Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance
- Dates
- Jul 22 to 25, 2027
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Trumansburg Fairgrounds
- Price
- $170 to $240
- Camping
- Available
- Last checked
- Nov 10, 2026
Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance returns to Trumansburg, NY, Jul 22 to 25, 2027. Froligo tracks current ticket prices, camping, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance is a four-day festival at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds in Trumansburg, New York, with its 35th annual edition on July 22 to 25, 2027. It grew from a 1990 benefit show for AIDS Work of Tompkins County, and Jeb Puryear started the festival in 1991 with the band Donna the Buffalo, his family and friends. Roots, folk, bluegrass, zydeco and world music share the bills; the 2026 festival featured Donna the Buffalo, Rhiannon Giddens, Taj Mahal and the Del McCoury Band. A Culture Camp of workshops, dinners and dances runs just before, July 18 to 21.
How it works
A four-day wristband covers the whole weekend with free re-entry. Adult tickets (ages 16 and up) include all fees and rise through the year: Fall Special $169.65 until October 31, then Holiday $181.35, Early Bird $198.90, Advance $216.45 and Gate $239.85. Youth aged 13 to 15 pay less, children 12 and under are free with a parent or guardian, and single-day tickets are offered. Tickets are final sale. The Front Gate is on Route 96, and camping is available on site and at the Across the Way Campgrounds.
Who it suits
It suits roots, folk, zydeco and world music fans who like to camp for a long weekend and sample many stages. The organizer calls it a family-friendly festival where children of all ages are welcome, with free admission for ages 12 and under. Children 15 and under must be supervised by a ticketed parent or guardian.
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Listen
No official playlist linked yet. Find Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance on Spotify.
Lineup
Getting there
Nearest airport ITH.
How do I get to Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance?
By car
Most people drive to Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance. The nearest major airport is ITH, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No intercity coach reaches Trumansburg itself, but Ithaca (~12 miles from the venue, downtown stop at 131 E Green St by Ithaca Commons) has daily FlixBus and OurBus service from New York City (~4h40) and other Northeast cities, useful for car-free attendees who'd rather skip flying entirely. From the Ithaca Commons stop, TCAT Route 21 or a rideshare covers the last leg to Trumansburg.
Book / infoTwo-leg local bus trip: Route 32 (weekdays) or Route 72 (weekends) from the airport to Ithaca Commons downtown, then Route 21 (Commons, Trumansburg) which the festival's own directions page confirms 'can get you to and from GrassRoots', it stops at the festival Front Gate on Rt 96. The 2026 summer schedule (May 24, Aug 15) ran Route 21 Monday, Sunday, covering the Thu, Sun festival dates. Fares are paid onboard (cash exact change, credit/debit, digital wallet) or via the TFare mobile app, no advance ticket needed.
Book / infoTaxi & rideshare
The airport's own ground-transportation page confirms Uber and Lyft operate at ITH and that taxis are available at the airport 24/7. Local taxi operators serving the ITH, Trumansburg run include Ithaca Dispatch and Collegetown Cab.
Book / infoTaxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
On site parking available. Cost Official festival parking is at the Across The Way Campgrounds lot, 8669 Falls Rd (across the street from the fairgrounds): $10/day or $30 for the whole weekend, pay on arrival, no prepay platform. A complimentary shuttle bus runs from the Falls Rd entrance of that lot to the Front Gate (Thu 9am, 12am. Fri & Sat 12pm, 2am. Sun 12pm, 7pm), or it's a short walk past the Shur Save along Smith Woods and Rt 96. Alternatives: fundraiser lots in front of the Shur Save grocery store and at Trumansburg Middle School (PTO fundraisers), plus free street parking throughout the village where legally permitted (don't block driveways).
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at ITH
On site parking is available; if you are hiring a car it is worth checking the cost and how early it fills.
Search car hireCar hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the center of Trumansburg. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Is there camping at Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance?
Yes, on site camping is available.
Facilities
Camping site types 2
On-site vehicle camping (2026), small site (1 midsize vehicle + one 2-4 person tent, ~572 sq ft) $380 regular / $565 front row plus fees; large site (up to 2 midsize vehicles + 2 large tents) $760 regular / $970 front row plus fees; sold out for 2026 when last checked. Across The Way vehicle camping: $325 regular to $695 oversized-group, plus fees; early-arrival Wednesday $40. Tent-only sites (no vehicle) also sold: on-site $275 regular / $325 premium. ATW $170 knoll / $240 woods.
No separate van category exists, vans camp under the same vehicle-site system as cars (small site fits 'one midsize vehicle'; anything bigger needs a large or ATW oversized site). Same pricing ladder as the car entry.
Where can I stay near Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance?
Airport hotels 3
29 Thornwood Drive, City of Ithaca, NY 14850
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates2303 North Triphammer Road, City of Ithaca, NY 14850
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates2310 North Triphammer Road, City of Ithaca, NY 14850
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesSearch all hotels near Trumansburg Fairgrounds
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
The organizer does not publish accessibility details. Ask them directly before you travel about step-free access, accessible toilets, seating and anything else you need.
Pricing
Price history and tiers
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Quick answers
When is Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance 2027?
Jul 22 to 25, 2027
How much are Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance tickets?
$170 to $240 per person were the 2026 edition's prices. 2027 tickets are not on sale yet; prices will be confirmed when they go on sale.
Where is Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance held?
Trumansburg Fairgrounds, