Frankfort Bluegrass Fest Brings World of American Music Art Form to Thousands Saturday/Sunday for Free

The Annual Frankfort Bluegrass Festival -- celebrating its 16^th year July 11-12 --continues its impressive trajectory in the world of bluegrass, hosting Grammy award winners, international bands and legendary talents for free over two days on three stages.

Each year the festival’s reputation has grown with international artists signing on and renowned local bands keeping the pace in charming Frankfort, IL, just 30 minutes south of Chicago.

"We are very proud to host the Bluegrass Festival in our beautiful downtown and welcome visitors and music lovers from all over,” said Steve Haberichter, a founding member of the bluegrass committee.

With 40 performances by 15 bands on three stages over two days, this year’s edition builds on its rich tradition and international reach in delivering the finest of acoustic string band music Saturday and Sunday, along with the dedicated green space kids’ area and activities, great food selection and safe family fun in Frankfort’s historic downtown.

Three stages - Briedert Green, Prairie Park, Old Plank Trail showcase award-winning bluegrass acts Dan Tyminski Band, Nick Dumas & Branchline, Trey Hensley Band, The Burnett Sisters Band, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, as well as local favorites Fox Crossing Stringband, Special Consensus Band, The Grateful String Band and more.

Bands will play from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

“Our committee works year round to bring two days of superior bluegrass talent to the public free,” said Haberichter.

Event of the Year

Frankfort Bluegrass Festival is a former “Event of the Year” award holder as named by the International Bluegrass Musical Association (IBMA), which has opened doors literally around the world for artists, as well as Frankfort Bluegrass Festival organizers and audiences.

The International Bluegrass Music Association

The local festival continues to book award-winning international talent with the support of The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), which for the third consecutive summer proudly finances the IBMA International Band Performance Grant. The band The Often Herd from Northern England will grace three stages with four performances over two days.

Formed on the Isle of Mull in 2014, The Often Herd—Rupert Hughes (guitar), Evan Davies (mandolin), Niles Krieger (fiddle), and Sam Quintana (bass)—has built a loyal following across the UK and Europe.

Known for its driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply colored by their surroundings: the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England.

Their distinct style won them the title of “Best European Bluegrass Band” at the 2018 La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France, and in 2021, they performed as Official Showcase Artists during IBMA World of Bluegrass®. Their debut album, Where the Big Lamp Shines (2022), was met with critical acclaim and cemented their status as a standout act on the UK roots and festival circuit.

“The Often Herd have established themselves as a stand-out band in the vibrant European Bluegrass scene, with a growing fan base across the continent,” said Christopher Howard-Williams, IBMA Board Member and Founder of Bluegrass in La Roche. “I am delighted that they are receiving this grant, and I’m excited to see the reception they get from American Bluegrass fans.”

“For the third straight year we’ve been honored to host the IBMA International Band Grant winners and these young globetrotters relish the chance to perform for the Frankfort audiences,” said Amanda Thompson, a founding member of the all-volunteer committee.

The IBMA International Band Performance Grant is awarded annually to one outstanding non-U.S. band seeking to grow their presence in the American market. As the 2025 recipient, The Often Herd travelled to the United States to perform at IBMA World of Bluegrass® from September 16-20, 2025. This U.S. summer tour in 2026 brings their boundary-pushing sound to new audiences and representing the evolving landscape of international bluegrass.

Family Area

Each year parents are surprised to see more kids activities added to the open green space in Prairie Park. The Kids Activity Area welcomes toddlers to teens make crafts, play games, and enjoy the performances from the hours of 10 to 6 Saturday and 10 to 5 Sunday. Kids of all ages are encouraged the visit the Down Home Guitar tent to try out bluegrass instruments.

“As always our mission is to promote the preservation and education of bluegrass music, a true traditional American musical art form, in beautiful historic downtown Frankfort,” said Haberichter.

For more information on the fest, to becoming a sponsor or a volunteer, please go to www.frankfortbluegrassfest.com.