Frankfort Bluegrass Festival Saturday & Sunday Hosts Three Stages in Award-Winning Free Festival

With Grammy award winners, international bands and legendary talents scheduled to perform for the 13th Annual Frankfort Bluegrass Festival, organizers are bursting with pride heading into fest weekend July 12-13, 2025.

“Our committee works year round to bring two days of superior bluegrass talent to the public free,” said Steve Haberichter, a founding member of the all-volunteer committee. “It’s very gratifying and each year seems better.”

With three dozen performances by more than a dozen bands over two days, the 13th annual edition builds on its rich tradition and international reach in delivering the finest of acoustic string band music Saturday and Sunday – free.

"We are very proud to host the Bluegrass Festival in our charming downtown and welcome visitors and music lovers from all over," said Haberichter. "The all-volunteer committee has done an amazing job of assembling such talented performers and creating a family-friendly event.

“I think it captures the heart of American music and we are continually impressed by the outstanding musicianship."

The three stages - Briedert Green, Prairie Park and Olde Plank Trail Tavern Beer Garden - in historic downtown Frankfort present award-winning bluegrass acts Del McCoury Band, Troy Trischka’s Earl Jam, Henhouse Prowlers, Special Consensus Band, Johnny & the Yooahoos, The Grateful String Band and more.

Bands will play from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Frankfort Bluegrass Festival is a former “Event of the Year” award holder as named by the International Bluegrass Musical Association (IBMA), which opens doors literally to set the stage for artists from around the globe, as well as for Frankfort Bluegrass Festival organizers and audiences.

The local festival continues to book award-winning international talent. Johnny & the Yooahoos, four boys who first took the stages of Southern Germany in 2018 have been hailed in festivals in France, Ireland, Holland, Austria and Switzerland and, as winners of the IBMA International Band Grant, has embarked on a five-week tour of the USA this summer 2025 with renowned venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival on their tour calendar.

“Two years in row we been honored to host the IBMA International Band Grant winners and these young globetrotter relish the chance to perform for the Frankfort audiences,” said Amanda Thompson, a founding member of the all-volunteer committee. “Last year we had the South Korean bluegrass band Country GongBang perform and those grant winners showed why.

“We festival founders and volunteers are proud to host artists from around the world and spotlighted by IBMA to benefit of all. We also take pride the hearty welcome our audiences extend to new artists.

“The evolution of our fest is a credit to the musicians, the mutual respectful with our crowds and the volunteers who respond every year to make this event special.”

Five years removed from the challenges of dealing with a pandemic, the committee members who work year-round as organizers felt rewarded as the turnout and response was as strong as ever.

“Our generous sponsors and supporters remained steadfast to our commitment to bring free, top quality, award-winning bluegrass music to our unique community,” said Thompson.

"For the thirteenth year the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival brings the heart and soul of our community to life,” said Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle. “In 2025, we're proud to once again welcome families, music lovers, and visitors from near and far to enjoy the rhythm of tradition and the joy of togetherness. It’s more than a festival—it’s a celebration of who we are."

Organizers encourage everyone to embrace the music, and to experience Frankfort’s eclectic offerings from its destination restaurants, unique shopping opportunities, green space and welcoming bike paths.

Each year parents are surprised to see more kids activities added to the open green space in Prairie Park. The Kids Activity Area welcomes toddlers to teens make crafts, play games, and enjoy the performances from the hours of 10 to 6 Saturday and 10 to 5 Sunday. Kids of all ages are encouraged the visit the Down Home Guitar tent to try out bluegrass instruments.

“As always our mission is to promote the preservation and education of bluegrass music, a true traditional American musical art form, in beautiful historic downtown Frankfort,” said Haberichter.

There is an abundance of free parking.

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About the Fest:

The Frankfort Bluegrass Festival, celebrating 15 years of Bluegrass in Frankfort, is a two-day family event Saturday and Sunday July 12th and 13th 2025 on Breidert Green and Prairie Park in downtown Frankfort, IL.

The Frankfort Bluegrass Fest is an Illinois 501(c)4 free event put on by volunteers that is only made possible by donations and sponsorships. All funds raised - including sponsorships and donations - go to support the festival.

For stage schedule and other information, visit: www.frankfortbluegrassfest.com.