FreshGrass | Bentonville
An all-ages bluegrass and progressive roots music festival
Great music, uprooted.
Set amongst the beauty of the Ozarks, FreshGrass | Bentonville is a two-day, all-ages festival with the best of today’s bluegrass and progressive roots music filling multiple outdoor stages, courtyards, and galleries at the Momentary (exhibitions are always free to view!).
Knockout performances and world premieres will be accompanied by fun, family-friendly activities, great local food and drink, homegrown retail vendors, artist merchandise, and more.
Festival programming also includes FreshScores, a silent film with original live music, and all-new FreshGrass musical commissions and world premieres.
2024 TICKETS
Two-Day General Admission Tickets
$175 Adult General Admission
($140/Momentary member)¹
$45 Children 7—16²
($36/Momentary member)¹
FREE Children 0—6³
Friday General Admission Tickets
$99 Adult General Admission
($79/Momentary member)¹
$28 Children 7—16²
($22/Momentary member)¹
FREE Children 0—6³
Saturday General Admission Tickets
$125 Adult General Admission
($99/Momentary member)¹
$28 Children 7—16²
($22/Momentary member)¹
FREE Children 0—6³
FreshGrass | Bentonville is held rain or shine.
Want to stay in the know about all things FreshGrass | Bentonville? Sign up for our eNews today to get updates straight to your inbox or check out FreshGrass.com for the latest news!
Quantities are limited – reserve your spot online or by calling the Box Office at (479) 657-2335 today! Not a member yet? Join today to enjoy priority access to concerts and member-only events all year long.
Please allow 24 hours for new memberships purchased online to process before purchasing your member-priced ticket. To purchase your membership and tickets together today, call our member priority line at (479) 418-5728 or email Memberships@CrystalBridges-theMomentary.org.
¹ Member pricing is for members of the Momentary. Discount will be applied at check out to youth tickets and up to two (2) adult tickets. Each order is limited to six (6) adult tickets regardless of member status.
² Children with a general admission ticket are welcome in the FreshPass VIP Lounge with an accompanying adult with a VIP FreshPass ticket.
³ Children must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
The VIP FreshPass includes:
- Expedited entry at check-in
- Two-day access to the festival
- Freshpass VIP Lounge access (inclusive of complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages)
- Dedicated Main Stage viewing area
- Freshgrass swag bag
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Performances will be presented rain or shine. In the case of severe storms, delays or postponements are possible. Follow our Instagram for the latest updates.
Friday, May 17
4 PM: Gates Open
4:30-5:10 PM: JD CLAYTON
No Depression Stage
5:15-6:15 PM: AOIFE O’DONOVAN & HAWKTAIL FEATURING THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Main stage
6-7 PM: MR. SUN PLAYS DUKE ELLINGTON’S NUTCRACKER SUITE
RØDE House
6:20-7:05 PM: RUTHIE FOSTER
No Depression Stage
7:10-8:10 PM: MOLLY TUTTLE & GOLDEN HIGHWAY
Main Stage
8-10 PM: SQUARE DANCING
Tulip Barn
8:15-9 PM: AURELIO MARTINEZ
No Depression Stage
9:05-10:35 PM: TRAMPLED BY TURTLES
Main Stage
10:40-11:55 PM: ARKANSAUCE
No Depression Stage
12 AM: Gates Close
No entry/re-entry allowed after this time.
*All times are subject to change.
Saturday, May 18
12 PM: Gates Open
12:30-1:15 PM: HOUSE OF SONGS PRESENTS: SONGRIDER
No Depression Stage
12:30-1:15 PM: BANJO WORKSHOP WITH ALISON BROWN
Tulip Barn
1:15-2 PM: FIDDLE WORKSHOP WITH DAROL ANGER
Tulip Barn
1-2 PM: ERIC MINGUS & THE SACRED ROUTES VOCAL ENSEMBLE
RØDE House
1:30-2:15 PM: PETER ONE
No Depression Stage
2:15-3 PM: JAM SESSION
Tulip Barn
2:20-3:20 PM: S.G. GOODMAN
Main Stage
3:25-4:25 PM: THE HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS
No Depression Stage
4:30-5:30 PM: ALISON BROWN
Main Stage
5:35-6:35 PM: MERIDIAN BROTHERS
No Depression Stage
5:45-6:45 PM: JAM SESSION
Tulip Barn
6:40-7:40 PM: VALERIE JUNE
Main Stage
7:30-9:30 PM: SQUARE DANCING
Tulip Barn
7:45-8:45 PM: THE PO’ RAMBLIN’ BOYS
No Depression Stage
8:50-10:50 PM: JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT
Main Stage
12 AM: Gates Close
No entry/re-entry allowed after this time.
*All times are subject to change.
EXTRA PROGRAMMING
WORKSHOPS
Fine-tune your skills with hands-on workshops and jam sessions IN THE TULIP BARN!
You are encouraged to bring your instrument and participate in jam sessions on Friday and Saturday. Saturday will also feature three artist-led workshops featuring banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. These free workshops focus on instruments and bluegrass techniques. Space is limited, so register upon arrival–first come, first served. Instrument check available in the Boiler Room.
