The Frankfort Bluegrass Festival all-volunteer committee hosts its spring fundraiser at CD & Me Friday, May 1st to support its 16th free Frankfort Bluegrass Festival this summer.
Three bands will showcase the sounds of bluegrass on the indoor stage among the expansive botanic gardens of CD & Me, decorated with fire pits, a majestic fountain and a towering landmark fireplace.
“The financial challenges of planning for a free bluegrass festival are answered every spring by those who support our fundraiser,” said Steve Haberichter, a founding member and participating musician. “The May 1st event also spurs interest in volunteer sign up by new members, the other important aspect of hosting a free festival annually.”
According to the committee, the high profile, grand CD & Me campus helped create a natural trajectory toward greater success and a way of gaining important funds and utilizing all the new volunteers intent on helping keep the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival free and open to the public.
Many of the same volunteers pitch in for both the fundraiser and the two-day festival.
Festival sponsors have also come forward at the fundraiser and found their support levels at Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Sponsorship packets can be requested at www.frankfortbluegrass.com.
The indoor/outdoor evening event runs from 6 p.m. until 10 at CD & Me, located at 23320 South LaGrange Road in Frankfort, IL.
The fundraiser features three live music acts: The Grateful String Band, Andy Miller & The 145s and Anderlik, Otto & Church. The evening features appetizers from the Frankfort Restaurant Association group, beer tastings courtesy of Trails Edge Brewery and Werk Force Brewing, plus raffles, split the pot and silent auction items.
2026 Frankfort Bluegrass Fest July 11-12
The Frankfort Bluegrass Festival continues to draw crowds to its full day of music, family activities and kids’ experiences.
The Frankfort Bluegrass Fest triumphantly returned in 2022, just a few years removed from back-to-back global award recognition, including the 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association’s “Event of the Year” Award.
Organizers scheduled this year’s free admission summer festival for Saturday, July 11 and Sunday July 12, 2026. Support from sponsors and grassroots fundraising remain vital to hosting a free event.
“The committee is able to keep a pledge to bring free, top quality, award-winning bluegrass acts to Frankfort every summer to celebrate this truly American music because of our supporters,” said Amanda Thompson, fest coordinator.
“Our Bluegrass Fest fundraising event truly took flight when we were embraced by CD & Me. Our supporters who love this event bring new folks with them.”
“We’ve gained international recognition to draw in acts famous around the world, and we couldn’t be prouder that they know of Frankfort and are eager to come,” said Haberichter. “On May 1st, our fundraiser bands provide a preview to the superior musicianship we recruit locally.”
Advance tickets are $45 ($55 at the door) and include music, heavy appetizers and beverages courtesy of sponsors Werk Force Brewing and Trails Edge Brewery for beer tastings while CD & Me features fully stocked cash bars. There will be raffles and split the pot opportunities.
There is an abundance of free parking on site.
For further information and ticket purchases or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.frankfortbluegrassfest.com.
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