Bellevue celebrates bluegrass with 25th Wintergrass Music Festival

More than 30 artists will perform Feb. 22-25.

The 25th annual Wintergrass Music Festival is coming to Bellevue.

For four days in five venues throughout Bellevue’s Hyatt Regency, thousands of bluegrass fans will be able to enjoy music from over 30 bands and artists.

Held from Feb. 22-25, the “Go West” themed festival will offer 60 workshop and educational programs, eight educational programs for children 3 and older and “PintGrass” programs for 4-to-6-year-olds on Thursday and Friday.

A special performance by the Youth Academy will be held Friday, and the Youth Orchestra, which is comprised of 100 middle school students, will perform Sunday afternoon with artists Mark O’Connor, Rashad Eggleston, Kittle and Co, Mike Marshall and Darol Anger.

In addition to local, national and international (Germany, Sweden and Canada) artists will be an array of 40-50 vendors.

Wendy Tyner, a spokeswoman for the festival, said the multi-day event generates $2-3 million for the city of Bellevue each time it comes around. In fact, earlier this month, Bellevue Mayor John Chelminiak proclaimed February 2018 as “Bluegrass Music Month.”

The proclamation states that “bluegrass music is recognized as a genre of music that universally fosters a sense of community for all ages and ethnicities.”

Furthermore, “Wintergrass [Festival] supports aspiring and professional artists with the opportunity to teach and perform while recognizing the importance that bluegrass music offers through an enriching cultural experience for all.”

Tyner said Wintergrass Music Festival tickets for families and lower-income individuals are available and can be found on the festival’s website. For a list of artists, set times and more information, visit wintergrass.com.