Bluegrass Festival Brings Inclusivity and Connection to the Las Vegas Community

Over the past few years, I worked the kids tent at the Bluegrasss Festival, but this year I went for the fun of it! And I sure did have a great time. A couple of friends were happy to join me, too.

While most people don't think of Bluegrass as their favorite genera of music, we still had over 4,000 people attend this year's event. Seems like Bluegrass is still pretty popular with demographics across the board. We had men and women of all ages attending and more than 30% of attendees were hispanic at Centennial Hills Park in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Grammy Award and Country Music Association Award Winner Dan Tyminski and his band headlined the event. Tyminski was a featured member of the Allison Krauss and Union Station band. It seems Bluegrass music is more popular than one might guess, and possibly having a revival. My boss said that one of the acts, Two Runner, was at another festival she went to earlier in the year. Even my friend, Eileen, said "Wait, I know this song. I hear it on the radio a lot!" I believe she was referring to the Tray Wellington Band's "Moon and Motion 1." She went not expecting to know any of the music; she was just there to enjoy a beautiful day in the park with me.

Year after year I am impressed at the number of visitors attracted to this event, although it should come as no surprise now. I also love that it is one of the many events hosted in our city parks that brings together friends, families and neighbors of all ages, races, and religions. Billboard Music highlights that Wellington has made "considerable strides in dismantling musical boundary lines and stereotypes with his music. Most notably with his 2022 debut full-length album Black Banjo, Wellington has been a fierce advocate for increasing diversity and representation within the genre."

My favorite part of festivals is the food and artisan tents. Our team does a great job at trying to secure a variety of vendors. My friend is gluten intolerant, so she was surprised to find that one of the mobile food trucks catered to her unique dietary needs. The person working the Boxed Butcher, a Charcuterie Food Truck and Catering service was genuinely caring and attentive, helping to customize her meal for an enjoyable experience. The festival also featured a seafood taco truck, on-the-go BBQ, and desserts.

While I didn't buy anything this year, it was fun to see all the custom creations for sale. From paintings, to jewelry to everyday household items, the chosen vendors for the Bluegrass Festival offer a unique assortment of souvenirs. The producers of the event, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs also sold t-shirts for the event. For many Bluegrass Fans, these shirts become collector items year after year.

If you are thinking that Bluegrass isn't for you, I challenge you to reconsider. This event is free every year to enrich the community, foster cultural programming and attract tourists and locals. The city of Las Vegas Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs challenges itself every year to provide a diverse assortment of FREE entertainment for an equally diverse community. This approach aims to make cultural experiences affordable while encouraging guests to buy from local vendors. Other major events to look for throughout the year include: The Kizuna Society Japanese Festival, the Helldorado Days Parade, Django Vegas!, Concerts in the Park, the Book Festival, the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, the Dia de Los Muertos festival, Kwanzaa: Ujima, the Carribean Heritage Festival, the Art U Ok? Art for wellness festival, the Pineapple Music Festival, and the Tamales Mariachi Festival.

Discover the many multi-cultural events the city has to offer!