Great Blue Heron Music Festival
JULY 2nd - 5th 2026
SHERMAN, NEW YORK
2027 tickets are live!!
the full lineup
This year, 48 artists will fill four stages with music all weekend long. You’ll hear the Heron favorites you know and love, plus discover new sounds from first-timers like Ripe, The Dip, Moontricks, Big Something, and Bombargo.
Explore The Music to learn more about the artists who will be at the festival. And use the link below to explore our daily schedules, including workshops and kids activities.
HELP US CROSS THE FINISH LINE!
This bathhouse has been built by community.
From personalized bricks to donations, to cash contributions and words of encouragement, hundreds of people have helped bring this project to life.
With just $30,000 left to raise, we’re in the home stretch!
The new bathhouse will be ready Great Blue Heron Music Festival 2026 — just in time for the Happiest Heron yet.
Help us finish strong!
listen to the official playlist of the 2026 lineup!
We’ve put together a playlist featuring all the artists we will be dancing to this summer at the Heron! Put on this jam to get your body moving and yourself pumped up for the fun to come.
download the official 2026 poster
Volunteers are the heartbeat of what we do!
We’d love for you to be a part of the magic by volunteering with us at the Great Blue Heron in beautiful Sherman, NY!
Why Volunteer? You will earn a weekend pass and connect with amazing people who share your passion for music and community.
Plus! There’s so much to enjoy when you’re not working— music, dancing, and the pure joy of being surrounded by love and nature!
Volunteer spots are limited, don’t wait—come share in the magic!
Official 2025 Montage
Check out the official video recap of the 2025 Great Blue Heron and relive the magic!
FB Photo Album
Explore photos from the full weekend and download your favorites!
2025 Great Blue Heron Festival | Jay Strausser & Taylor Lewis
The Music
Year-after-year, the Heron continues to delight audiences with an eclectic mix of musical genres. Our foundation began with Americana and old time mountain music, yet through the years, our lineups have expanded to also include funk, jam, soul, roots-rock, reggae, Celtic, afrobeat, zydeco and everything in between!
And, while our Heron community has grown, the mission of the festival remains the same:
- Present a diverse assortment of original music from regional and national artists
- Create a collaborative space where all are encouraged to participate and interact
- Foster a cooperative and positive environment for celebration
- Ensure a safe and satisfying experience for the whole community.
History of the Heron
We believe the magic of this place stems from the partnerships that were created back in 1992. In short, David Tidquist had the bands and Julie Rockcastle had the land! It was more than a piece of land though, The Heron had been a place of gathering, as a campground, since the 1960’s.
David and Julie brought people together over 30 years ago to enjoy 3 beautiful summer days of music and their legacy continues today! It’s taken hundreds, maybe thousands of volunteers, plus family and friends, to make this event thrive for so many years. Thank YOU for celebrating with us along this incredible journey!
thank you to our sponsors!
Sponsorship from local businesses allows The Great Blue Heron to continue offering a safe and fun festival every year. We are currently looking for partners for 2026 to develop new relationships with!
vendor applications are open!
THE EXPERIENCE
CAMPING & PARKING
While camping is the best way to stay and be a part of the Great Blue Heron experience, festival goers are also welcome to come to the festival during the day and go home at night!
AMENITIES
Amenities at the festival grounds include clean drinking water, bathing facilities, campfire wood, ice and The Heron Farm Store.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
In addition to music, the festival offers a full slate of creative activities for young children and teens, instrument and wellness workshops for all ages, as well as a sandy beach by the spring-fed pond for cooling off during the day.
How Do I Get Involved?
Interested in being a volunteer or vendor? We are always excited to meet new people and make new connections.
NEWS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST
Erie News Now Interview on History of the Heron
Erie News Now Channel 4 Interviews Julie Rockcastle on Great Blue Heron History Erie
BTPM Radio Interview
Chelsea talks Blue Heron Music Festival with Emily of Tsavo Highway and Johnny Hart Buffalo
Wook Plus Interview with Todd Wagner
GBH Preview with Festival Creative Director Todd Wagner on Wook Plus Our own Todd Wagner
Proud Partner of Chautauqua County Tourism Board
The Great Blue Heron is a proud supporter of all the great events and businesses in Chautauqua County. Visit TourChautauqua.com to learn more about what there is to see and do in the area!