The 2025 Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance celebrates the annual event’s 33rd year with a genre-spanning lineup of over 80 different artists. July 17–20 at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds, just minutes from Classic Country Vacation Homes!
The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival has been a popular summer tradition since 1991. The annual festival, held the second-to-last weekend of July, celebrates inclusivity and musical diversity with a wide range of artists. Notable past performers include Donna the Buffalo, the Indigo Girls, Ricky Skaggs, Silversun Pickups, and many others.
The festival offers continuous and simultaneous performances on four stages throughout the weekend, with music for every type of enthusiast. The eclectic lineup of genres includes bluegrass, zydeco, reggae, country, Irish, rock, hip hop, rockabilly, and more.
Beyond the music, the GrassRoots Festival is renowned for its community atmosphere, offering on-site camping, local food vendors, and a family-friendly environment. This combination of diverse musical offerings and community engagement makes the festival a beloved tradition, drawing thousands of attendees for a weekend of diverse music and dance.
Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival 2025
The 33rd annual Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is scheduled for July 17-20,2025. The event is held at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds, located at 2150 Trumansburg Rd, in Trumansburg, NY, just 6 miles down the road from our Finger Lakes vacation rentals.
This year’s festival promises an electrifying mix of musical talent from across the globe. Standout performers like the indie-pop duo Lucius, country roots rock star Lukas Nelson, and the Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban funk of Cimafunk. Two-time bluegrass Grammy nominee Sierra Hull is also on the bill, along with internationally acclaimed artists like the Ivory Coast’s Dobet Gnahoré and Malian guitar virtuoso Vieux Farka Touré. Beloved festival veterans, Donna the Buffalo will also return with their signature fusion of Americana, zydeco grooves.
More than 80 bands will take the stage at GrassRoots, including the above headliners. Such an expansive and eclectic lineup guarantees a music-filled celebration spanning generations, traditions, and cultures.
The family-friendly festival allows outside food, canopies, and chairs and includes large shade trees for a fun, picnic like experience. There’s even on-site camping for those who wish to truly immerse themselves in the festival.
Culture Camp: A Pre-Festival Experience
Musicians and dance-enthusiasts may also want to attend the pre-festival GrassRoots Culture Camp, set for July 13–16.
This unique, 4-day experience allows attendees to engage directly with festival artists through workshops, jam sessions, and cultural activities. Participants can delve into various musical genres, including fiddle, banjo, guitar, and songwriting. You can also study dance styles like Cajun, zydeco, and swing.
The workshops cater to all skill levels, ensuring a welcoming environment for both beginners and the experienced. You’ll also enjoy Culture Camp features themed dinners and dances. It’s an excellent way to connect with fellow festival-goers and deepen one’s appreciation for the diverse art forms showcased.
A Rich Tapestry of Music and Dance
The 2025 Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival promises another unforgettable summer weekend of music, dance, and community. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning festival veteran, the event offers something for everyone – and all within very easy distance of your Classic Country Vacation Homes vacation rental!
Visit the event website for more information. You can also follow the festival on Facebook.