02/05/2026
🫶Hey Y’all! We want to address our plans for 2026 and update our community on where we’re at as a Pickin’ team after some post-festival reflection. We have 2 major announcements:
First, we have made the tough decision to no longer produce Pickin’ On Picknic.
Second, there have been some big shifts in our organizing team and direction for the future.
What started as our founders gathering up their good friends’ bands for a great time has grown beyond what anyone expected. This last year we had almost 2000 folks gathered together for our favorite weekend of the year! We gave it all we had to put on a Pickin’ On 10th Anniversary to remember - and wow, did y’all make it one for the books!
A lot has changed in 10 years: phases of life, an evolving festival scene, rising costs and the overall economic landscape. While putting on one heck of a party was never a walk in the park, these days it is a major lift. Many of our core organizers have growing families, limited time and shifting goals, putting them in much different places in their lives than when we started this journey.
Due to the growth of the event, our time with the beautiful land of Lost Hill Lake ended last year. Though we searched for a new venue, we were unable to find a suitable place for the kind of experience Pickin’ On is known for. In light of all those shifts, we have made the tough decision to not produce Pickin’ On Picknic in 2026 or in the future.
This past year, we formed Pickin’ Circle, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and resources for mental health and wellness in our local music community. While the Pickin’ On founders and some key folks are stepping away, some of the Pickin’ team plan to continue with Pickin Circle nonprofit efforts.
While the specific path forward for Pickin Circle is still being determined, this may include contribution to other local events or organizations or hosting smaller events throughout the year. Stay tuned for info and announcements!
The stellar time we had at Pickin’ On Picknic 2025 was the high note that ends the beautiful Pickin’ On song. This is very bittersweet and has come as a tough decision. As the old saying goes, you gotta know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em.
We are so grateful for all the wonderful times we’ve had together. We’ve gotten to work and play with so many amazing folks. The Pickin’ community is made of talented musicians and artists, hardworking staff, crew and volunteers, creative vendors and workshop hosts, generous sponsors and contributors, and lively fans of all ages. It has truly been an honor to be part of such a talented, fun, caring and adventurous gathering of people.
We sincerely thank everyone who has made this gathering one of the absolute best around. We’re so grateful for the many hands, hearts and minds that came together to make this all possible. We are so honored to have shared the Pickin’ On journey with you. We wish you all the best on your journey, and we will see ya around the bend.
❤️🎶From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you!
