Pine River, Minnesota–The Lakes Bluegrass Festival returns to the Lakes Music and Events Park north of Pine River, MN August 23-27, 2023, to continue it’s 17-year run. Featured performers include Junior Sisk from North Carolina, Amanda Cook of Virginia, The Special Consensus from Illinois, David Peterson from Tennessee, The Baker Family from Missouri, The Clay Hess Band from Ohio and The Waddington Brothers from North Dakota.
Rounding out the schedule are the Cottonwood Band from North Dakota, The Pale Ales from Minnesota and Shaffers Lost 40, from the Brainerd, MN area.
In addition to 4 days of main stage performances, the festival also features camping, a food court, free day parking, a shuttle service, adult beverages, dancing, workshops taught by the musicians, impromptu jam sessions throughout the grounds, and more.
On Wednesday under the big pavilion, Kevin Wright plays country music from 3:30 – 5:30 followed by the Mark Peterson Country Band from 6:00 – 9:00. A great thing to note about Wednesday entertainment is that it is FREE and open to the public.
Thursday kicks off with a dance under the big pavilion from 1:00 to 4:00 with Eric’s Old Time Dance Band. The main stage starts at 5:00 with shows concluding at 11:00. Friday and Saturday performances run Noon to 11:00 p.m. On Sunday, performances run from 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. featuring Bluegrass Gospel music in the morning.
Flexible ticket packages are available ranging from a single day, single evening, or various weekend packages. Kids 12 and under are free with an adult and teenagers are just $10 for any length stay. Camping is available for an additional fee.
The location is the Lakes Music and Events Park—a 30-acre Park just a mile north of Pine River along Highway 371. Performances go on rain or shine as the 27,000 square foot outdoor concert area includes large tents for shade or inclement weather. Concert-goers should bring a lawn chair, relax and be prepared to hear some of the most accomplished bluegrass musicians in the world! For tickets and more information, go online at www.lakesbluegrassfestival.com.
The Lakes Bluegrass Festival is presented by The Pine River Area Foundation (PRAF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.