Typically, it’s a quiet stretch of forest. A historic lodge hides in the Colorado landscape as surrounding trails wind through pine trees, and a small chapel perfectly frames Pikes Peak in the distance.

By Memorial Day weekend, it’s something else entirely.

The grounds of La Foret Conference & Retreat Center will fill with music lovers, campers and more than 20 live acts as the MeadowGrass Music Festival returns for its 17th year. 

“The festival started as very much an extension of the local radio and music scene, but it’s just grown and grown,” festival director Kate Rainwater said. “We want to support music on the Front Range, including new acts and diverse groups.”

What began as a local music gathering has grown into a full-scale, family-friendly festival drawing crowds of up to 1,700 people.

Led by the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Highway Music Collaborative, the event focuses on one goal for three days each spring: creating space for live music, community and connection at the start of summer.

So, what exactly makes this Black Forest meadow worth the trip? Here are three things to know before you decide to pitch a tent or grab a spot in the grass this weekend. 

Built by the community, for the community 

From its roots as a small gathering to the bustling, three-day festival it is now, MeadowGrass remains built by the community, for the community.

Rainwater serves as the event’s only paid employee, the festival remains largely volunteer-powered. With around 230 volunteers helping run the weekend, alongside a team of about 40 volunteer board members and leaders, the weekend is a community effort from start to finish.

For those willing to lend a hand, volunteering can come with perks.

“If money’s really tight and you’re willing to volunteer, you can get a free pass for either a day or more shifts for the weekend,” Rainwater said. “We just want to keep it accessible to people of all financial backgrounds. In the artist community, it’s always been more about the art and creating the space than it is about the monetary goal.”

While a single four-hour volunteer shift earns a day pass, two shifts cover the full weekend, and three shifts include camping access.

For those attending without volunteering, tickets range from $53.49 to $315.99, with the highest price offering camping throughout the scenic grounds. 

The family-friendly festival runs from noon to 11:30 p.m. each day, Friday through Sunday, and it also keeps younger attendees in mind, with children 12 and under admitted free alongside a paying parent.

“It’s a really beautiful space and a great way to kick off the summer camping season, especially with little ones,” Rainwater said.

The music that defines MeadowGrass

Despite its name, MeadowGrass isn’t just about bluegrass, Rainwater said.

“Everyone thinks it’s a bluegrass-only festival, but MeadowGrass is just dancing in the grass of the meadow to Americana singer-songwriter music,” she said. “It is definitely kind of folk-based music, but our team wants to find all kinds of acts that are about to break and feature them.”

That means a lineup that stretches far beyond one genre, with 20 acts spanning reggae, blues, jazz, rock and everything in between. 

This year’s headliners include Banshee Tree on Friday, Animal Liberation Orchestra on Saturday and a Sunday lineup featuring the Nershi Hann Trio alongside the Kyle Hollingsworth Band; both include members of The String Cheese Incident.

Other performances bring even more variety, from returning favorites like Tejon Street Corner Thieves, known for their self-described “trashgrass” sound, to unique mashups like Steely Dead, blending the music of Steely Dan and Grateful Dead into one set.

More than a music festival

While the music may be the main draw, MeadowGrass offers far more than what’s happening on stage.

Throughout the weekend, the festival grounds are designed to be explored, from wooded trails to historic buildings like the Taylor Memorial Chapel and Inglis Hall, where additional activities take place.

“It’s a large property with labyrinths and trails, so it’s meant to be wandered around,” Rainwater said. “The point of the festival is to get outdoors, have fun, shake off the winter and get into the summer.”

Friday kicks off with the traditional Beer Festival, featuring tastings from several Colorado breweries, included with admission for attendees 21 and older.

Saturday and Sunday lean into relaxation and wellness, with yoga sessions and sound baths inside the historic buildings. New this year, attendees can also take part in disc golf, while Smokebrush Foundation offers workshops, nature walks and other hands-on activities.

The Kids Zone also features activities like tie-dye, hula hoop making, games and other crafts, giving younger attendees space to play while parents relax.

Food and retail vendors round out the experience, with a focus on local businesses offering everything from barbecue and Caribbean cuisine to handmade art and jewelry.

Organizers also encourage guests to come prepared: no pets are allowed unless they are service animals, and with Colorado’s unpredictable spring weather, sunscreen, layers and a sense of adventure are all recommended.

IF YOU GO 

What: MeadowGrass Music Festival
When: Noon to 11:30 p.m., Friday-Sunday
Where: La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road
Price: $53.49-$315.99, rockymountainhighway.org