2024
(2025 information will be posted when available)
The Desert Bluegrass Festival is a lively local festival just west of Tucson in Marana, AZ. Organized by the Desert Bluegrass Association, the festival’s mission is to showcase bands of the southwest and to provide family-oriented, high quality bluegrass and acoustic music entertainment to our community and to visitors from all over.
Our Friday afternoon entertainment is free to all, and is the Desert Bluegrass Association’s way of showing our appreciation to all our supporters. We will have a band scramble, a great performance by Tucson’s own Nick McBlaine & Logtrain, and a contra dance.
Saturday and Sunday will feature great bands all day long, workshops, a Kids’ Zone with fun activities, food trucks, arts and craft vendors, campground and jamming every evening following performances.
Seven 20 x 20 canopies will be provided for shade. Please bring your own low profile chairs.
Without volunteers, we cannot have a festival. Please volunteer here,
4 hours work in exchange for a weekend admission!
(Sorry folks but free RV or premium tent camping is not included with the volunteer slots.)
Thank you Town of Marana
and your Parks and Recreation Department!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the festival?
Friday, March 8 3 pm – 7 pm
Saturday, March 9 9:45 am – 6 pm
Sunday, March 10 9 am – 4 pm
Where is the festival?
Gladden Farms Community Park
12205 N Tangerine Farms Rd, Marana, AZ
How much does it cost and how can I buy festival tickets?
The entry fee for a Saturday or Sunday Pass is $25.00 and a weekend pass is $40.00. Children under the age of 16 are free with a paid adult. The Friday afternoon band scramble, concert, and contra dance are free. You can
purchase tickets here.
RV dry camping is available for the weekend for $50, including Thursday night. Tent camping near the RVs (where much of the jamming happens) is $20. Tent camping on the soccer field is free. You can read more about the available camping and
purchase your camping site here.
Yes, pets on leashes are welcome.
Will there be alcohol?
The town of Marana prohibits the sale of alcohol in their parks, however we have obtained a permit that allow you to bring in your own beer or wine.
Will there be chairs and shade?
Yes, we have shade canopies and folding chairs, but many people prefer to bring their own chairs. Please make sure they are not too tall.
I have limited mobility. How can I get from the parking area to the festival area?
This year, we will be running golf cart shuttles from the parking lot directly to the gate. Also, if you’d prefer to have your car closer, there are some close-in
VIP parking spaces available for a small charge.
Yes. You will be given a wristband at the gate that allows you unrestricted entry for the day or for the weekend, depending on which ticket you purchased. Everything on Friday afternoon and evening is free, and does not require a wristband.
Do I have to pay to attend the festival?
No. If you’re willing to help out, you can
volunteer 4 hours of your time in exchange for a free weekend pass. The rest of the time, you’re free to enjoy the festival, for free!
Are there any workshops?
Yes. Free
workshops (included in your festival admission) in songwriting, guitar, mandolin, and bass will be offered by the Mike Mitchell Band at 1 pm Saturday on the east soccer field.
Just fill out the
sponsorship form and send it in with a check. We appreciate your donations to the festival, and we depend on your generosity to continue bringing fine bluegrass music to the community.