapolis Baygrass Festival

By Howard Horder

“The Annapolis Baygrass Festival has something for everyone. This is a great weekend on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Walking on the beach, getting sandy and swimming makes for a near perfect festival experience.”

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival – 2025-Annapolis, Maryland – Sandy Point State Park

By Rebecca Wolf

“Baygrass provided outdoor activities and workshops for all ages, an incredible range of locally sourced foods and drinks, a marketplace filled with the creativity and brilliance of artisans and crafters and an overarching feeling of warmth and community that radiated amongst the crowd and festival staff.”

Baygrass 2025 – Do Good. Feel Good. Make it Fun

By Karin McLaughlin

“Baygrass has improved their lineup, experience and environmental awareness as well as impact year after year and provided a late-Summer/early-Fall event that we cannot wait to continue being a part of and see what they’ll give us in 2026!”

PLUS: Interview with 2025 Baygrasser Kyle Hollingsworth (of String Cheese Incident)

Going Down to the Bay: The Annapolis Bay Grass Festival – 9/21/25

By Frank Thompson

“Another great festival put on by the Shores of the Chesapeake, great weather, beautiful setting, great friends, and outstanding music.”

Annapolis Baygrass Bringing Bluegrass With Purpose To The Chesapeake Bay

“More than just a great lineup at the intersection of bluegrass and jam bands, Annapolis Baygrass is a music festival with a purpose. A portion of every ticket, beverage, snack, and t-shirt sold will go directly to the festival’s partner non-profit organizations (NPOs) and their hands-on restoration and protection initiatives in the Chesapeake Bay.”

Annapolis Baygrass Festival Announces Daily Schedules, Theme, Workshops and more.

“More exciting news from Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival – one of the best new music festivals to pop up on the East coast, in Annapolis, MD.”

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival stage and workshop schedule announced

“Baygrass artists and the festival’s nonprofit partners will host interactive workshops and exhibits focused on music, Bay conservation, and mental wellness. Leading by example, Baygrass has become one of the nation’s top eco-focused festivals.”

Annapolis Baygrass Festival: A Model for Sustainable Music Events

“Against the serene backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay, a different kind of music festival is taking root. The Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival isn’t just about the tunes: it’s a celebration of harmony among music, environmental responsibility, and community well-being.”

Annapolis Baygrass Announces 2025 Lineup: Greensky Bluegrass, Kitchen Dwellers, Railroad Earth, MORE!

“Annapolis Baygrass had what many considered one of the best music festival lineups of 2024, contributing to its BEST OVERALL MUSIC FESTIVAL win in the recently announced 2024 Festy Awards.

With such prestigious recognition, it was safe to wonder how they would follow up, and if this young music festival had perhaps already peaked.

Their response to that: they’re just getting warmed up!”

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival 2025 Lineup Lands Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth & More

“Additional Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival 2025 performers include The Travelin’ McCourys, whose appearances include hosting a Grateful Ball set as part of the festival’s Grateful Dead 60th anniversary celebration. Also on the lineup are LaMP (Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski), Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land, Sam Grisman Project, The Last Revel, Midnight North, Pressing Strings and Geraldine. “

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival Sets Initial 2025 Lineup: Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, More

“Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival will return on September 20th and 21st, 2025 for another year of top-tier bluegrass and jams to raise money for Chesapeake Bay restoration. Topping the lineup for the third-annual music festival are Greensky Bluegrass (two sets), Railroad Earth, and Kitchen Dwellers, plus a surprise headliner to be announced in June.”

Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Kitchen Dwellers Lead 2025 Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival

“For its third year, Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival returns to its beachfront location at Sandy Point State Park along the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland, on Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, 2025. Annapolis Baygrass will welcome 14 bands and three artists-at-large over two days on two alternating beachside stages.”

Annapolis Baygrass Festival 2025 – A Winning Formula In The DMV – Washes Ashore September 20-21, 2025

“Over a beautiful fall weekend, fans will get to enjoy music from headliner Greensky Bluegrass, who will perform two sets. The second headliner has yet to be announced, but rest assured, it will be worth the wait.”

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival Announces Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Kitchen Dwellers

“For its third year, Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival returns to its beachfront location at Sandy Point State Park along the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland, on Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, 2025. People from all over the region and across North America celebrate in this picturesque destination while listening to the finest music rooted in progressive bluegrass, improvisational jam, and American roots music. Annapolis Baygrass will welcome 14 bands and three artists-at-large over two days on two alternating beachside stages.”

