Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival announced that Cris Jacobs has been added as a special Sunday guest musician to their lineup, which already includes Little Feat, Yonder Mountain String Band, and more.
“Baygrass is one of those festivals that just gets it right,” Jacobs said. “It’s a beautiful place, great people, and always amazing musicians. I’m really looking forward to being a part of it again.”
This is the festival’s fourth year, as it returns to its beachfront location at Sandy Point State Park along the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, 2026. Other bands gracing the stages over the two days include Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart, Sam Bush, Mountain Grass Unit, TopHouse, Shadowgrass, SCYTHIAN, Sister Sadie, Fireside Collective, Midnight North, Jammy Buffet, Melody Trucks & The Fitzkee Brothers Band, Geraldine, and three Artists-at-Large—Allie Kral, Alvin Lee, and Patrick Rainey.
Jacobs is now also part-owner of Baltimore’s 8 x 10 music venue, which changed hands this week. The 8 x 10 has seen the likes of Billy Joel, Nirvana, Lenny Kravitz, and other music legends grace its stage. It will now undergo renovations under the new ownership group that includes Jacobs, Rising Sun Presents (headed by Chris Perella), and Dave Rather. Even with this new venture, Jacobs will head to Annapolis for the festival in September.
Baygrass artists and nonprofit partners will host interactive workshops and exhibits throughout the weekend at the Workshop Pavilion and Bay Guardian Village focused on music, Bay conservation, and mental wellness.
In addition to attending as a musical guest, Jacobs will participate in one of the workshops, “Mental Health Matters: A Conversation with Cris Jacobs & Guest”. The workshop will be hosted by John Way, founder of The VA WAY, leading a conversation about overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and the healing power of music. Jacobs has travelled through depression and recovery and uses his voice to help break the stigma that surrounds talking about mental health.
The other workshops and exhibits include:
- From Bay to Ballad: The Story, Songwriting, and Live Performance of “The Secrets That She Keeps”
Hosted by Watershed Stewards Academy
Presented and performed by Benny “Burle” Galloway, Dave Johnston (of Yonder Mountain String Band), Allie Kral (Artists-at-Large), Cory Chubb (of Geraldine), and other musicians. - From Tradition to Tomorrow: Bluegrass at 80
This Talk & Tunes will be hosted by acclaimed author Tim Newby and Rolling Stone writer Garret K. Woodward with special musical guests to be announced soon. - Learn to Shuck Like a Pro at Baygrass!
Hosted by Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP)
This fan favorite workshop is back with some delicious toppings provided by partner Ashling Kitchen. This hands-on class will teach attendees the safe and effective techniques of oyster shucking, with expert instruction from ORP.
For more details on these workshops, visit the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival website. More workshop details will be unveiled soon on the festival’s social media.
Annapolis Baygrass 2026 Daily Lineups:
SATURDAY:
Little Feat – Yonder Mountain String Band
Shadowgrass – Sister Sadie
Fireside Collective – Jammy Buffet
Melody Trucks & The Fitzkee Brothers Band
SUNDAY:
Sam Bush – Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart
Mountain Grass Unit – TopHouse
SCYTHIAN – Midnight North
Geraldine
Both Days: Artists-at-Large
Allie Kral, Alvin “Uncle Al” Lee of The Lee Boys, and Patrick Rainey
Sunday Special Guest:
Cris Jacobs
The festival has several local lodging partners with premier hotels and camping options nearby. These discounted options are on a first-come, first-served basis. Shuttle service is also available, with shuttle passes serving many of the lodging locations and the Annapolis Park-n-Ride.
Two-Day and Single Day General Admission, VIP Passes, and pre-party tickets are available now at baygrassfestival.com.
