Desert Bluegrass Festival

Get ready for a celebration of banjo- and fiddle-grooving moments with our guide on the Desert Bluegrass Festival in Marana.

CreditDeirdre Rosenberg
When & Where
Admission
Featured Experiences
Where to Stay

Every year, folk and country music enthusiasts come together at the Desert Bluegrass Festival—a three-day concert series featuring talented musicians and bands. Whether you’re a Bill Monroe fan or a passionate Ricky Skaggs listener, this event is a must-visit experience for all bluegrass music aficionados.

Bluegrass music draws on the folk traditions of Appalachia, which often embraces the best elements of the old days of cowboys, stage coaches, and country music. It has something for everyone from tragic ballads to hard driving rhythms and spectacular vocals and instrumentals that will take you places you didn’t know bluegrass could go!

When & Where

The annual Desert Bluegrass Festival will run from March 13 to 15, 2026 at the Gladden Farms Community Park Soccer Field (12205 N Tangerine Farms Rd, Marana, AZ 85653).

Festival Schedule

This folksy event will feature three days of family-friendly activities and live music on Friday, March 13, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, from 9:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday, March 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information about the schedule, visit the official website of the Desert Bluegrass Festival here.

PicturedThe view of the Catalina Mountains from the event venue is beautiful!
CreditDeirdre Rosenberg

Admission

  • Adults (16 and over) - $30 a day/ $50 for the weekend
  • Children (16 and under) - Free
  • RV Camping - $60 for the weekend
  • Tent Camping - $20 for the weekend

Know before you go: Admission to the Bluegrass Desert Festival is free for all event-goers on the afternoon of March 13. Tent camping on the soccer field is free for weekend pass holders.

Purchase Your Tickets

Featured Experiences

Along with a series of talented performances, the Desert Bluegrass Festival offers an array of sensational activities for all ages, including an instrument raffle, a band contest, band scramble, contra dance, instrument and songwriting workshops, and more. Don’t forget to refuel for more guitar-jangling fun with delectable bites and drinks at the event!

Music Lineup

The Desert Bluegrass Festival will showcase artists from around the country, including the Sonoran Dogs, Chicken Wire Empire, Crying Uncle, Greg & Randal Morton, Nick McBlaine & Logtrain, Ten Dollar Wedding, MohaviSoul, Forest Thurman & Friends, Old Pueblo Bluegrass, Monsoon Sky, and Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass.

CreditDeirdre Rosenberg
The Sonoran Dogs Return in 2026!

Where to Stay

Camping & Boondocking

Stay steps away from the music with RV or tent camping throughout the festival weekend. Join other festivalgoers in the evenings to play music and jam together near the RV campsites. All campers must have weekend passes and tent camping on the soccer field is free.

If you prefer more peaceful campsites, or want to spend more time exploring this area before of after the event, check out our guide to camping in Marana for additional campgrounds with a range of amenities.

Hotels, Motels, Ranches & Resorts

Rest in a comfortable accommodation after tapping your feet to infectious beats! Marana is brimming with a variety of top-tier hotels, motels, ranches, and resorts. From budget-friendly prices and modern amenities to breathtaking views and poolside lounges, you’ll find that all of your needs will be met with one-of-a-kind services and features.

Activities Before & After the Desert Bluegrass Festival

Don’t let the rockin’ good times stop at the Desert Bluegrass Festival! Marana offers more western excitement with a plethora of memorable experiences. Explore more live music happenings across Marana with local spots like Button Brew House, Whiskey Roads, Circle S Saloon, and Ignite at the Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain. Traverse across the magnificent desert landscape of Marana, whether you’re an avid bike rider or a casual hiker. Pair your adventures with mouthwatering eats and drinks from Marana’s exceptional restaurants and bars. If you’re unsure about how to start your adventure, check out our trip planner guide.

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