The Bearsville Bluegrass Festival returns to the Catskills on May 24, bringing a full afternoon of live music, food, and family activities to Bearsville Park in Woodstock, New York. Running from 12 pm to 6 pm during Memorial Day weekend, the annual gathering transforms the park into a celebration of bluegrass traditions, community spirit, and the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley.
This year’s lineup features performances by On the Trail with Austin Scelzo, Catskill Mountain String Band with Bruno Bruzzese, and Bugs on a Log String Band. From traditional harmonies to high-energy instrumentals, the festival showcases a mix of classic and contemporary bluegrass styles throughout the afternoon.
Festivalgoers can also explore guided nature trails with Dave Holden, join a Rock and Roll history tour with Larry Germack, and browse vendors from the Phoenicia Flea Market. Families are welcomed throughout the day with games and entertainment, while food vendors serve festival favorites including brats, pulled pork, grilled sweet corn, salted potatoes, and watermelon.
Earlier in the day, musicians can participate in a Wernick Method Jam Class hosted by Austin Scelzo from 10 am to 12 pm. Open to players of guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, and dobro, the session welcomes anyone who can tune their instrument and play basic chords, offering a chance to learn the fundamentals of jamming before the festival begins.