Brick City Bluegrass Festival
Downtown Ocala's free annual bluegrass celebration at Citizens' Circle, featuring Grammy-winning artists and top-tier traditional bluegrass acts.
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About the Brick City Bluegrass Festival
The Brick City Bluegrass Festival is a free, family-friendly outdoor music festival held annually in downtown Ocala, Florida. Organized by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, the festival brings nationally recognized bluegrass artists to Citizens' Circle in the heart of Ocala's downtown square.
Since its debut in 2024, the festival has quickly become one of the most anticipated cultural events in Marion County. The 2026 edition marked the 3rd Annual festival and featured a Grammy-winning headliner, drawing bluegrass fans from across Central Florida and beyond.
Admission is always free, making it one of the best values among Florida bluegrass events. The city's investment in this festival reflects Ocala's growing commitment to arts and cultural programming downtown.
2026 Festival Recap
3rd Annual Brick City Bluegrass Festival
Saturday, February 7, 2026 • 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The 2026 festival delivered an outstanding afternoon of bluegrass music with five acts performing on the Citizens' Circle stage. Gates opened at 12:30 PM, with music kicking off at 1:30 PM and running through the evening.
2026 Lineup
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes feat. Jason CarterHeadliner
Grammy-winning fiddler bringing world-class bluegrass to downtown Ocala
Lonesome River Band
Legendary bluegrass act known for their powerful traditional sound
Authentic Unlimited
Award-winning traditional bluegrass with tight vocal harmonies
Becky Buller with Ned Luberecki
IBMA award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist
The Flattlanders
North Florida favorites bringing regional bluegrass flavor
What to Expect
Live Bluegrass Music
Multiple acts performing throughout the afternoon, from nationally touring headliners to beloved regional bands. Expect fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and vocal harmonies at their finest.
Free Admission
The entire festival is free to attend, sponsored by the City of Ocala. No tickets needed—just show up with your lawn chair and enjoy world-class bluegrass at no cost.
Downtown Setting
Citizens' Circle sits in the heart of downtown Ocala's historic square, surrounded by local restaurants, shops, and bars—perfect for making a full day of it.
Family Friendly
A welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Bring the whole family to enjoy an afternoon of acoustic music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Food vendors available on-site.
Getting There & Tips
Citizens' Circle
151 Osceola Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
Downtown Ocala Square
Parking: Free street parking and public parking garages are available throughout downtown Ocala. The downtown parking garage on SE 1st Ave is a short walk from Citizens' Circle. Arrive early for the closest spots.
Timing: Gates open at 12:30 PM with music starting at 1:30 PM. Arriving early gives you the best lawn spots and lets you settle in before the first act.
What to bring: Lawn chairs, blankets, sunscreen, and a hat. February weather in Ocala is typically mild (60s–70s°F) but layers are smart for the late afternoon.
Downtown Ocala
The festival's downtown location makes it easy to turn the day into a full Ocala experience. Before or after the music, explore the shops, galleries, and restaurants surrounding the downtown square. Grab dinner at one of Ocala's top restaurants, or enjoy a drink at a nearby bar while the bluegrass tunes are still in your head.
Explore Downtown OcalaFestival History
The Brick City Bluegrass Festival launched in 2024 as part of the City of Ocala's effort to expand cultural programming in the downtown area. The inaugural event proved that Ocala has a strong appetite for live bluegrass music, and the festival has grown each year since.
By 2026, the 3rd Annual festival featured a Grammy-winning headliner in Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and drew attendees from well beyond Marion County. The city's continued investment signals that the Brick City Bluegrass Festival is here to stay as a fixture on Ocala's annual events calendar.
The festival joins a growing roster of city-sponsored cultural events downtown, alongside the Brick City Beer and Wine Festival and other community celebrations that have helped revitalize the downtown square.
2027 Brick City Bluegrass Festival
Dates To Be Announced
The 4th Annual Brick City Bluegrass Festival is expected to return in early February 2027. The festival has historically been held on the first Saturday in February at Citizens' Circle in downtown Ocala. Lineup and schedule details will be announced by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department.
We'll update this page as soon as 2027 dates and lineup are confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brick City Bluegrass Festival free?
Yes, the Brick City Bluegrass Festival is completely free to attend. It is organized and sponsored by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department as part of the city's cultural events programming.
Where is the Brick City Bluegrass Festival held?
The festival takes place at Citizens' Circle, located at 151 Osceola Ave in downtown Ocala, Florida. The venue is an outdoor amphitheater-style space in the heart of the downtown square.
When is the next Brick City Bluegrass Festival?
The 2027 Brick City Bluegrass Festival dates have not been announced yet. The festival is typically held on the first Saturday in February. Check back for updates or follow the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks for announcements.
Can I bring lawn chairs and blankets?
Yes, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and low-back seating for comfort. The festival is an outdoor event on the lawn at Citizens' Circle, so personal seating is recommended.
What time does the Brick City Bluegrass Festival start?
Gates typically open at 12:30 PM with the show starting at 1:30 PM. The 2026 festival ran from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Arriving early is recommended for the best spots on the lawn.
Is there food and drink available at the festival?
Yes, food vendors and concessions are available on-site. Downtown Ocala also has numerous restaurants and bars within walking distance of Citizens' Circle for before or after the show.