Lineup Announced with More Artists Still To Come
(Grass Valley, CA) The High Sierra Music Festival, one of Northern California’s longest-running and most beloved independent music festivals, will celebrate its 34th year at a new location: the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, California. The move makes the festival more accessible than ever, with an abundance of lodging options and a close proximity to the Bay Area, while preserving all the magic that fans have cherished since 1991.
The first wave of the 2026 lineup has just been announced, showcasing High Sierra’s signature blend of eclectic genre-spanning artistry, legendary collaborations, high-energy tributes, and rising stars, with only a handful of band slots still to be filled.
2026 Lineup as of now:
The Word (John Medeski, Robert Randolph, North Mississippi Allstars, Ray Ray Holloman), Don Was & The Pan Detroit Ensemble, Cymande, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Dumpstaphunk, Eggy, Lebo & Friends (George Porter Jr., Jay Lane, Jen Hartswick, Holly Bowling), Mountain Grass Unit, The Rumble, Big Something, The Breaks (Stanton Moore, Eddie Roberts, Robert Walter), Judith Hill, Steve Poltz, lespecial, BALTHVS, Dizgo, Scott Pemberton, Pink Talking Fish, Marty O'Reilly, Steely Dead, Magoo, Rose City Band, Sway Wild, River Eckert, Boy Golden, Cassandra Lewis, The Point, Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves, The Westones, Psycodelics, Family Company, Minor Gold, Moga Family Band, and more to come.
Known for its vibrant, eclectic blend of music, steeped in post Grateful Dead jam bands, Bluegrass, Funk, Americana, singer-songwriters, international music, and more. High Sierra also features daily parades, a Family Village, professional childcare services, wine and beer tastings, one-of-kind artist tributes and collaborations, acoustic troubadour in-the-round sessions, inspired patron created theme camps, yoga, sunrise kickball, handmade crafts, delicious and nutritious food, and so much more.
“Quincy will always hold a special place in our hearts,” says Dave Margulies, festival producer. “This was a very difficult decision, but we have to be in a location that offers patrons a variety of lodging options. So, by moving to Grass Valley, we’re able to provide more creature comforts and conveniences without sacrificing any of the elements that make High Sierra so special.”
Nearly 90 acres of towering pines, shaded campgrounds, a scenic lake, and classic buildings make the Nevada County Fairgrounds a natural fit for a music festival and why it is known as ‘California’s Most Beautiful Fairgrounds.’
Festivalgoers can enjoy:
· 1,000 hotel rooms and 300+ Airbnbs within 10 miles.
· Easy travel from three major airports: 2 hours from San Francisco International (SFO), 1 hour 15 minutes from Sacramento (SMF), and just over 1 hour from Reno-Tahoe (RNO).
· On-site parking and camping, day parking for those staying off-site or coming for the day, more RV hookups with an RV family resort right across the road from the Fairgrounds, and early entry VIP options.
· Expanded camping spots and RV hookups, plus more shade.
· FestivALL VIP packages now include a hotel lodging option.
· Additional Family/Community Stage
· Larger Late-Night and Troubadour Sessions venues.
· Returning Family Village, Artist Playshops, Yoga, Daily Parades, Silent Disco, Sunrise Kickball, and Rockin’ Nannies Childcare.
Margulies continues, “High Sierra’s soul remains unchanged. It’s still an intimate gathering of fewer than 7,500 attendees. While the spotlight is always on the music, it’s equally on the incredible community of people and the long-standing camps that create the container for High Sierra’s magic.
What makes this festival so beloved is that it remains independent, free from corporate influence and everyone involved, from the artists and crew to vendors, volunteers, to the music-loving fans, all bring the absolute best of themselves.
The move to the Nevada County Fairgrounds makes attending simpler and more accessible than ever, especially for Bay Area fans looking for a true weekend getaway without the long drive or lodging challenges. It’s the combination of music, community, and independence that creates ‘High Sierra Lifers’ who come back every July 4th weekend, year after year.”
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The High Sierra Music Festival, one of Northern California’s longest-running and most cherished music events, celebrates its 34th year in a new home at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, July 2–5, 2026. Known for its intimate size, eclectic lineup of more than 50 bands, and family-friendly atmosphere, High Sierra offers four days of world-class music alongside parades, playshops, yoga, a vibrant Family Village, and late-night shows, with on-site camping, RV glamping, and day or overnight parking, all surrounded by towering pines and easy access to nearby lodging.