12:30-1:15 PM: BANJO WORKSHOP WITH ALISON BROWN
1:15-2 PM: FIDDLE WORKSHOP WITH DAROL ANGER
3:30-4:15 PM: MANDOLIN WORKSHOP WITH SHARON GILCHREST
COMMISSIONS
Eric Mingus and the Sacred Roots Vocal Ensemble
1-2 PM ON SATURDAY, MAY 18 | RØDE HOUSE
Eric Mingus and vocalists use words and melody to trace the roots of our human connection, with emphasis on human migration; paying tribute to the fact that so often in forced migration, the only thing a person can carry with them is a song.
“Sacred Routes” honors the song as a means of universal communication; where language can fail, the song may still be understood. It features the human voice, along with percussive sounds made using the body (hand claps, foot stomps, etc) and handmade acoustic instruments crafted by Eric.
Mr Sun Plays Ellington’s Nutcracker
Mr Sun records and performs a new interpretation of Ellington’s legendary Nutcracker Suite. Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite contains some of the most beloved and familiar melodies in the Western world. Mr Sun has seized upon the inspiration of Duke Ellington’s brilliant, sly, & urbane re-interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Suite as an opportunity to salute and re-invent this wildly multi-faceted work anew through the lens of the American String Band, a musical form which contains myriad styles and is presently engaged in a marathon upheaval of innovation and expansion.
On Mr Sun’s new recording, the pieces of the Suite range from close interpretations of Billy Strayhorn’s original charts to intense extrapolations based on the spirit of the material. On the recording, Mr Sun generally played original improvised solos, though some crucial musical statements by giants such as Johnny Hodges and Paul Gonsalves were transcribed directly and played in their spirit. Most of Strayhorn’s startling original horn voicings have been preserved in bowed strings, with multi-mandolin parts adding a punchy edge.
AOIFE O’DONOVAN & HAWKTAIL FEATURING THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S CHOIR performs America, Come
Inspired by the lives, letters and speeches of the president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association Carrie Chapman Catt and United States President Woodrow Wilson during the summer of 1920, GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter Aoife O’Donovan joins the Pops for her musical exploration of voting rights for women.
House of Songs
House of Songs Presents: SongRider
Brought to you by the House of Songs, SongRider harmonizes Northwest Arkansas musicians and outdoor culture leaders in a unique collaboration. Witness the magic as original songs, crafted during mountain and gravel biking excursions, culminate in a vibrant performance at FreshGrass. Each adventure, starting March 2024, is documented in Instagram films, capturing the fusion of nature and melody. Join us for an exhilarating journey, proudly presented by the House of Songs, where outdoor culture and music ride side by side creating experiences of creativity that transcend boundaries.
FOOD + DRINKS
- MarShae’s Sweet Escape
- BeaverTails
- Poppin’ Up at the Momentary by Chef Timothy Ordway
- Wright’s BBQ
- Free Wheelin’ Pizzeria
- Stuffed
- ShoBo’s Kitchen
- Southern Sippin’
- Benton’s Roasted Nuts
- Taqueria Lucha
WHAT TO BRING AND NOT BRING TO THE FESTIVAL
BRING
- Valid ID and tickets to present upon entry.
- Folding chairs and blankets to use in designated areas at mid-field and beyond.
- Free water stations will be available. Empty plastic water bottles are encouraged to help stay hydrated. (No glass, metal, or opaque plastic containers.) We will also sell canned water at the bars.
- Bring your credit or debit cards. The festival is 100% cash-less.
- Rain or shine, the show will go on! Come prepared with your sunscreen, hat, raincoat or a poncho.
- One clear bag no bigger than 12” x 6” x 12”, or a single one-gallon plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar). You may also carry a small clutch purse, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap.
- All clear bags and clutch purses will be screened prior to entry. Security has final say on which bags will be permitted.
DON’T BRING
- No outside food and drink, large bags, coolers, or ice chests. No pop-up shade tents or umbrellas of any kind.
- No weapons or firearms of any kind are allowed, even if you have a permit. Laser pointers, glow sticks, and illuminating objects are strictly prohibited.
- No metal, glass, or opaque water bottles
- No fireworks, fuel, or explosive materials of any kind.
- No skateboards, scooters, or wheeled devices other than ADA-compliant transport.
- No wagons.
- No kites, frisbees, inflatables, or air horns.
- No illegal substances of any kind.
- No smoking or vaping will be allowed outside of designated smoking areas.
- No pets.
- No posters, signs, or promotional materials. Flyers and other promotional materials cannot be distributed on Momentary property without prior approval.
- No Cameras, drones, selfie sticks, tripods, detachable lenses, and flash photography. No audio or video recording devices.
- We ask that you refrain from using your phones and other devices during the live performances at FreshGrass, as they are disruptive to both patrons and performers. Professional photographers MUST obtain a media pass in advance—email us at PR_US@4media-group.com.
- Prohibited items will not be admitted or checked. Please leave these items at home or in your locked vehicle.
FAQs
Am I limited in the number of tickets I can order?
