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Rhythm is returning to the river Friday at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons as the RockyGrass Festival opens its 54th edition.
Why it matters: RockyGrass is Lyons' signature event, drawing about 4,000 attendees to the St. Vrain Valley for three days of campin', banjo pickin' and tubin'.
🪕 The music: As usual, the festival has attracted some of the biggest names in the genre, including the female supergroup I'm With Her, featuring Planet Bluegrass staple Sarah Jarosz.
- Friday: I'm With Her headlines opening night, along with The Del McCoury Band, Willie Watson and the Kruger Brothers.
- Saturday: The festival's deepest lineup features Sam Bush Bluegrass Band, Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue, Steep Canyon Rangers, Watkins Family Hour and Tony Trischka's EarlJam.
- Sunday: Punch Brothers close out the festival following performances by Tim O'Brien, Della Mae, The Kody Norris Show, Howley and Under the Rocks.
🎻 Contests: RockyGrass isn't just for the pros. Amateur musicians can compete in flatpick guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro and fiddle.
- The top three in each category after Friday's preliminary round advance to Saturday's finals on the main stage.
- Bands can also battle for a spot on the 2027 RockyGrass lineup.
🏕️ The setting: RockyGrass feels less like a formal music festival and more like one giant campground jam session.
- A dry winter means Boulder County creeks are down to a trickle, but hopefully some forecast storms late this week will get the St. Vrain waters flowing.
- Beyond the main stage, the more intimate Wildflower Pavilion offers a break from the sun, hosting contests, workshops and special performances.
🎟️ If you go: Tickets are sold out but can be found through the fan exchange on Tixel and open camping spots.
- Kids under age 12 get in free with a ticketed adult.
- Gates open at 10am Friday and Sunday and 9am Saturday.
- Expect local food, beverages and a variety of artisan craft vendors on-site.
