The Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival has revealed its lineup for the upcoming fourth beachfront festival set for September 2026, featuring renowned acts such as Little Feat, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart, among others.
Now entering its fourth year, the festival will take place at Sandy Point State Park on the picturesque Chesapeake Bay, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, 2026. Since its inception in 2022, the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival has quickly risen to prominence as one of the nation’s premier eco-friendly destination festivals. Music enthusiasts from 38 states, Canada, and Europe have flocked to this enchanting location to share in the celebration of progressive bluegrass, improvisational jam, and American roots music.
Attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of performances taking place on two alternating beachside stages throughout the weekend. Additional acts include Sam Bush, Mountain Grass Unit, TopHouse, Shadowgrass, SCYTHIAN, Sister Sadie, Fireside Collective, Midnight North, Jammy Buffet, Melody Trucks & The Fitzkee Brothers Band, and Geraldine. While the artists-at-large have yet to be disclosed, anticipation is already brewing.
Headlining this year’s festival is the legendary band Little Feat, known for their unique blend of rock, New Orleans funk, swamp boogie, jazz, and blues. With a dedicated multigenerational fan base, they are set to release new music alongside their farewell tour. Yonder Mountain String Band returns after their memorable performance at the inaugural festival in 2023. Béla Fleck, a 19-time Grammy Award winner across nine different categories, will grace the stage with his bluegrass band, My Bluegrass Heart. Also featured is Sam Bush, renowned as the “Father of Newgrass,” who has won the International Bluegrass Music Association Mandolin Player of the Year award three times and is a proud two-time inductee into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
“While curating this year’s lineup, beginning just after Baygrass 2025, we experienced a wonderful flow of timing, conversations, and opportunities that felt so characteristic of Baygrass,” shared John Way, co-founder, COO, and lead talent buyer. “From the start, my vision included opening with local artists on the rise and closing the weekend with legends who have touched our lives for decades. The result is a rich tapestry of music that offers not just outstanding performances, but also serves as a means of self-care, fostering connection within our community and with the environment, and ensuring everyone leaves a little happier than they arrived.”
In addition to the impressive lineup, the festival features a range of locally sourced food and beverages, including a beer garden and an oyster bar. Attendees can enjoy activities for all ages, such as beachfront yoga, games suitable for the beach and yard, music workshops, and a vibrant artisan village, along with a dedicated KidZone for younger guests.
Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival provides various local lodging options with premier hotels and camping sites in close proximity. These affordable accommodations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, catering to diverse budgets. Shuttle services will be available to transport guests from many of these lodgings to the festival venue.
With an emphasis on community-building and fostering positive change through music, the festival aims to create a unique and environmentally conscious event. The founders strive to bring joy to both attendees and artists, while also advocating for the protection of the Chesapeake Bay and supporting mental wellness initiatives.
A portion of every dollar spent on tickets, beverages, and merchandise contributes to the festival’s nonprofit partners—Watershed Stewards Academy, Oyster Recovery Partnership, and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Since its inception, the festival has raised over $114,000 for Chesapeake Bay conservation. Additionally, Baygrass artists and nonprofit collaborators will offer interactive workshops throughout the festival at the Workshop Pavilion.
“From its very inception, Annapolis Baygrass has united individuals through music to support the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and promote mental wellness,” stated Ron Peremel, the festival’s founder and CEO. “Our vision has come to fruition thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of our fans, musicians, staff, volunteers, and partners, all of whom play integral roles in advancing our mission.”
Two-Day General Admission and VIP Passes are currently available at their lowest Early Bird prices on the Annapolis Baygrass website, where they can be purchased until March 10 at 10 a.m., prior to the release of Advance 1 tickets.
