City: Gettysburg, PA

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (717) 642-8749, (800) 642–TENT

Address: 3340 Fairfield Road

Description: Gettysburg has hosted bluegrass festivals in May and August since 1979, and both festivals attract some of the top groups in bluegrass and traditional country music. During the four-day events, musicians perform on the main stage, present informative workshops, and meet and greet their fans. The festivals showcase more than 50 hours of music. Past groups have included the Grascals, who were named Entertainer of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in 2006 and 2007, Rhonda Vincent, who has been named Female Vocalist of the Year seven times by IBMA, and the Del McCoury Band, eight-time winners of the IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award. The festivals are held at the Granite Hill Camping Resort on Route 116, 6 miles west of Gettysburg. Camping, including RV and tent sites, is available throughout the weekend, and a plain-cup rule for alcohol consumption is in effect. Tickets may be purchased for one, two, three, or four days, with fees at the gate in 2009 ranging from $25 to $125. You must pay with cash if you buy your ticket at the gate. Call the number above for advance tickets, which are reduced in price. The festivals are held in what is basically a natural amphitheater in the middle of the campground. These are rain-or-shine events, so be sure to pack rain gear as well as lawn chairs. The campground also has a pool, which is right beside the stage, so you might want to pack a bathing suit. If you’re coming for only one day, free parking is available at the campsite or in a nearby grass field.