Sloatsburg, NY — On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Great Lawn at Harmony Hall–Jacob Sloat House will once again echo with the rich, foot-stomping rhythms of bluegrass music as the 15th Annual Highlands Bluegrass Music & Craft Festival returns to Rockland County.
From 1 to 5 PM, festivalgoers can enjoy a robust lineup of celebrated performers blending traditional bluegrass with fresh, contemporary energy. This year’s musical guests include the debut of the G Rockwell Trio from Boston, the beloved Eugene Tyler Band of the Hudson Valley returning for their fifth appearance, and crowd-favorite Cole Quest & The City Pickers, making their fourth appearance.
Festival newcomer G Rockwell, hailed by banjo legend Tony Trischka as “an up-and-coming banjoist who’s already accomplished an awful lot musically speaking,” brings award-winning multi-instrumental talent and dynamic compositions sure to captivate the crowd.
The Eugene Tyler Band, an indie-bluegrass trio known for their high-energy performances and candid songwriting, returns after winning the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival Band Competition. Their recent album Low It Goes captures the raw, cathartic feel of their acclaimed live shows.
Cole Quest & The City Pickers, led by the grandson of folk legend Woody Guthrie, continue their mission of blending tradition with originality. Their new album Homegrown, released this summer, pays tribute to Guthrie’s legacy with vibrant covers and tight harmonies. The group has previously shared stages with bluegrass luminaries like Billy Strings and Sierra Hull and brings a full-band experience featuring Dobro, banjo, and harmonica.
Beyond the stage, the festival offers local flavor through artisan vendors, food trucks, and beverage tents. The natural beauty of the Ramapo River Valley provides a scenic backdrop for families and music lovers alike. Attendees are also invited to bring instruments and join impromptu jam sessions at the Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association booth.
Admission is $15 in advance (until 11 PM on September 6), $20 at the gate, and $5 for teens aged 12–17. Children under 12 attend free. The festival will be held rain or shine and supports the restoration of the historic Jacob Sloat House, a Greek Revival–Italianate mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Advance tickets and further event details are available at www.friendsofharmonyhall.org, with updates shared via the Friends of Harmony Hall social media pages.
Whether you’re a longtime bluegrass enthusiast or just discovering the genre, the Highlands Bluegrass Music & Craft Festival promises an afternoon of great music, local culture, and family fun.