Each year as Memorial Day approaches, my anxiety goes to new levels as I prepare for my next DelFest and to be nestled in the bosom of the Allegheny County Fairgrounds. DelFest is a festival held in Cumberland, Maryland, celebrating the Bluegrass music and innovations of Del McCoury and his family. Don’t get me wrong it’s not all Bluegrass all the time. Bands in attendance this year, like The Toy Factory Project, Chris Knight and Southern Avenue brought a different sound to the festival.

Another positive of the festival is the McCoury family’s nonstop promotion of younger musicians and their inclusion in the festivities. Various members of the McCoury family and other notable musicians like the members of Sister Sadie and Frank Solivan take part in an academy that runs the through first of the week for all the various instruments of Bluegrass music. This is open to all ages and all skill levels where, at the end, they’re all placed into teams and create a band as the winner gets to go on stage to start the festival. This year there was definitely a younger foundation to the band that won the scramble.

Check out photos from Day 1 of DelFest 2026:

DelFest also promoted a crop of younger musicians, known as “Young Guns.” The band was a group of young musicians headed by Heaven McCoury that got some stage time. In addition to that, Del himself invited the upcoming band The Mountain Grass Unit  to the perform at The Grand Ole Opry! 

Check out photos from Day 2 of DelFest 2026:

This year the weather seemed to be a challenge, but did not put a damper on the entertainment, nor did it put a damper on the enthusiasm of the fans on site of which there were many. Notable performances came right out of the box when Del McCoury Band did what they called the sound check or the opening band of the festival and Sam Bush came out and joined in a song. At that point it was on. The Toy Factory Project, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives late night, Maggie Rose and Alison Krauss & Union Station were some of my faves!

Check out photos from Day 3 of DelFest 2026:

Delfest is unique festival that needs to be experienced in person at least once in your lifetime. The camaraderie and general kindness of most everyone at the festival is astounding. This family friendly festival is definitely for everyone no matter what music you listen to. It’s something you need to experience.

Thank you all till next year’s DelFest!

Check out photos from Day 4 of DelFest 2026: