The 33rd Annual High Sierra Music Festival was absolutely phenomenal. From beginning to end, it delivered the kind of magic you can only find at High Sierra.
CLICK HERE to watch a 30-second recap video by Here & There Studios
The weather couldn’t have been better - warm during the day, cool and comfortable at night. The 58 bands gave it their all, and the energy on every stage was contagious. The collaborations, crossovers, and surprise sit-ins were next level. Musicians were jumping in with each other across sets all weekend, which was completely unforgettable.
Some of the standout sets included Andy Frasco & The U.N. leading the crowd in a massive hora dance mid-set, Steve Poltz, who seemed to pop up on every stage with his signature wacky brilliance, and powerhouse performances from Molly Tuttle, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge, Chaparelle, Mitchum Yacoub, The Rumble from New Orleans, Diggin Dirt, The Barr Brothers, Handmade Moments, Nathan Moore, Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, and the wizardry of Zach Gill conducting the Everyone Orchestra in a truly memorable Sunday night Grandstand closer.
All three of the main outdoor stages were nonstop, and the two indoor venues gave people a perfect place to cool down while still catching amazing sets. The Music Hall hosted incredible Playshops with one-of-a-kind collaborations and tributes. Some of the highlights were Lebo & Friends playing hits from 1975, Guitarmageddon covering The Meters, and a Simon and Garfunkel Celebration. The new Lagniappe Lounge (in the former Funk’n Jam House) was an instant favorite where people were either inside grooving or outside relaxing on the couches in the shade.
The Troubadour Sessions offered acoustic intimacy and emotional storytelling that added depth to the overall experience. New elements this year that people really enjoyed were the booth of local artisans, and the Sierradipity Stage featuring local Plumas County acts during Grandstand set breaks.
The food options were incredible with flavors from around the world. The Arts & Crafts Fair was buzzing, and the Family Village was full of kids creating, playing games, and dancing. The daily parades brought bursts of color and chaos, weaving their way through the festival with infectious energy. Friday night’s Shabbat was beautiful with dancing, candle lighting, and complimentary food shared in community.
From the party at the Magic Foam Tub to early morning yoga, and collective drumming by RhythmetriX on the grass, along with late-night silent disco and sunrise kickball, the whole weekend was filled with connection, joy, and for many, a serious case of FOMO. There was just too much going on to catch it all.
In the weeks leading up to the event, it was unclear whether High Sierra would be able to move forward. But the community rallied, and festival producer Dave Margulies recognized that if he canceled this year, it would likely mark the end of the festival. So he chose to move forward out of love, hope, and deep commitment to the musicians, the community, and the team of more than 100 paid and another 600 volunteers who help bring High Sierra to life each year.
Two separate surveys will be sent out soon: one for festivalgoers and one for those who didn’t attend. The goal is to gather honest feedback about what resonated and what changes might be needed. That input will help determine the fate of the festival.
Without significant support and solutions to the financial challenges, the future of this cherished event remains uncertain. "I’ve watched generations grow up at High Sierra - kids who once came in wagons are now returning with their own children,” says Dave Margulies. “That’s what keeps me going. But the truth is, unless we figure out how to make this sustainable, I may not be able to bring it back. The love is there, and I just need the support and real solutions to help decide if High Sierra can continue.”
