Not just great bands.
Camping. workshops. Food & Drink. kids events. Jamming. Vendors – Oh MY!
Most folks come to the festival for the great regional and national performances – but there is plenty more to do and see.
Be sure to participate in the workshops and family activities! All weekend jam in the campground and enjoy the vendors! Friday grab your blankets and chairs for a movie under the stars! Saturday night enjoy the country dance (with midnight hot dogs),
Kids’ Chick Rose School of Bluegrass
Kids’ Chick Rose School of Bluegrass
Join Stacey Harnew and crew for an intensive kids bluegrass workshop. The Chick Rose School of Bluegrass is a program offered throughout the Festival weekend for kids who want to play bluegrass music. Founded by Chick Rose, who passed away in 2012, it continues in his memory and in the music of the many children who participate. The program begins on the Saturday morning of the festival. Children are divided into small groups according to their musical ability and are coached by advanced musicians. The program culminates in a special short performance of all the kids on Saturday afternoon on the main stage. There is no extra charge for the kids to be in this program – the goal is to fill the stage with kids and bluegrass music.
Jamming in the campground
Jammin’ in the campground
If you’re new to bluegrass festivals, one of the best things about them is the jamming. Out in the camping area, folks set up for the weekend and settle down for some pickin’.
food & drink, YEP!
You’ve spoken. We’ve heard. The outdoor festival space is allowing for a Beer & Wine tent near the main stage – AND – we are working with a local food vendors to add delis meals to the weekend menu!
Slow Jam
Have you ever tried joining a jam where they played so fast you couldn’t keep up? It can be frustrating and intimidating. Playing music is a process of joyful growth, and we all need time to learn.No worries, there are plenty of opportunities to join in on the Slow Jam at Bluegrass from the Forest.
Open Mic invitation
A whole lot of folks meet up at Bluegrass From the Forest and end up creating wonderful song arrangements. Some even bring their original tunes. How about sharing at the annual Open Mic?
Band Scramble
This fun event assembles band assignments for songs that are performed on the main stage.
Mandolin Tasting
A Mandolin Tasting is when you get some very knowledgeable and talented mandolin players in a room with some very nice mandolins. This differs from a mandolin workshop in that the focus in less about playing and more testing.
The Bar-K Buckaroos | Saturday Night Country Band
Country Dance Saturday night
The dance begins after the main stage performances end on Saturday night. The Bar-K Buckaroos are the host Band for the Saturday Night Country Dance. Stay for the Midnight Hot Dogs event, free with festival admission!
Visit our Vendors
We are excited to invite local vendors and regional music and instrument vendors to participate in this year’s event! Contact us now by email to learn more about vendor opportunities!
Movie under the Stars | FRIDay
New this year! With our great new outdoor venue, The Bluegrass From the Forest Event has expanded to allow for a movie night as well for those that are staying the night in the campground!
Welcome to Shelton
We hope you can take some time to enjoy our little town as well. Check out the restaurants and shops; takes a drive on the famous Hood Canal – and remember, our county hosts the Staircase Entrance to the Olympic National Park! Visit Explore Hood Canal for more information.
Thank you Sponsors!
It goes without saying that our sponsors help to make this festival possible and that we couldn’t do it without them. You can see a full list of our sponsors here.
