Bluegrass in La Roche
The biggest bluegrass festival in Europe
About Bluegrass in La Roche
Bluegrass in La Roche: The European Capital of Bluegrass
The story of Bluegrass in La Roche begins in 2004, when Christopher Howard-Williams, an American music enthusiast living in Haute-Savoie, decided to create a festival entirely dedicated to bluegrass in the French Alps. The first edition was held in 2006 in the medieval town of La Roche-sur-Foron, and its success was immediate: the combination of authentic music, a remarkable heritage setting, and a warm atmosphere captivated a loyal and growing audience.
In two decades, the festival has become the largest event exclusively dedicated to bluegrass in Europe, recognized by the industry with five nominations for Event of the Year at the IBMA Awards (International Bluegrass Music Association).
An Exceptional Program
Each edition features around forty concerts spread over five days, with bands from about fifteen countries—United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and all of Europe. The festival showcases all facets of bluegrass: traditional, progressive, newgrass, and old-time music. Artists such as Molly Tuttle, Blue Highway, Della Mae, Lonesome River Band, and AJ Lee and Blue Summit have graced the stage in La Roche.
The OFF Festival: Music in the Town
Beyond the main concerts, the festival offers a free OFF program with about fifteen concerts on the terraces of cafes and restaurants in the medieval town center. This accessible off-program immerses the entire town in the bluegrass atmosphere and allows discovery of this music in an informal and friendly setting.
Workshops and Camaraderie
Bluegrass in La Roche doesn't just offer concerts; it's also a place for learning. Bluegrass music workshops are offered to adults and children, led by professional musicians. A market for instruments and accessories, a swap meet for records and comics, family activities, and artisanal food complete a program designed for all audiences.
A Medieval Setting
La Roche-sur-Foron, with its medieval towers, cobbled streets, and castle, provides a picturesque and unexpected backdrop for an American music festival. The contrast between the alpine architecture and the sounds of the banjo, fiddle, and mandolin creates a unique atmosphere that is the charm of the event.
Bluegrass in La Roche — edition 2026
The 21st edition of Bluegrass in La Roche takes place from July 29 to August 2, 2026, in La Roche-sur-Foron. The largest European festival exclusively dedicated to bluegrass offers 28 concerts with 22 bands from 19 countries (USA, Europe, Korea, Australia, Canada...), bluegrass workshops, an instrument market, and the traditional free OFF festival in the medieval city center.
21st Edition — Bluegrass in La Roche 2026
The largest bluegrass festival in Europe returns from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2, 2026, for its 21st edition, in the medieval city of La Roche-sur-Foron. The 2026 program brings together 28 concerts and 22 bands from 19 countries, across five continents.
The Stages
- The Main Stage (Sainte-Marie college courtyard and auditorium): from Thursday, July 30 to Sunday, August 2, starting at 6 PM, headliners and emerging bands from Europe, the United States, and beyond.
- The Midday Stage: Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, from noon to 4:45 PM — duos, trios, and young talents, with happy hour on food from noon to 2:30 PM.
- The OFF Festival (free): Wednesday evening and Friday midday, a dozen concerts on the terraces of city center bars and restaurants, plus concerts in healthcare facilities and senior residences.
Around the Concerts
The festival also offers bluegrass workshops for adults and children, an instrument and accessories market, a record and comic book fair, family entertainment, artisanal catering, and a festival campsite (reservations from March 6, 2026).
Programme Bluegrass in La Roche 2026
Headliners — The Main Stage (from Thursday, July 30 to Sunday, August 2, 2026)
- Kristy Cox Band (Australia / United States)
- Piotr Bulas & Garage Folks (Poland)
- Paul & The Alley Cats (Netherlands / Spain)
- The Sentimental Gentlemen (United States)
- Veranda (Canada)
- New Aliquot & David Benda (Czech Republic)
- No Man's Land (Denmark / Netherlands / Slovakia / Belgium / United States)
- Noah Hassler-Forest (Netherlands / Spain)
- Shelby Means Band (United States)
- Sweet Sally (United States)
- Country Gongbang (South Korea)
- Monogram (Czech Republic)
- Yonder Boys (United States / Chile / Australia / Germany)
- Gadan (Italy / Ireland / United States)
- Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra (Norway)
- Workshop Students and Teachers (Europe) — presentation by workshop participants and teachers
General Program
- 28 concerts · 22 bands · 19 countries
- Midday Stage (Saturday-Sunday): duos, trios, and young talents
- Free OFF Festival in the city center (Wednesday evening and Friday midday)
- Bluegrass workshops for adults and children
- Instrument and accessories market · record and comic book fair
Highlights Bluegrass in La Roche 2026
- 21st edition of Europe's largest bluegrass festival
- 28 concerts, 22 bands from 19 countries across 5 continents
- 4-day pass for 20 € · Thursday, July 30 free
- Free OFF Festival in the medieval city center
Prices Bluegrass in La Roche 2026
Practical information — Bluegrass in La Roche
Practical Information
Location
Medieval town center of La Roche-sur-Foron
74800 La Roche-sur-Foron
Access
By car: La Roche-sur-Foron is located on the A40 motorway (Lyon-Chamonix), exit n°14. 30 km from Annecy, 40 km from Geneva, and 60 km from Chamonix.
By train: La Roche-sur-Foron SNCF station (Annecy-Saint-Gervais line and TGV Paris-Annecy).
Prices
4-day pass: approximately 20 EUR. Some days are free access. The OFF festival is entirely free.
Ticketing
Bookings on the official website: larochebluegrass.org
Contact
Association Roch' Événements
Official website: larochebluegrass.org
Facebook: /larochebluegrassfestival
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Where does it take place — Bluegrass in La Roche
Centre-ville médiéval de La Roche-sur-Foron