Grateful Festival

The Grateful Festival in Flagstaff is a Memorial Day weekend campout for live music in the cool air of Northern Arizona. You spend three days at Fort Tuthill County Park, surrounded by tall ponderosa pines at roughly 7,000 feet, with a schedule built around the music of the Grateful Dead. Two stages keep the sound going from afternoon into night, with Dead-inspired tribute bands and jam acts rotating throughout the weekend.

Between sets, you can wander a Shakedown Street-style vendor area for custom goods and artisan crafts, then grab a meal from local food trucks and refuel at beverage stations. The crowd runs from longtime Deadheads to families and couples, and the grounds have plenty of open grass if you want a quieter spot. If you are extending the trip, Fort Tuthill also makes a practical base for day drives to the Grand Canyon or hikes on the forest trails near the fairgrounds.

Plan for signature moments like collaborative jams and occasional guest appearances, with past highlights including Xtra Ticket, Cubensis, and Steely Dead. Gates open at noon, and arriving early helps you claim shade under the pines. Bring a reusable water bottle for the free water stations, and pack layers for the sharp temperature drop after sunset. Tickets often move early, and this is a rain or shine weekend, so toss in a light waterproof jacket.

For the full campout, book Fort Tuthill County Campground for tent or RV sites. If you prefer a real bed, look in South Flagstaff or Downtown hotels, or choose a cabin or vacation rental through Lake.com near the lakes and forest edges. You get free on-site parking, free re-entry during the day, and an all-ages setup where kids 12 and under are typically free. A portion of proceeds supports local Flagstaff non-profits, and if you bring pets, keep them leashed and never leave them unattended.