Grand Lake Festivals

2024 Summer Music Festival Series

Grand Lake Festivals and Har-Ber Village are excited to announce three major Summer Music Festivals in Grove for 2024. The American Heritage Music Festival is June 6, 7 & 8 this year, the Jana Jae Fiddle Camp & Music Fest is always Labor Day Weekend, this year Aug. 30, 31 & Sept. 1, and the popular Old Time Gathering & Music Festival is October 18 & 19. 2024 is going to be a great music festival year!

American Heritage Music Festival

“This is exciting! Our partnership with Har-ber Village is wonderful synergy and a win-win for everyone involved, as we bring outstanding performers and family events to the area” commented Shirley Adams, Chair of the festivals. The American Heritage Music Festival and the Grand Lake National Fiddle Contest will bring stellar music, jamming, and competition fun to Har-Ber Village June 7 & 8, with popular emcees Bob Fjeldsted, National Fiddler Hall of Fame President, and Gerry Lay, outstanding singer and multi-instrumentalist. Music all weekend features many outstanding bands including bluegrass bands Possum Trot and Heartland Express, Clint Walker, Prairie Breeze String Band, Josh Wills Group, and World Champion bones player Barry Patton joining renowned Hee Haw fiddler, Jana Jae, for exciting entertainment at the Event Center and throughout the Village. Lauded fiddle champ Judges Jacie Sites, Joe Sites, and Paul DeWeber, also perform! Festivities start at Snider’s Camp Thursday, June 6, 7:00 pm, with the Honeycreek Gamblers contest and stage performances by Clint Walker, Prairie Breeze String Band, Shelley & Karen, Coleman Sisters, Festival Fiddlers, Jana Jae & Friends, and more.

Ron Young will kick off the final day, Sat., June 8, singing the National Anthem followed by Judges performing, then right into the Grand Lake National Fiddle Contest as fiddlers from around the country vie for cash prizes in their age categories and the Grand Champion prize of $1000. Visit our website for a Schedule and to register for contests online with PayPal. Registered contestants plus one receive all-event wristbands when they enter.

Reduced Admission on Friday and Saturday

Har-Ber Village Executive Director, Nicole Reynolds, is offering a reduced special festival admission fee of $7.50 for Friday and Saturday activities, with demonstrations and exhibitions in addition to all the music. Reynolds said, “There is lots going on in the Village, and we want all area families and friends to be able to come and enjoy our first time to host these wonderful festivals.” The Village will be alive with music and live demonstrations all up and down Main Street and throughout the Village.

Jana Jae Fiddle Camp & Music Fest

The Jana Jae Fiddle Camp & Music Fest, August 30, 31 & Sept. 1, will be held at the Foundation Free Will Baptist Church, north of Grove, graciously opening its doors to the musicians and groups. Not just for fiddles, all acoustic instruments are welcome, from bass, guitar, mandolin, and cello to ukulele and rhythm bones, spoons, and djembe drums! Over 20 instructors are on hand to perform and teach. “We’ll have a fiddlin’ good weekend!” according to Pastor Sam Smith, whose son Colton is a fiddler. Pastor Smith has been generous to donate use of the church and its wonderful technical capabilities for the educational Fiddle Camp & Music Fest. This spacious location will afford more private spaces for workshop pods, as well as shaded outdoor areas for rehearsing and jamming. Sept. 1, Sunday, a Gospel Music Jam is featured, and a finale program put on by workshop groups is open to the public at 3:00 pm.

Old Time Gathering & Music Festival

October 18 & 19, Har-Ber Village hosts the second Old Time Gathering & Music Festival, presented by Grand Lake Festivals. Music of several genres will fill the Village as will demonstrations such as print making, weaving, blacksmithing, and several interesting talks on the history of this music and its resurgence. The festival will culminate with a Contra Dance organized by Glen Schmidt in the Event Tent, with caller Susan Downs and the Silver Dollar String Band. The public is invited to participate!