The 4th annual Lovegrass Music Festival will take place on August 12th – 14th at Wilson State Park. The local organizers are expecting unprecedented attendance of 500 people per day at the bluegrass music event, which draws many locals as well as out-of-staters. The Lovegrass Music Festival showcases world-class bluegrass musicians from around the Midwest in conjunction with the picturesque  Wilson State  Park. Musicians from Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, and Tennessee will be playing at this year’s festival. The community event consists of music performances from a stage overlooking the lake, as well as new acoustic instrument workshops, a singer/songwriter showcase, and a kids activity area. 

“Each year the festival has grown. This year we anticipated high attendance, as everyone is anxious to hear live music again, so we elected a pre-registration process, just to be safe. We have reached our capacity of 500 attendees in just a few short months!” said Lovegrass Music Festival Association (LMFA) president and Hays local Aimee Riegel.

Unlike in previous years, Lovegrass attendees will be required to provide proof of pre-registration to enter the festival. Camping and state park permits still apply for attendees. The LMFA requests that those interested in attending, but not currently registered, join the waitlist, where they will be kept up to date if slots for entry become available. To join the waitlist, go to https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/. 

In addition to monitoring capacity, in 2021 the LMFA will be taking extra steps to keep attendees safe, as well as promote sustainability. The efforts include enhanced sanitation stations, additional restrooms, and the elimination of single-use plastic bottles at the festival.

“Maintaining the pristine nature of Wilson State Park and ensuring the safety of our guests and musicians is a top priority for the LMFA,” shared Riegel. “Local sponsors, grants, and arts organizations have really stepped up to help us cover additional costs, which allows this event to be free to the community.”    

The Lovegrass Music Festival receives grant funding from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Russell County Area Community Foundation, and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Lovegrass Music Festival Association is a Kansas 501C-3 charitable organization.  For information about the Lovegrass Musical Festival, including performers, schedule of events, accommodations, how to donate, or ticket information, visit the Lovegrass Music Festival Association website at www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com. For inquiries about sponsorships or providing entertainment, contact Aimee Riegel, President at admin@lovegrassmusicfestival.com.