Billy Strings is bringing something entirely new to Michigan this summer. The first-ever Ionia Freak Fair takes place August 28 and 29 at the Ionia County Fairgrounds, and the lineup assembled around him makes it an immediate must-attend event.
Hosted by Mark Lavengood, the 2-day festival features Greensky Bluegrass, Sierra Hull, Leftover Salmon, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Lindsay Lou, and Full Cord, alongside a Pyramid Scheme Pinball and Metal Tent. Tickets are on sale now, with limited RV parking passes available as an add-on through Ticketmaster.
The announcement comes on the heels of another landmark moment for Strings. His most recent album, ‘Highway Prayers,’ won Best Bluegrass Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, his second consecutive win in the category and third overall. Produced with Jon Brion and released via Reprise Records, the album debuted at number 1 on Billboard’s all-genre Top Album Sales Chart, the first bluegrass album to do so in 22 years.
The praise has been widespread and emphatic. GQ called Strings “the hottest roots-music phenomenon in decades.” Pitchfork noted that he “expands his palette, exploring new textures and emotional registers while staying true to his beloved genre.” Neither description feels like an overstatement.
Beyond ‘Highway Prayers,’ Strings released a collaborative album with Bryan Sutton, ‘Live at the Legion,’ recorded live at Nashville’s American Legion Post 82 on April 7, 2024. The 20-song set pulls from traditional bluegrass and folk, including takes on Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” and Doc Watson’s “Way Downtown.” An exclusive Apple Music Nashville Sessions EP featuring reworked album tracks followed shortly after.
Since his 2017 debut, Strings has stacked accolades at a remarkable pace: Artist of the Year at the 2022 and 2023 Americana Music Awards, and Entertainer of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Awards in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. The live show has always been the engine driving all of it, and the current tour reflects just how far that reputation has spread.
Strings continues his extensive headline run through the summer, culminating in the Ionia Freak Fair.
2026 Tour Dates:
July 14 — Roanoke, VA — Berglund Center (SOLD OUT)
July 17 — Portsmouth, VA — Portsmouth Pavilion
July 18 — Portsmouth, VA — Portsmouth Pavilion (SOLD OUT)
July 21 — Boston, MA — Agganis Arena (SOLD OUT)
July 22 — Boston, MA — Agganis Arena
July 24 — Portland, ME — Cross Insurance Arena (SOLD OUT)
July 25 — Portland, ME — Cross Insurance Arena (SOLD OUT)
July 28 — Hartford, CT — PeoplesBank Arena
July 31 — Bethel, NY — Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
August 1 — Bethel, NY — Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (SOLD OUT)
August 28 — Ionia, MI — Ionia Freak Fair
August 29 — Ionia, MI — Ionia Freak Fair