Folk Alley Festival Feature: Wintergrass 2025
If you’re in search of a music experience that warms the soul in the heart of winter, look no further than the Wintergrass Music Festival, taking place February 20–24, 2025, in Bellevue, Washington.
This beloved festival has been a cornerstone of the bluegrass and acoustic — not to mention the folk and world — music scenes since its inception in 1994, drawing music lovers from near and far to celebrate the power of live music and community. This year, the Festival presents offerings around the theme “Passport to Joy.” The Festival states: “If the 2025 lineup was a box of matches it would contain at least 30 different ways to spark joy! … There is something that sounds either like home or where you’d like to build your next house. Consider your ticket to Wintergrass 2025 your Passport to Joy!
Over the years, Wintergrass has earned a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere, world-class performances, and focus on education. From intimate jam sessions to stunning mainstage performances, Wintergrass is more than a festival—it’s a family reunion for bluegrass enthusiasts. In additional to an incredible lineup of performers, you can also explore intense — and fun — musical workshops, led by some of the best in the business (Chris Coole, Mike Marshall, and more). There’s something for everyone — from professional performers to young musicians who are just starting to fall in love with instruments and performing.
This year’s lineup truly is PACKED with exciting talent, including an impressive roster of first-time performers. American Patchwork Quartet, Yasmin Williams, and Joachim Cooder & Reyna Gellert are just a few of the incredible acts making their Wintergrass debut in February. According to Patrice O’Neill, Executive and Artistic Director, this may be the largest “freshman class” the festival has ever seen! Check out a “Wintergrass 2025 Playlist” HERE.
Check out this summary from last year’s Festival, put together by Emerald City Guitars!
When asked about her favorite part of Wintergrass, O’Neill shared, “The sheer joy of people finding each other through music is the absolute best thing. That, and the youth orchestra rehearsal on Saturday. I never miss it.” Wintergrass’s Youth Orchestra is an annual tradition, a program designed for students who are experienced bowed string musicians in middle school and high school. Students will participate in a day-long orchestra clinic which includes rehearsals, Q & As with our collaborative artists, workshops, sectionals, lunch, and dinner. This year, Wintergrass’s Youth Orchestra participants will be collaborating with Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, American Patchwork Quartet, and The Fretless The Wintergrass Youth Orchestra is led by Dr. Christopher Hanson and Dr. Renata Bratt.
And education and practice isn’t just for the kids at Wintergrass, either. Check out the new “Wintergrass Never-Too-Late Day Camp”! For adults who are just starting to make music, this inaugural program offers a great way to have fun, build a circle of friends, and get the chance to work with talented music teachers.
So why should YOU attend Wintergrass? O’Neill summed it up perfectly: “When you come to Wintergrass, you will get enough joy to carry you through the rest of the year.”
Sounds like a good reason to us!
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