By: Aryonna Richard
Blackspy invites you to the 34th Annual High Sierra Music Festival happening July 2-5, 2026. Get ready for four days of epic performances and a strong feeling of community. This year, the festival is taking over a new location in beautiful Grass Valley, California at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. You can look forward to the same amazing energy and variety of music that have made this event special for over thirty years. From funk and reggae to bluegrass and soul, there’s something for everyone.
Set in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills, Grass Valley offers a gorgeous backdrop for nonstop fun. The tree-lined grounds offer plenty of shade and a perfect spot for camping and dancing. Grass Valley has great facilities for big crowds, but still feels close to nature. There’s lots of space for camping, easy-to-reach stages, and plenty of room to wander between shows.
This year, you can catch legendary reggae pioneers Steel Pulse and enjoy the classic funk grooves of Cymande. Also performing is The Word, a dynamic band known for its fusion of rock, blues, and gospel, creating a soulful, electrifying sound. Six-time Grammy-winning musician, producer, and composer Don Was will perform with his new group, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble.
Don’t miss your chance to catch Dumpstaphunk, a band that has secured its reputation as one of the most respected New Orleans musical institutions. Also performing is Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, headed by renowned saxophonist Karl Denson. The group blends funk, jazz, soul, and rock into a genre-defying musical experience. The lineup also includes rising stars. You’ll hear international acts like BALTHVS and Tijuana Cartel, the heartfelt voice of Judith Hill, and many more.
The 2026 High Sierra Music Festival offers flexible ticket options. You can choose a 2-day or 3-day pass to suit your schedule and budget. If you plan to purchase one of these passes, be sure to act fast. There are only a limited number of partial-weekend tickets, and they usually sell out quickly. Learn more about ticket options here.
When the sun sets and the main stages close, the music keeps going. High Sierra Music Festival’s late-night lineup brings exclusive, high-energy shows. If you want to see certain artists, you can buy late-night tickets for $30 each. For those who want the full experience, the Night Owl pass is $99 and gives you access to all four nights of late-night shows.
The High Sierra Music Festival has something for everyone, with activities that make lasting memories for all ages. Adults over 21 can enjoy The Swirl, a daily beverage-tasting event featuring specialty beers, wines, and spirits. The festival also promotes creativity and self-expression with daily costume themes. For relaxation yoga, movement, and sound bath sessions are available, while RhythmetriX offers group drumming experiences that combine music, movement, and mindfulness.
The High Sierra Music Festival offers several accommodation choices to meet various needs. Every multi-day pass includes on-site camping, available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want more comfort, you can choose on-site RV passes, FestivALL RV passes, or stay at the nearby Grass Valley Family RV Resort. FestivALL hotel packages with shuttle service are also available.
The 34th Annual High Sierra Music Festival is set to bring together music lovers, nature, and community in a big way. With a mixed lineup, flexible ticketing, and activities for all ages, it’s an event you won’t want to miss! Head to the festival’s website to get your 2-day, 3-day, or full-weekend pass. Don’t forget to add Night Owl passes and Family Camp Parking while they’re still available.