Is there a bluegrass festival in Connecticut?

Yes. The Podunk Bluegrass Festival, held the second weekend of August at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Litchfield County, is Connecticut's only multi-day bluegrass festival, with local, regional, and national acts on multiple stages. The Morris Bluegrass Festival at South Farms in Morris is another standout.

Where can I see live bluegrass in CT?

Beyond the festivals, the Connecticut Bluegrass Association (CTBA) promotes bands, jams, and shows statewide, and bluegrass turns up regularly at folk coffeehouses like the Sounding Board and Branford Folk, plus listening rooms and acoustic-friendly venues.

When is the Podunk Bluegrass Festival?

The Podunk Bluegrass Festival is held the second weekend of August at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen, Connecticut. It's the state's largest, longest-running bluegrass festival.

How do I find bluegrass shows near me in CT?

The free CT Concert Center app lets you filter by genre and find bluegrass and acoustic shows across 40+ Connecticut venues, updated daily.

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Bluegrass in Connecticut: Where to See It Live

Updated June 2026 · 5 min read

The short version

Connecticut's bluegrass scene peaks in summer. The Podunk Bluegrass Festival runs in August. It's the second weekend, at Goshen Fairgrounds. It's the state's only multi-day bluegrass fest. The Morris Bluegrass Festival follows too. Year-round, a statewide group runs a circuit of shows and jams. Folk cafes host pickers all season.

Connecticut is small, but it has a strong bluegrass community. One big festival anchors it. So does one dedicated group. So do the same cafes that power its folk scene. Here's where to find the pickin'.

The festivals

The top event is the Podunk Bluegrass Festival. It runs the second weekend of August. The spot is the Goshen Fairgrounds, in the scenic Litchfield Hills. It's CT's only multi-day bluegrass fest. It brings local, regional, and national acts. It was voted the state's best festival. The Morris Bluegrass Festival is another great pick. It's at South Farms in Morris, outdoors. Both make for a perfect summer weekend in the hills.

Best for: a full weekend of bluegrass under the summer sky.

Never miss a bluegrass show

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The Connecticut Bluegrass Association & the coffeehouses

The rest of the year, the scene runs on the Connecticut Bluegrass Association (CTBA). It promotes bands and organizes jams. It also keeps a calendar of shows and venues statewide. Bluegrass also shares the stage with the state's folk and Americana scene. The Sounding Board in West Hartford is one spot. The Branford Folk Coffeehouse is another. Other listening rooms often host bluegrass and string bands too. For the smallest, coziest rooms, see our best small venues guide.

Best for: year-round shows, jams, and finding your local pickin' circle.

Bluegrass in CT FAQ

Biggest festival?

The Podunk Bluegrass Festival (2nd weekend of August, Goshen).

Any other festivals?

The Morris Bluegrass Festival at South Farms.

Where else can I hear it?

The CTBA circuit and folk cafes like the Sounding Board.

How do I find shows?

Filter by genre in the free CT Concert Center app.