MeadowGrass Music Festival

Over Memorial Day weekend, MeadowGrass Music Festival brings three days of roots music to the La Foret Conference and Retreat Center in the Black Forest near Colorado Springs. You move between stages set in pine forest and open meadows, with clear views toward Pikes Peak on the horizon. The lineup spans bluegrass, folk, and adjacent acoustic styles, and the crowd tends to be an easy mix of families, couples, and groups of friends.

You can expect a casual pace built around the landscape. Between sets, you can sample regional pours at the on-site Beer Fest or browse artisan vendors for handmade goods and small-batch finds. Late afternoon often delivers the standout main stage sets, when the light shifts across the mountain range and the meadow becomes the best seat in the house.

If you are camping on-site, plan for a communal holiday-weekend feel in designated camping areas. Arrive early on Friday for better camping placement or parking near the main gate, and bring layers plus high-SPF sunscreen for fast-changing high-altitude conditions. Weekend passes commonly sell out, so buying ahead helps, and a low-profile chair or sturdy blanket makes meadow seating far more comfortable. If you are traveling with kids, check the daily schedule for family activities, and confirm current pet rules since animals are typically not allowed on the main festival grounds.

If you prefer a bed and a shower, look to the Black Forest or northern Colorado Springs for quick access, with time to add a side trip to Garden of the Gods. You can also use Lake.com to compare nearby vacation rentals and regional stays for a quieter base. Plan on driving, since public transit is limited in this rural area, and pack rain gear because the festival runs rain or shine. Food is covered by multiple local vendors serving meals and snacks throughout the day.