Goldendale Pickers Festival

05/25/2026

The festival approaches!

As a reminder about some essentials:

- We have access to Ekone Park through the good graces of the Goldendale Parks Department. They reserve the park for us from Thursday through Sunday.
- To give Fred and volunteers adequate time to set up, please do not expect to enter Ekone Park to camp before 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. There is always plenty of camping, so don't feel you will lose out if you are not there early.
- Cost is $10/person for camping. No charge for daily visits.
- Camping is first-come, first-served. But, as we said, there is always plenty of room.
- There are a few power outlets, and they are reserved for those with medical needs. Check with the people at the gate if you need access.
- There are a few water spigots on site.
- There are no food vendors on site, but the park is a short walk to the downtown area, where you'll find great food. And there's a full-sized grocery store a short walk away, too.
- Fred will host an open mic at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday! Feel welcome to join in.

It's very low-key, very spontaneous and very much fun! We hope to see newcomers and returning friends this year at Ekone Park!

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05/14/2026

We are approaching what I always think of as the official start of bluegrass festival season -- Goldendale Pickers Festival, June 4 - 7!

But it's just the first of a festival trifecta.

- The beautiful Sacajawea Bluegrass Festival, June 11-14, in Sacajawea Historical State Park in Pasco, Washington. You couldn't ask for a lovelier setting than this park at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, shaded by towering trees. It's another very laid-back (and inexpensive) festival, but with a contra dance and a Saturday show. https://mctama.org/sacajawea-bluegrass-festival/

- Then, June 19-21, pull out all the stops at the Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival. Starting with the potluck (wear your Hawaiian shirt) on Thursday night, it's non-stop jamming, workshops and top-rate touring bands throughout the weekend. http://www.wenatcheeriverbluegrassfestival.com/

What a great way to start the summer! See you all at Ekone Park in a few weeks!

We are inviting pickers of all ages to an exciting weekend of bluegrass at its best. We believe that means lots of nice folks coming together to share their music and their stories, seeing old friends and making new ones. A weekend where the music never stops...and we don't mean just on stage!

05/09/2026

Hello, friends!

Less than a month to the festival -- and we are forwarding a request for help!

Two of our peeps are interested in buying a solar battery charger, but they don't know how to hook one up. They are wondering if someone coming to the festival will be able to help -- or perhaps you could help them in advance of the festival.

Anybody willing to talk to them about what they need and see if you can help? If so, please send us a message, and we will connect you with them.

Thanks! And meanwhile, be prepared to have big fun very soon!

02/11/2026

Hello, good friends. We are happy to report that our agreement with the City of Goldendale is signed, sealed and delivered, as the song goes.

Please join us June 4 through 7 at beautiful Ekone Park in downtown Goldendale for another long weekend of picking, singing, hugging, catching up, sharing meals, stargazing, dipping toes in the creek and generally having a great time.

As always --
- Camping is open at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 4.
- No preregistration required
- There is plenty of camping for all. Just come in and pick a spot.-
- The cost is $10/weekend per camper. No charge for day visits.
- Fred holds open mics on Friday and Saturday, and everyone is welcome.
- No food vendors in the park, but it is a short walk to Goldendale's downtown shopping area, where you'll find a lot of good food.
- There are no showers on site, but Fred often arranges for us to use showers at the public pool a short walk away (check this space for updates).

We look forward to seeing you all for another wonderful time together in Goldendale.

Send a message to learn more