Great Blue Heron
JULY 2nd - 5th 2026
SHERMAN, NEW YORK
ticket sales for 2026 are now live!
the full lineup is here!
The wait is finally over!
The 2026 Great Blue Heron Music Festival lineup is here, and we are so excited share it with you.
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.
We’ll be introducing all 29 of our new artists as the season unfolds, and we can’t wait for you to meet them.
Buy your tickets now as prices will only go up as we get closer to the festival. Let’s get ready to celebrate this July 4th weekend at The Heron!
What is the status of the bathhouse?
After 8+ years of dreaming and building together, we’re in the final stretch of building a permanent bathhouse at The Heron. Our goal is to have it ready for Heron May Day and the Great Blue Heron Music Festival 2026 — just in time for the Happiest Heron yet.
Right now, every donation is matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000.
explore the full artist lineup!
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!
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!
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
print your own poster at home!
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!
vendor applications are open!
LEAVE YOUR LEGACY
Help us complete the new bathhouse project that is underway! We have broken ground and expect to finish building in 2026.
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
Podcast on Festival Highlights Behind the Scenes of The Heron
The Heron is so much more than a music festival — If you’ve ever wondered what really goes into the Great Blue Heron Music Festival
A Tribute to David Tidquist
David Tidquist, a legend in our time, left this world November 15, 2024. There is sadness in our hearts and gratitude for all that David
The 32nd Annual Great Blue Heron Music Festival: Dedicated to Festival Co-founder David Tidquist
The 32nd Annual Great Blue Heron Music Festival: Dedicated to Festival Co-founder David Tidquist, July 4-6, 2025 The Heron, Sherman, NY – The 32nd annual Great Blue
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!