Podunk Bluegrass Festival Puts the People First

If you follow the sound of banjos echoing over the Litchfield Hills of Northwest Connecticut, you'll find yourself at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival—a homegrown celebration of roots, rhythm, and community that has evolved into one of the most beloved bluegrass gatherings in the country. And the more you learn about this annual celebration, the more you’ll agree that this gathering is all heart, maybe more than any other festival going.

But before there was a stage or a campsite, before the first chord rang out over Martin Park in East Hartford in 1996, there was a vision. Then-Mayor Robert DeCrescenzo didn’t just want to revitalize the city’s downtown; he wanted to seed something lasting. Together with recording studio owner Mike Hayden and musician/radio host Kevin Lynch, they envisioned a bluegrass festival that would put East Hartford on the cultural map.

DeCrescenzo was all in. He made sure the park would be ready. Sod was laid. A bridge was built. And in late July 1996, with names like Mac Wiseman, John Hartford, Laurie Lewis, and Larry Sparks on the bill, Podunk took its first bow. From the start, it wasn't just a music festival. It was a love letter to small-town spirit, stitched with dobro slides and gospel harmonies. And like any good tune, it grew.

From East Hartford to Norwich to Hebron and finally to its current home in Goshen, the Podunk Bluegrass Festival has traveled like the music it celebrates—adaptable, timeless, and grounded in authenticity. This year’s festival runs from August 7 to August 10 and traditionally boasts a lineup of legends, with a roster of past and present artists that includes Doc Watson, Del McCoury, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, The Travelin’ McCourys, and more.

"We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every single person, just about, is a volunteer," said Shanna Connor, a longtime attendee turned board member. "We pour our heart and soul into it. Probably at least 10,000 volunteer hours go into it."

That dedication shows. From the band competition on Thursday, where professionally judged emerging talent battles it out for the coveted title of Podunk Band Competition winner, to the campground jams that roll into the early morning, Podunk is more than an event. It’s a living, breathing experience.

And it’s those campfire jams that give Podunk its heartbeat. "Those musicians rival the main stage musicians. You can just walk through the campgrounds and go from pick to pick," Connor said. "That’s one of the best parts."

What sets Podunk apart from other festivals isn’t just the stellar lineups or its storied history—it’s the sense of community. It’s the free Kids Academy, where young players learn songs all weekend and perform on the main stage on Sunday. It’s the songwriting contest judged by bluegrass royalty. It’s late-night jam sessions at the gazebo where Grammy winners and first-time festival-goers trade licks under the stars.

It’s also about accessibility. “We definitely try our best to keep it reasonably priced,” Connor explained. “If you have a camping ticket, there’s no extra fees for your site or car. Kids' activities are always free. We don’t charge extra for late-night jams."

Even as the festival expands its offerings, including some touches of zydeco and regional flavor on its secondary stages, its core remains rooted in tradition. "We still consider ourselves a pretty traditional bluegrass festival," Connor said.

This year’s lineup proves that commitment, with return favorite Dan Tyminski, IBMA legends Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley performing with a full band, and supergroups featuring Mike Bub and Ron Stewart. Jim Lauderdale joins the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys for a collaborative performance highlighting the festival’s creative spirit.

Still, it’s the surprises that linger. Connor recalls when lightning forced the Steep Canyon Rangers off the main stage two years ago. Instead of canceling, they huddled in the hospitality building and delivered an all-acoustic, no-stage set for a rapt crowd. “We all just left feeling, ‘Wow, what we just witnessed there was very special.’”

From the legends who headline to the local vendors and nonprofits who fill the fairgrounds with booths and outreach, Podunk pulses with the kind of warmth and welcome you can’t manufacture.

The festival name itself nods to that spirit. "Podunk" was originally an Algonquin word to describe a junction of streams—a place of meeting. It later became synonymous with small, out-of-the-way towns. And maybe that’s why it fits so well. Podunk brings together artists, families, pickers, fans, and future headliners to share something honest and joyful.

Those who don’t miss the opportunity to soak in the music and emotions of this year’s Podunk Bluegrass Festival will undoubtedly have stories around the campfire and beyond to bring home.