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival Announces Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Kitchen Dwellers

“Annapolis Baygrass is thrilled to announce the 2025 lineup! Widely known for their dazzling live performances and incredible light shows, festival headliners Greensky Bluegrass will perform two sets. The festival is thrilled to have these seasoned road warriors from Michigan make their Baygrass debut! “

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival Returns in 2025 with Stellar Lineup

“The Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival is set to return for its third year at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 20-21, 2025. The waterfront festival will feature 14 bands and three artists-at-large across two alternating beachside stages, showcasing the best in progressive bluegrass, improvisational jam, and Americana.”

2024 Annapolis Baygrass Press Coverage:

Annapolis Baygrass Festival 2024 Review: A Homecoming Celebration

“After the 2023 Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, Festy GoNuts wrote that the inaugural event in Maryland already “felt like home.” Returning to Baygrass Festival in 2024 felt like a 𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈. And, like any Homecoming, there was a court, a band, a theme, and even a King. 👑 “

Live Review: Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival @ Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis, MD) — 9/21-9/22/24

“This year’s festival was even bigger and better than last year. Imagine standing on the sandy beach at Sandy Point State Park, feeling the breeze off the water, and watching the huge Bay Bridge stretch across the water while incredible musicians played their hearts out on stage. Kids splashed in the bay, families spread out picnic blankets, and the smell of delicious crab cakes filled the air.”

Every Jam Saves The Bay: Collaborations Abound At 2nd Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival

“There’s no telling what’s in store for Baygrass 2025, but it’s worth seeing this festival that’s on a path to becoming the next household name in bluegrass festivals. “

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival Wins Again With Daniel Donato, Cris Jacobs, Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Dirty Grass Players & More

“…this is just the beginning of what promises to be a long & fruitful relationship between Annapolis, the Chesapeake Bay, and what is truly some of the best live music and community vibes one can be fortunate enough to experience. “

We All Went Craygrass For Annapolis Baygrass 2024

“Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, held on September 21st and 22nd, featured an all-star lineup, enjoyable weather, and smiling faces stretched the length of Sandy Point State Park from the water to the parking lot – all key indications that ticket holders were in for a phenomenal two days.”

Sam Bush Reflects On His Role As A Newgrass Pioneer [Interview]

“Bush continues to tour the festival circuit and collaborate with the new generation of musicians who have taken up the bluegrass mantle, and next month, he will take his new eponymous band to the conservation-focused Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival to perform alongside a lineup featuring many of his musical successors”

Soak up the Waterfront at These Fall Festivals Around the Bay

“Headlined by one of the biggest bluegrass bands in the country, the Infamous Stringdusters, this fundraiser-in-disguise is one of the best all-ages music festivals in the area. And since it’s located on the edge of the Chesapeake Bay, you can enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes while you’re dancing.”

Meet Ron Peremel, Founder of Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival

“This month, we interview the founder and director of the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, Ron Peremel. The festival will hold its second annual weekend of live music with a roots- and rock-oriented lineup boasting world-class musicians on September 21–22 at Sandy Point State Park.”

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival is coming back — and it’s bringing a new beer with it!

“Baytoberfest beer aims to raise awareness and funding for Chesapeake Bay conservation. For every six-pack of Baytoberfest Beer sold, $1 from Pherm Brewing and its distributor Otherside Beverage Project and 5% of revenues generated at the Baygrass festival will be donated to three non-profit organizations that work tirelessly to protect and restore the Bay.”

Stellar Lineup Announced for Annapolis Baygrass Festival (September 21-22)

“The festival features 14 bands across two stages with no overlapping performances. Attendees can also enjoy interactive workshops, beachside yoga, yard games, children’s activities in the KidZone, and local craft vendors.”

Annapolis Baygrass Festival 2024 & Its All-Star Lineup Is Coming September 21 & 22, 2024

“The greater Washington DC / Baltimore Metro Area music scene thrives and has fully recovered from the pandemic years.  Proof of our thriving music scene has been the emergence of new music festivals taking root throughout the region. One of the latest festivals to appear on the DMV’s music calendar is the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival“

Oteil & Friends, The Infamous Stringdusters and More to Take Part in Second Annual Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival

“Inspired by long summer days and moonlit evenings, the event will coincide with the Fall Equinox, further accentuating the nature of the two-day live music gathering–detailed today with the arrival of its artist lineup.”

Annapolis Baygrass Festival Details 2024 Lineup: Oteil & Friends, Leftover Salmon, Kitchen Dwellers, More

“As festival co-founder Ron Peremel, a certified watershed steward, explained to Live For Live Music of the event’s unique conservation focus, ‘Everybody in this area, they care about the watershed of the Chesapeake Bay. They play, swim, fish, boat, crab in it. They’re economically affected by it. It’s a really important thing that people care about, but don’t know how to fix it.'”