Orders are limited to six (6) adult tickets, with Momentary members able to order up to two (2) adult tickets at the member price. If your party size is larger than six, we recommend having another member of your group purchase the additional tickets needed.
Can I share my festival pass with my friends?
No, a festival pass is for you and you only. It is not transferable between different people attending different days. The single day ticket is meant for a single-day guest. You will receive a two-day wristband upon entry which should be left on throughout the festival weekend and not removed at any point.
Are ticket sales final?
Ticket sales, including ticketing and handling fees, are final and non-refundable. (Full ticket policy available online here. If FreshGrass is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, ticket buyers will have the option to receive a full refund.
Can I bring my kids and do they have to pay?
FreshGrass | Bentonville is a family-friendly event—children are welcome, and admission is free for those six and under with an accompanying adult. There is a reduced price for kids aged 7-16.
I’ve purchased a FreshPass and will have my child with me. Can they come into the FreshPass Lounge with me?
Yes! Children are welcome in the FreshPass Lounge with an accompanying adult with a FreshPass VIP Pass.
What other events will take place?
In addition to live music, festival events include family-friendly artmaking activities, a local food and makers market, square dancing, access to new exhibitions like Dark Waters and Mystic Parallax, and more. Feel free to bring your acoustic, non-amplified instruments for informal picking circles and workshops.
How can I stay connected on what’s happening during the festival?
Follow the Momentary Instagram, Facebook, and X feeds.
What if it rains?
This is a rain or shine event. Umbrellas are not permitted. In the case of severe storms, delays or postponements are possible. In the event of lightning, heavy flooding, or dangerous winds, we will move indoors to wait out the storm. Announcements will be made on location and via the Momentary’s social media platforms. Only in a rare event will a performance be canceled.
Are pets allowed? I’d like to bring my dog on a leash.
No pets at FreshGrass, please. Only certified service animals will be allowed into the festival.
Will vendors accept credit or debit cards?
FreshGrass | Bentonville is 100% cash-less. Please bring your credit and debit cards.
Will there be assigned seating? Should I bring my own chairs or blankets?
We encourage guests who would like to sit to bring their own camp-style folding chairs or blankets (and arrive early!). There will be no assigned seating at the festival. Spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be located behind a standing room only area near the main stage under the Canopy.
Are cameras and video recording devices allowed?
Cameras, drones, selfie sticks, tripods, detachable lenses, and flash photography are not allowed. No audio or video recording devices.
We ask that you refrain from using your phones and other devices during the live performances at FreshGrass, as they are disruptive to both patrons and performers. Professional photographers MUST obtain a media pass in advance.
Can I volunteer at FreshGrass?
Yes! Learn more about volunteering at the Momentary at theMomentary.org/volunteer or email Volunteer@CrystalBridges-theMomentary.org. Advance training is required.
I’m a vendor and want to participate. What should I do?
Tell us who you are, what you do, and why we’ll love it. Email your request to Shop@theMomentary.org.
I’m a journalist. Who should I contact about a media pass?
Reach out to us in advance of the festival at media@crystalbridges.org.
Where is the entrance to the festival?
We have entrances at 8th Street Market and along SE E Street for those biking or walking from the Downtown Bentonville area. We also have an entry located just west of the parking garage, accessible from 8th Street (701 SE 8th Street). Please be ready to show your mobile/printed tickets to receive your FreshGrass wristband along with a valid ID.
How do I get to the festival? Where should I park?
FreshGrass | Bentonville takes place at the Momentary, located at 507 SE E Street.
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- Free parking:
- Complimentary parking will be available in a designated lot near the Bentonville Fire Department at 8th & A Street (see Google Maps here). There will be shuttles transporting guests to and from the festival to this parking lot. ADA parking will be available.
- Shuttles will run every 20-30 minutes between 3 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on Friday, May 19, and between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 20.
- Paid parking:
- Parking passes to park in the Momentary’s parking garage are available for purchase at $10 per day. Qty is limited.
- Friend and Insider-level members receive free parking in the garage as part of their membership benefit. Advance reservation is required via Box Office at BoxOffice@theMomentary.org or (479) 657-2335.
- The parking garage is located next to the 8th Street Market at 701 SE 8th Street.
- Via bike: Biking is the best way to go! Bicycle racks will be available right outside the gates along E Street. There will be a bike valet outside the Tulip Barn.
- Rideshare and pick-up/drop-off locations can be found along 8th Street.
- Free parking:
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I purchased a parking pass for the garage, How will I receive it?
Parking passes will be sent via email upon time of purchase. Be ready to show either a printed or digital copy of your parking pass upon entry to the garage. Difficulty locating your parking pass? Please contact the Box Office at BoxOffice@theMomentary.org or (479) 657-2335.
Can I bike or walk to the festival?
We highly encourage biking or walking to the festival.There will be a bike valet outside the Tulip Barn.
Additional questions?
Contact the Momentary’s Box Office at (479) 657-2335, or by emailing BoxOffice@theMomentary.org.
Sponsors
FreshGrass | Bentonville is presented by the Momentary in collaboration with the FreshGrass Foundation and No Depression.