Ocean State Bluegrass Festival slated for August 14-16, 2026
- Diane Petit
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Bluegrass fans and pickers: mark your calendar for the Ocean State Bluegrass Festival to be held Friday, August 14th through Sunday, August 16th at Frerichs Farm, 65 Kinnicutt Ave., Warren, RI. The event is sponsored by the Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance (RIBA) with generous support from The Carter Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation.
The event includes jamming for bluegrass musicians throughout the weekend, an open mic on Friday night, workshops and a show featuring four bluegrass bands on Saturday, a Band Scramble on Sunday, and jamming, camping, and food throughout the weekend.
The following bands will perform on Saturday night: Thunder and Rain, JB and Cardineau Sin, Simon Brogie and the XLTs, and Ernie Loiselle and Friends.
On Sunday there will be a Band Scramble, a tradition at bluegrass festivals. In a Band Scramble, anyone who plays an instrument (at any level) is invited to participate. Participants put their names in a bucket for the instrument they wish to play. Names are drawn to make up bands that may include a bass, a banjo, a mandolin, a fiddle, a guitar, a dobro and singers. These impromptu bands will come up with a few songs that they will perform on stage.
TICKETS
Tickets may be purchased here on the RIBA website or at the gate.
Festival + Camping ticket ($50) - includes one camping space for the duration of the event (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) and all activities, workshops and show admission for one person, and parking for one vehicle (one RV or one car, if camper or tent camping) at the camp site. Additional people staying at the same camp site must purchase a Festival ticket and additional vehicles are $5 and must park in the parking field. Dry camping only (no water or electrical hookups available).
Festival ticket ($35) - includes all activities, workshops and show admission for one person. Does not include camping or parking. Admission is free for children 14 years old and younger.
Parking is $5 per vehicle, per day (collected on-site). Note: If you are camping, parking for one RV or one car is included in your Festival + Camping ticket.
Tickets can be purchased online by credit card or PayPal. Tickets may also be purchased at the gate by cash, check, credit card or PayPal.
SCHEDULE
Friday - Gates open at 4:00 pm. Activities include jamming, an open mic, and camping. Food will be available.
Saturday - Gates open at 10:00 am. Workshops start at 11:00 noon. Jamming all day. The bluegrass show, which starts at 6:00 pm, will feature four bands. Food will be available in the afternoon and evening.
Sunday - Activities start at 11:00 am and will include an instructional jam, Band Scramble, jamming, raffles. Food will be available in the afternoon.
WHAT TO KNOW
Bring a lawn chair for the show. If you will be jamming, bring a picking chair and your instrument(s). We also recommend bringing bug spray, sunscreen, rain gear, and a flashlight.
If you are camping, it is dry camping only (no water or electric).
Food and soft drinks will be available Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon. You are welcome to bring your own food.
Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Open fires are not permitted.
The festival will be held rain or shine. There will be large tents for the show, workshops, and food area.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions, please email ribluegrass@gmail.com.
About RIBA
The Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance's mission is to promote the appreciation of bluegrass music and serve as a resource for fans, students, teachers, musicians and venues in Rhode Island and the surrounding area.
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