ANNAPOLIS BAYGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2024 FESTIVAL LINEUP: OTEIL & FRIENDS, INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS, LEFTOVER SALMON, SAM BUSH, MORE.

“An amazing lineup, an unparalleled beachfront location, elevated food and drink options in an environmentally-conscious environment with a mission to protect the bay and support mental health in the community – THIS IS WHY WE BAYGRASS!”

Baygrass invites you to stomp & holler on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay this summer

“The enchanting melodies of bluegrass and folk music are set to sweep across the shores of the Chesapeake Bay once again as the 2024 Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival returns to Sandy Point State Park on September 21st and 22nd for another unforgettable gathering. With anticipation mounting and excitement in the air, festival-goers are gearing up for an end-of-summer celebration like no other, where the beauty of the bay meets the soul-stirring sounds of live music.”

ANNAPOLIS BAYGRASS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINEUP SEPTEMBER 21-22, 2024

“The 2nd annual Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival takes place Saturday & Sunday, September 21-22 on the gorgeous eastern beach at Sandy Point State Park along Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, MD. Highlighting the finest in regional and national bluegrass, jamgrass, funkgrass, and Americana music, this conservation and community-focused musical event was listed as a “Don’t-Miss Bay Music Festival” by Chesapeake Bay Magazine. A family-friendly festival, Annapolis Baygrass draws people from all over the country and the region to enjoy the unique beachfront destination. “

Annapolis Baygrass Lands Oteil Burbridge & Friends, Infamous Stringdusters & More For 2024 Lineup

“Bassist Oteil Burbridge will lead an ensemble made up of Melvin Seals, Steve Kimock, Jason Crosby, Johnny Kimock, Tom Guarna and Lamar Williams Jr. The Annapolis Baygrass 2024 lineup also includes Leftover Salmon, Sam Bush, Kitchen Dwellers, Sierra Hull, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Cris Jacobs & Friends, Trouble No More, The Lil Smokies, The Dirty Grass Players, Big Richard Band, Brown Eyed Women and Geraldine. The fest’s horn-playing Artists-At-Large include Ron Holloway, and Trey Anastasio Band members Jennifer Hartswick and Natalie Cressman.”

Leftover Salmon, Sam Bush, Oteil & Friends, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Lead 2024 Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival

“The 2nd annual Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival will takes place Saturday & Sunday, September 21-22 on the eastern beach at Sandy Point State Park along Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, MD. Over two days, Annapolis Baygrass will host 14 bands across two alternating stages as well as an interactive workshop pavilion.”

2023 Baygrass Festival Press Coverage:

Inaugural Annapolis Baygrass Festival Already Feels Like Home: REVIEW

“Baygrass became a verb.  An action, a state, an occurrence.  When we chose to attend Baygrass, we chose to Baygrass.  We were committing to not impacting the environment with our festival activities.  We were accepting that the Chesapeake Bay needs to be protected and restored. We were supporting the mental health of our friends, family and community. “

Every Jam Saves The Bay: Annapolis Baygrass Festival Aims For Education & Conservation Through Music

“While the event’s name may seem like a simple play on words for a bluegrass festival on the bay, its multiple layers of significance underscore the festival’s mission of preserving and revitalizing the crucial Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.”

Interview with Founders Ron Peremel and John Way

Listen to an interview with Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival founders Ron Peremel and John Way.

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival Lands Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth & More For 2023 Lineup

Annapolis Baygrass will feature performances on two alternating stages with plenty of space to enjoy the music amid breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay. Locally curated culinary options available at the festival will include fresh lump crab cakes, roasted and raw oysters, gourmet BBQ, wood-fired pizes and vegetarian delights. The Baytober Beer Garden will sell a variety of microbrews with fresh craft cocktails, mocktails and wine served at the waterfront Blue Crab Beach Bar.

MORE BUZZ:

Jambands.com: “Oteil & Friends, The Infamous Stringdusters and More to Take Part in Second Annual Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival” READ MORE

Broadway World: “ANNAPOLIS BAYGRASS FESITVAL To Return This September” READ MORE

Eye on Annapolis: “Tickets on sale NOW for Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival”  READ MORE

Eye on Annapolis:  “Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival is a two-day beachfront music festival at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, MD, that highlights the best in regional and national bluegrass, jamgrass, and Americana music.”  READ MORE

Grateful Web: “ANNAPOLIS BAYGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FULL 2023 LINEUP”  READ MORE

MD Theatre Guide: “Concert News: Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival at Sandy Point State Park.”  READ MORE

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