LYONS – The hills were alive with the sound of music during the 54th Annual RockyGrass Festival held from July 24 through July 26 in Lyons, Colorado.

Hosted by Planet Bluegrass on their picturesque grounds next to North Saint Vrain Creek, 22 bands played on the main stage over the course of three days. Friday’s lineup featured I’m With Her, The Del McCoury Band, Willie Watson, Kruger Brothers, Michael Daves & Jacob Jolliff, Tanasi, and Slay & Stinson.

Three-part harmony.

Photo by Dave Gibson

As afternoon temperatures hovered around 95 degrees every day like they typically do at the end of July, quite a few people found relief in the shade of the cottonwoods or in the creek. Expecting to see just a trickle because of low snowpack this past winter, waders found its flow was approximately half of what it normally would have been. Tubers dealt with more rocks, but the refreshing effect was the same.

Bathed in the purple glow of stage lights.

Photo by Dave Gibson

On Saturday, the Sam Bush Bluegrass Band, Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue, Steep Canyon Rangers, Tony Trischka’s Earl Jam, Watkins Family Hour, The Bee Eaters, The Onlies, and The Unfaithful Servants entertained “festivalarians.” Two-time Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens brought a roots touch to the event. One of the many highlights was R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion,” performed by the Steep Canyon Rangers.

A continuation of great music, Sunday showcased the Punch Brothers, Della Mae, The Kody Norris Show, Howley, Under the Rocks, and The Tom Knowton Bluegrass Band. As a bonus, almost all of the music acts this year invited fellow musicians to sit in with them.

Invigorated by the music and rejuvenated by the setting, festival favorite Tim O’Brien wrapped up the 2026 RockyGrass Festival.

For more information about Planet Bluegrass or to buy tickets to their upcoming Rocky Mountain Folks Festival August 7 through 9, see bluegrass.com.