If you are near North Adams, Massachusetts, in late September 2022, don't miss the FreshGrass Festival North Adams at MASS MoCA! This annual event celebrates bluegrass and American roots music with three days of performances, workshops, and more.
Held on the 16-acre campus of MASS MoCA from September 23-25, the festival features over 40 musical acts spread across four stages. And that's only the beginning – you can also enjoy food and drink from local vendors, participate in workshops, and browse the wares of craftspeople. As a family-friendly experience, FreshGrass is perfect for music lovers of all ages.
Planning your visit? Here's a closer look at everything to hear, see, and discover at this year's FreshGrass Festival in North Adams.
Bluegrass Music & Other Live Tunes
As always, the music is the star of the show at FreshGrass. This year's lineup includes up-and-coming and established bands and solo artists in the genres of bluegrass, Americana, and roots.
Featuring all-new major artists and old favorites alike, the festival has something for everyone. You can expect to hear established performers like Tanya Tucker, Gary Clark Jr., Aoife O’Donovan, Skip Marley, Old Crow Medicine Show, Del McCoury Band, Sierra Hull, and Yola.
Also joining the stage will be fresh voices such as Sierra Ferrell, Thee Sacred Souls, Luca Ciarla, Never Come Down, Misty Blues, Lisa Bastoni, and many more.
Premieres
In addition to all the fantastic music, FreshGrass also premieres new work in the world of bluegrass and American roots.
Kicking off the festival on Friday night is the FreshGrass Composition Commission, where an artist performs an all-new album's worth of boundary-pushing roots music live at the festival. This year's composition will introduce Bluegrass Concertos featuring Jerry Douglas and Sierra Hull.
Later in the weekend, the festival will premiere Freshscores, a series of new works created in response to a silent film of each artist's choosing. Each Freshscore will be performed live to its corresponding film during the festival. This is a standing-room-only event, so try to arrive early!
Plan Your Visit
Ready to start planning your trip to FreshGrass North Adams 2022? Tickets are currently on sale, so snag yours before they're gone.
Admission is free for children aged six and under; a reduced price applies to older kids up to age 16. If you're visiting with kids, you'll want to check out the family-friendly events and activities available at the festival. FreshGrass plans to hold plenty of kid-specific programs, and the littlest attendees will have daily access to MASS MoCA's Kidspace, a kid-focused art gallery, and a hands-on studio area.
And if you get hungry during the festival, you're in luck – there will be plenty of food and drink options available onsite. Local Berkshire vendors will be selling food and spirits so that you can enjoy a little taste of the region along with your music.
Where to Stay
If you're coming in from out of town, you may be wondering where to stay. While FreshGrass does allow tent camping on site, it is limited and typically fills up quickly.
If you'd prefer something cozier, consider staying at Hotel on North! This option allows you to explore all North Adams has to offer outside of the festival while you enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. You can even enjoy some added luxuries; for instance, the Hotel on North Rooms features smart TVs, personal coffee makers, free Wi-Fi, and the security of an in-room safe.
So, are you ready to experience all that FreshGrass has to offer? This year's festival will surely be a great time for all, with an incredible lineup of music, food, and fun. Start planning your visit now, and prepare for a memorable weekend.