DelFest 2026: One of the Premier String-Band Festivals in the Country
- Susan Marquez
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
In the early days of bluegrass, musicians created festivals so people could have a place to gather and hear them play. Small festivals popped up like mushrooms around the country, and fans traveled to hear their favorite artists.
Del McCoury recalls those days, back when he first began to play with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in 1963. Since then, he’s played on countless stages as he has risen through the ranks of bluegrass royalty.
The bluegrass legend hails from York County, Pennsylvania. Del started on the banjo, an instrument he heard Earl Scruggs play, but Monroe quickly transitioned him to the guitar. It wasn’t long before Monroe discovered Del’s exceptional voice and anointed him as lead singer. Monroe mentored Del, providing him with a priceless education in all things bluegrass. It paid off over the years, with Del becoming one of the most recognized and respected artists, both by fellow bluegrass artists as well as artists from other genres. Del has won IBMA Entertainer of the Year nine times, as well as countless other awards, including Grammys, and being inducted as a member of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.
DELFEST
In May 2008, the first DelFest was held “on the mountain side” of Maryland. If Del’s name was on it, he demanded that it be a quality festival, presented with integrity and with both the musicians and attendees in mind. Since its beginning, DelFest has been one of the premier string-band events in the country.
This year’s DelFest is bigger and better than ever. It will be held May 21 through 24, with incredible music presented on multiple stages. Acts include many legends of bluegrass, along with the new hot names in the genre.
ATTRACTIONS
There is much more to DelFest than bands playing on stages. While that is the main attraction, there is the opportunity to learn from the masters at the DelFest Academy, there are late-night shows, there is a fun-filled KidZone, a quality vending faire with crafts by area artisans, food and drinks, and much more.
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