Welcome to the 6th Annual 2018 Baygrass Bluegrass Festival!

Each year since its inception, ICE’s Baygrass Bluegrass festival has expanded its offerings, as it popularity both locally and nationally grows.  In addition to outstanding music and South Florida craft beer a new partnership with Audubon Florida’s Everglades Science Center will increase awareness about Florida Bay and Everglades restoration; as well as, sustainable living in the Florida Keys.

The 6th Annual Baygrass Bluegrass Festival will be held on Jan. 12, 13, and 14, 2018, in Islamorada.

 “We’re excited to bring the best in Bluegrass/Americana music, South Florida Craft Beer and to join with the Everglades Science Center to showcase a Sustainability Village that will invite festivalgoers to explore “the role of organizations contributing to Florida Bay and Everglades restoration and how they can live a more sustainable lifestyle” said Robby McClung, the festival’s producer.  “Crowd favorites from previous year like Grandpa’s Cough Medicine and rising stars like Billy Strings will make this year’s three-day music fest the best ever.”

Baygrass Bluegrass 6 will again feature a South Florida Craft Beer Garden hosted by Florida Keys Brewing Company, musical instrument vendors as well as art and crafts vendors.   On Friday, Jan. 12, the weekend kicks off with a 6 p.m. “Square Dancing in the Streets Party” at Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, MM 81.5 in downtown Islamorada.  On Saturday, Jan. 13, a Pickin’ Party and BBQ starts at 5 p.m. at the same location.

The main event — Sunday’s concert — at Islamorada Founders Park starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m. (gates open at 10 a.m.) Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance at baygrassbluegrass.com or $25 at the gate, with 17 and younger free.  A total of 16 bands will perform throughout the weekend.

The Everglades Science Center’s mission is to conduct scientific studies in the Southern Everglades, making the connection between the ecological health of these habitats and water management activities in South Florida.

In addition to the Sustainability Village, “There will be an essay contest for high schoolers challenging them to consider the importance of restoring Florida Bay for future generations and a Bike to BayGrass initiative encouraging festivalgoers to reduce their carbon footprint by not driving a car to the event.  Festival promotors are working hard to provide an almost plastic-free festival,” said Michael Kline, a scientist at Audubon’s Everglades Science Center.

WHEN: All Weekend Long! Starting with satellite events on Friday, January 12th in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, and Saturday, January 13th will also be held here in the Morada Way Arts District. Sunday, January 14th, 2018 is the main event. Tickets will go on sale on 10/1 and you can buy tickets HERE.

WHERE: Sunday’s main event: Founders Park mile marker 87 Bayside. See map HERE.

There will be many local vendors throughout the day Sunday with some of South Florida and the Florida Keys’ best hand-made arts and crafts of all varieties. Along with Florida Keys Brewing Company there will be several of Florida’s best craft breweries doing tastings and special releases throughout the weekend.  Local establishments and food trucks will cover all appetites and Florida Keys Brewing Company will play host to a beer garden featuring many local breweries and the product of their craft.

Proceeds from the 6th Annual Baygrass Bluegrass Festival go to help fund Audubon’s Everglades Science Center as well as Arts and Music Scholarships for Upper Keys Youths. For more information on Islamorada Community Entertainment please visit www.keysice.com or  www.fl.audubon.org.