2020 Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival, August 4th-8th

This August the Pickin in Parsons Bluegrass Festival brings back the world best pickers and singers to West Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. For five days, twenty-six bluegrass bands entertain guests at Five River Campgrounds in Parsons, West Virginia. Situated on the banks of the Shavers Fork River, the venue and it’s scenery is top notch. Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival also won the 2017 International Bluegrass Event of the Year award.

2020 will be different with covid19 precautions and measures being in place for the event. Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival has a written forum on their web page overviewing the plan of action and expectations of festival goers and staff. For updates to all of Tucker County’s businesses and Health and Human Service response to covid19 click HERE for that information.

Each year I have made my way down for a day or evening to enjoy traditional sounds coming from the roughcut board and batten stage. Conversations have been struck with all types. Including globetrotters coming from as far away as Australia and Norway just for the festival. It is surprising the different things folks love about being here. The friendships, fishing to bluegrass in the background, and afternoon naps come easy at Five River Campgrounds.

A 10,000 square foot pavilion sits a mere 40 feet from the stage and is open to set up your lawn chairs. Come early, the seating gets claimed very fast. Each day four featured bands play twice a day, with one headliner band playing at 8pm. I always appreciated how you could get out for the morning or afternoon to explore and grab a bite to eat in Parsons without missing one of the performances.

For 2020 there will be a LED mobile wide screen rented and placed in general parking lot. When was the last time Tucker County had a drive-in “movie” opportunity? Only this time live music will be streamed from the Pickin’ in Parsons stage. The decision was made to add the 18×28 foot screen as a precaution to covid19 and social distancing measures. In addition, special mechanisms are in place because of covid19. Click HERE for details.

RV camping is the gold star standard and most common form of lodging found at Five River Campgrounds for the Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival. Water, sewage, and electric are included in the fees with cable TV available for an additional charge. Tent camping is always welcome and an easy way to get some of the best riverside camping sites. Handicap showers & restrooms with endless hot water are also available to all overnight guests.

Stay for the full five days or take in a show after hiking Otter Creek Wilderness and riding bikes on the Allegheny Highlands Rail Trail. Another favorite is spending the day at Blackwater Outdoor Adventurescanoeing, kayaking, or guided whitewater rafting trips. If staying at the campground isn’t for you there are available lodging options nearby.

There is a great opportunity to hear true traditional bluegrass in real Appalachian charm. The Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival gets underway August 4th. This years lineup looks fantastic! Hope to see you there.

Cheers,

Brian