DelFest

DelFest is a family friendly music festival held at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland. Created to celebrate the musical legacy of McCoury Music, the festival combines performances from established musicians with collaborations and opportunities to discover emerging talent, all presented with what organisers describe as a distinctive down home feeling.

The setting forms an important part of the experience. The fairgrounds sit alongside the Potomac River in the Appalachian Mountains and provide permanent facilities including restrooms and showers. On site camping is available around the perimeter of the fairgrounds, including wooded areas for walk in camping.

Music, learning and festival activities

Alongside traditional stage performances, DelFest features special collaborations, guest appearances, tributes to Del McCoury’s musical legacy and more intimate performances at smaller venues. Late Night Shows continue the music after performances on the Grandstand Stage have finished.

The wider festival experience includes KidZone activities, yoga, a Vending Faire featuring clothing, jewellery, musical instruments and crafts, plus food and drink options including local, ethnic, vegetarian and vegan choices.

Music education is another important element. DelFest Academy offers an intensive learning experience where musicians of different ability levels can receive instruction in guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass and dobro from experienced bluegrass musicians.