Bluegrass festival returns to Rockland with food, beer garden, crafts

The annual Highlands Bluegrass Music & Crafts Festival returns for its 14th year to the Great Lawn at Harmony Hall-Jacob Sloat House in Sloatsburg on Sept. 22.

The festival features three bands, food, beverages, a beer garden, arts and crafts for kids and handcrafted items for sale.

The music is presented on an outdoor stage set in the scenic Ramapo River Valley. This National Register of Historic Places site is located between Harriman and Sterling Forest State Parks in the surrounding Ramapo Mountains.

The festival welcomes back two Hudson Valley bands — Hudson Crossing and Blue Plate Special — and adds Serene Green from Pennsylvania to the lineup.

The event takes place rain or shine, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Harmony Hall - Jacob Sloat House, 15 Liberty Rock Road, Sloatsburg. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Hudson Crossing will be performing Sept. 22 at the Highlands Bluegrass Festival. Photo by Geoff Welch

The festival builds awareness and support for the preservation efforts of the nonprofit Friends of Harmony Hall. The volunteer organization continues to offer art, educational, and cultural events at the 19th century mansion that was once home to Jacob Sloat, a wealthy industrialist and the village's namesake.

Advance admission is $15 for adults until 6 p.m. Sept. 20. Day of the event, tickets will be $20 for adults, $5 for kids (12-17). Free for kids under 12. Click here to order tickets and for more information.

Subscribe to events@friendsofharmonyhall.org for updates and visit fohh.org for more about the Friends of Harmony Hall.

The festival is sponsored by Rockland County Tourism, Town of Ramapo, Sloatsburg Chamber of Commerce and CORE Building Materials.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.