TD riding a musical wave: second music fest hits in May
The Dalles, Ore., March 20, 2026 — Organizers of the Grand Dalles Music Festival say this year’s event will be more centralized, accessible and community-focused as it returns for its second year, May 29–31.
Festival organizer Jonathan Zilka said lessons learned from the inaugural event are shaping improvements in 2026, including a tighter footprint in downtown venues and a move away from exposed outdoor locations that were impacted by wind, noise and weather.
The three-day festival will feature a mix of bluegrass and old-time music, with concerts, dances, workshops and informal jam sessions planned across multiple locations, including the Granada Theatre, City Park and a large event space near Last Stop Saloon.
Headlining acts include the Stumptown String Band on Friday night, followed by a square dance, and Portland- and Hood River-based band Never Come Down on Saturday evening. Additional performances, workshops and family-friendly programming are scheduled throughout the weekend.
Zilka said the festival blends traditional music styles while emphasizing participation, with opportunities for attendees to dance, attend workshops or join in informal music sessions.
Daily wristbands are priced at $10, or $25 for the full weekend, with free admission for children under 12. Organizers expect attendance to meet or exceed last year’s turnout of roughly 400 people.
The festival is supported through grants, donations and volunteer efforts, with funding from organizations including the Wasco County Cultural Trust, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce and Bubbaville.
Zilka said the event is intended not only as entertainment but also as part of a broader effort to strengthen The Dalles’ identity as a regional hub for live music and cultural events.
More information, including schedules and workshops, is available at thegranddallesmusicfestival.com.
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