The Memorial Bluegrass Festival in Kendallville, Indiana celebrates live bluegrass music for fans of all ages. Enjoy performances by talented bands, local jam sessions, and a welcoming community atmosphere. This is one of the Midwest’s premier bluegrass events each year.
Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years of Tri-State Bluegrass!
May 21–24, 2026
Camping Open: May 14–25
🎟️ Tickets & Camping
Weekend Tickets: For Sale at the Gate
$45 Members / $50 Nonmembers
Kids under 16 are FREE with adult ticket
Why Camp?
$18/night (Water & Electric Included)
Advance camping starts 10 days prior
Camp with friends
Living for a few days in a temporary bluegrass village
Jamming around campsites
Walking from camper to camper listing to music
Sitting in the shade
Visiting with people you may only see at festivals
Enjoying food, vendors, routines, and familiar surroundings
Feeling part of a relaxed bluegrass community
Daily Tickets
Thursday – FREE Community Night
Friday – $15
Saturday – $25
Sunday – $20
🎶 Bands
Thursday
Acoustic Collection 6:30 PM
Fresh Cut Grass 7:30 PM
BlueRoads 8:30 PM
Uphill River 9:30 PM
Friday
Acoustic Collection 6:00 PM
Fresh Cut Grass 7:00 PM
Uphill River 8:00 PM
BlueRoads 9:00 PM
Blue Diggity 10:00 PM
Saturday
Crabgrass 10:00 AM
Blue Diggity 1 1:00 AM
Ruta Beggars Noon
Board Introduction 12:50 PM
My Brother’s Keeper 1:00 PM
Edgar Loudermilk 2:00 PM
Mark Hembree Band 3:00 PM
Crabgrass 4:00 AM
Supper Break 4:45 PM
Blue Diggity 5:45 PM
Ruta Beggars 6:45 PM
My Brother’s Keeper 7:45 PM
Edgar Loudermilk 8:45 PM
Mark Hembree 9:45 PM
Sunday
Gospel Sing 10:00 AM
My Brother’s Keeper (Gospel Set) 11:00 AM
Edgar Loudermilk (Gospel Set) 12:00 PM
Crabgrass 1:00 PM
Suzuki Kids 2:00 PM
Ruta Beggars 3:00 PM
Mark Hembree Band 4:00 PM
Supper Break 4:45 PM
Crabgrass 5:30 PM
Ruta Beggars 6:20 PM
My Brother’s Keeper 7:10 PM
Mark Hembree Band 8:00 PM
Edgar Loudermilk 8:50 PM
🎉 Events
Thursday Night – Community Night: Free Entry
50/50 Raffle (Friday & Saturday)
Drawing right before the last band
Need to be present to win
Jams with the Bands
After the last evening show – across from the Log Cabin in the Mini Barn
Thursday – Uphill River
Friday – Blue Diggity
Saturday – Crabgrass
🎻 Workshops
Saturday:
Guitar with Tony Wray – 11:00am
Banjo with Tony Wray – 12:15pm
Fiddle with Andrew Brozek – 1:30pm
Mandolin with D. Mark Conway – TBD
Sunday:
Fiddle for Classical Players with Alexis Goldsmith – 3:15pm
Kids Korner: Saturday 10:00am – 12:00pm
Gospel Sing: Sunday Morning
🍔 Food & Vendors
Bread of Life Tabernacle
Breaded pork tenderloin, chicken & noodles, and daily specials
Sit-down lunch & dinner – Opens at 1:00pm
Buds Spuds
Apple petals, ice cream, elephant ears & midway favorites
Lions Club/Masons
Breakfast & burgers | Opens 8:00am
Famous for biscuits & gravy & breakfast sandwiches
Jonesy’s Music Shoppe
Vintage bluegrass tapes & CDs, leather goods, and accessories
NIBGA merchandise available
Firewood available for purchase
Interested vendors? Contact Jeannette: 260-710-3210
📜 Community Rules
Pets welcome – must be leashed; please clean up
(Service animals only at the stage)
Golf carts welcome | Taxi service available
BYOB – No glass at the stage
No loud canned music (radios, etc.)
Be respectful, make friends, and have fun!
Help Bluegrass Thrive
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors to help us fulfill our mission. Your tax-deductible contributions directly support the promotion of bluegrass music through our festivals and monthly jam sessions, help provide scholarships for aspiring musicians, and improve the infrastructure of our leased campground. Donations also help cover the cost of renting and maintaining spaces for our monthly jams, ensuring these gatherings remain accessible and welcoming to the community. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact and helps us preserve and share the joy of bluegrass music with future generations. Thank you for your support!
