Since we are officially ONE MONTH out from ROMP–one of the biggest bluegrass and roots festivals of the year–it’s time to get preppin’ and learn everything you can right here!
Let’s start with the basics. The 21st Annual ROMP music fest will be held June 26-29 at our gorgeous Yellow Creek Park. You can buy single-day tickets if there’s one specific artist you want to see, or you can buy an entire weekend pass to see live music all four days. You can stay in one of our beautiful hotels and take provided transportation to and from the venue, or you can camp in tents or RVs during your stay. You can look at all the ticket price points right here!
Now, for the music. ROMP has featured some of the very best musicians in the bluegrass and country music genres for years, and this year is no different!
On Wednesday, June 26, you’ll get nighttime jams on the Jagoe Homes After Party Stage from Vickie Vaughn at 8 p.m. and Lillie Mae at 9:30 p.m. This is basically a first-class kickoff concert for the rest of the weekend!
On Thursday, June 27, the main ROMP stage will start with music from Rick Faris at 4 p.m., followed by East Nash Grass at 5:15 p.m. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys with Jim Lauderdale will perform at 6:30, followed by headliners Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives at 10:30 p.m. and The Travelin’ McCourys Grateful Ball at 10:30 p.m. This night of music won’t stop there, as Never Come Down will take the Jagoe Homes After Party Stage at midnight, followed by Rumpke Mountain Boys at 1:30 a.m.
Friday will be another day filled with bluegrass greats, with Country Gongbang taking the stage at 2:15 p.m. to get things started. Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band will play a set at 3:30 p.m., Sam Grisman Project will play at 4:45 p.m. and Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. Headliners Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway will get the night sets started at 8:30 p.m. and Keller Williams & Grateful Grass featuring The Hillbenders will close Saturday on the main stage starting at 10:30 p.m. Saturday night shows will continue into the night on the Jagoe Homes After Party Stage with The Biblehauser Brothers at midnight and Restless Leg String Band at 1:30 a.m.
On Saturday, June 29, ROMP will start a little earlier with Kentucky Bluegrass All Stars taking the main stage at 11:30 a.m. You’ll get performances all throughout the day after that, with Price Sisters performing at 12:45 p.m., The Biblehauser Brothers at 2 p.m., Jaime Wyatt at 3:15, Sierra Hull at 4:45 and The Earls of Leicester with Jerry Douglas at 6:30 p.m. Headliner Dierks Bentley will put on an amazing show at 8:30 p.m., with Leftover Salmon ending the night on a bang starting at 10:30 p.m. At the Jagoe Homes After Party Stage, you can look forward to a great show by Fireside Collective at midnight.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW–During ROMP, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host several events and activities in addition to tours during ROMP. Take a break from the festival grounds, hop on a free trolley to downtown Owensboro to immerse yourself in all things bluegrass. Click here for more details about the ROMP trolley schedule and all the places you can visit!
A family-friendly music fest, ROMP will also feature a Kids Zone for all ages onsite. All of these activities are FREE, and all children 12 and under get free general admission into the festival! Click here to learn all about the Kids Zone and the different activities that will be offered each day.
And while ROMP is obviously about the music, there’s so much more to do at this festival. There will be a huge area dedicated to crafts vendors (this is where you can find all your tie-dye, art, jewelry, even coolers and other camping supplies) and food vendors. There will be everything from iced coffee to delicious vegan food to wood-fired pizzas and chicken wings. ROMP also offers outdoor yoga classes every day of the festival.