Now in its 21st year and 6th at the South Mason Youth Soccer Park, Bluegrass from the Forest is July 10–12, 2026. Three days, two stages, all volunteer. The whole event is hosted by the Kristmas Town Kiwanis, and every dollar that's not keeping the music going on goes back into the local community.
It's become a fixture on the Northwest bluegrass circuit and one of those summer traditions that gets people coming from around the region.
If you've been before, you know there’s a lot going on. Master workshops, kids' programming, a Saturday night country dance, all-night campground jams, and the legendary midnight hotdog run.
The 2026 Lineup
Remedy Tree (FL) — Florida's Americana band, second place at the SPBGMA National Band Championship, signed to Mountain Fever Records in 2024. They've shared stages with Ricky Skaggs, Peter Rowan, Rhonda Vincent, The Steeldrivers. Lyric-driven, foot-stomping, heart-on-sleeve. Facebook · Website
Unspoken Tradition (NC) — A North Carolina quintet on Mountain Home Music Company, with four #1 singles on Bluegrass Today and an album that debuted at #5 on the Billboard bluegrass charts. Western North Carolina soul, modern roots edge. Facebook · Website
Union City Council Band (WA) — Local through and through. Based right here on Hood Canal, formed out of a mutual love for traditional bluegrass and quickly becoming a Pacific Northwest favorite. Guy Demartino and Greg Linder on guitars, Donald Strand on dobro and mandolin, Martin Strand on bass, Gwendolyn Taylor on fiddle. Instagram
Hemlock Revival (WA) — The PNW's newest bluegrass supergroup, six pieces deep, formed at an Outlanders jam. They've already played Wintergrass. Tasteful traditional tunes, fresh renderings, and the kind of harmonies that come from people who actually like playing together. Facebook · Instagram
Runaway Train (WA) — Host band, Pacific Northwest mainstay, the folks who help keep this whole thing running. Tight harmonies, clean pickin', traditional bluegrass with an edge. Greg Linder on guitar (Union, WA), Kent Powell on bass (Tacoma), Nolan Ewell on mandolin (Federal Way), John Bennett on fiddle (Maltby), Tom Keeney on banjo (Seattle).
Bar-K Buckaroos (OR) — Headlining the Saturday night country dance. Western swing in the style of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, with a six-piece band out of Oregon's north coast.
Beyond the Main Stage
The Showcase Stage runs Marv's Slow Jam, the returning Band Scramble, a Mandolin Tasting, and Open Mic sessions throughout the weekend.
Kids ages 8–18 can sign up for the free Chick Rose School of Bluegrass Saturday morning, 10 AM to noon. They get coached by advanced musicians, then take the main stage at 6:30 PM that evening. No charge.
Tickets (Early Bird through June 22, 2026)
Weekend Pass: $55
Family Weekend Pass (2 adults + up to 4 kids): $110
Friday evening / Saturday afternoon / Saturday evening / Sunday: $20 each
All-day Saturday: $35
Ages 13–17: $10.50 single show, $17.50 all-Saturday
Age 12 & under: free with adult
Saturday night country dance: free with any wristband, $15 at the door
Dry camping (Thurs–Sun): $15/night, requires at least one performance ticket
Same price online or at the gate, no service charge. Advance tickets in Shelton at Bob Land Records, Builders FirstSource, and Shelton Music.
Festival website:bluegrassfromtheforest.com
Festival Facebook:facebook.com/bluegrassfromtheforest
Beginning on the Saturday morning youth are divided into groups according to their musical ability, they are coached by advanced musicians (often the national performer band members!) to create a special performance Saturday on the main stage.
Camping on site is just $15/night!
Saturday night features the famous "midnight hot-dogs" after the country dance. All the campfire jamming halts momentarily as the pickers and their families join the musicians for a midnight feast in the main tent