17th Annual Pickin’ in the Pines

Pickin’ in the Pines is an award-winning bluegrass & acoustic music festival first held in 2006. It was founded by FFOTM members in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, Arizona. The festival honors the interests of the diverse membership of FFOTM, featuring the best traditional and contemporary bluegrass music, complemented by other styles of acoustic music and dance. Pickin’ in the Pines was voted “Best Festival” in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022 by readers of the Arizona Daily Sun.

Although bluegrass music is a primary focus of our festival, we also feature other forms of acoustic music such as old-time music, Celtic, gypsy jazz and more. 

The festival also features educational workshops and a band contest, all in a family-friendly setting.

Our beloved attendees and talent come locally from Flagstaff, regionally from all around the Southwest, nationally and beyond. Camping and jamming are also a big part of the Pickin’ in the Pines experience. 

Main Stage Schedule

Friday – Sept 15, 2023

Gates at 9:00 am

10:00 am – Mark Miracle & Friends

11:00 am – Blue Canyon Boys

12:20 pm – Lonesome Ace Stringband

1:40 pm – East Nash Grass

3:00 pm – Sister Sadie

4:20 pm – Full Cord

5:45 pm – Sam Grisman Project presents the music of Garcia/Grisman

7:30 pm – Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Friday 9:15 pm – Community Dance

Lonesome Ace Stringband

At the Rooftop Solar Workshop Stage

Saturday – Sept 16, 2023

Gates at 9:00 am

10:00 am – The Cross-Eyed Possum

11:20 am – East Nash Grass

12:40 pm – Full Cord

2:00 pm – Damn Tall Buildings

3:20 pm – Darin & Brooke Aldridge

4:40 pm – Sister Sadie

6:00 pm – Jacob Jolliff Band

7:45 pm – Railroad Earth

Sunday – Sept 17, 2023

Gates at 9:00 am

9:30 am – Band Contest

10:20 am – Darin & Brooke Aldridge

11:40 am – Tray Wellington

1:00 pm – California Bluegrass Reunion

2:20 pm – Ronnie Bowman Band

4:00 pm – Sam Bush featuring songs from his Radio John album 

Workshop Schedule 

Our workshops are designed for musicians of all levels, but may be described as being more appropriate for certain levels. Regardless, everyone is welcome to attend our workshops and side stage events which also include some jamming opportunities and experience our talented lineup in a more informal and more intimate way. All are welcome to attend. Workshops are 1 hour unless otherwise noted. Schedule subject to change.

Wernick Method Bluegrass Jamming Class

Taught by Rick Sparks using The Wernick Method

Saturday & Sunday, Sep 16-17, 2023

9am-noon

Assisted by Karen Roemmich

All bluegrass instruments

No jamming experience necessary

You will be jamming the first session!

Tuition: 

$85 in advance

$95 onsite

Or $50 per session

Save $10 by registering and paying in advance. You will be sent the full set of of student materials as soon as you register.

50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance.

REGISTER HERE

Old Time Community Dance

Located at the Rooftop Solar Workshop Stage

Band: Lonesome Ace Stringband

Caller: Deb Comly

Date: Friday 9/15/23

Time: 9:15 pm

The dance will be held outside at the Rooftop Solar Workshop Stage next to the Commercial Building. Dust off your dancing shoes and join us for everyone’s favorite Friday night festival tradition! This dance is free and fun for the whole family.

Band Contest

In keeping with the diversity of the various styles of bluegrass and traditional acoustic music that Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music represents, this band contest is not confined to a specific genre of acoustic music. Rather, it is an opportunity for a broad variety of acoustic bands to display their talents, musicianship and entertainment abilities to a wide audience.

Schedule

The Pickin in the Pines Band Contest preliminaries will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Ft. Tuthill County Park Workshop Stage Tent.

Band Contest finals will be held on the Main Stage of the Pepsi Amphitheater on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 9:00 am.

Kids Activities

Children always have tons of fun at Pickin’ in the Pines. Our engaging activities have grown and become family traditions for our festival goers who return year after year. There are many organized activities to participate in, and sometimes just relaxing on the lawn makes for the best festival moment.

KidZone

Saturday – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sunday – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Located inside Pepsi Amphitheater

Let your kids show their creative side at the KidZone, located at the top of the lawn inside the amphitheater. Kids of all ages enjoy using their imagination with the many arts and crafts activities including beadwork, mask making and anything you consider festival wear! Make a homemade souvenir, check out the interactive mural and meet new friends. Volunteers will be painting faces throughout the weekend too!

Color Your Own

Pickin’ in the Pines Tote Bag

Saturday & Sunday – 10:00 AM

Located at the KidZone

Inside Pepsi Amphitheater

Looking for a great homemade souvenir to take home? Come and celebrate the 14th Annual Pickin’ in the Pines with our annual coloring event. This craft is appropriate for ages 5-12. Due to limited space and number of shirts, this activity is on a first come, first served basis.

This activity generously sponsored by:

Breyer Law Offices – The Husband and Wife Law Team

Parents: Please supervise your children in all areas, including children’s activity areas and the campground.

Date: September 15–17, 2023

Festival Venues 

Pepsi Amphitheater: Main Stage

Fort Tuthill County Park

The Campgrounds

Buy Tickets

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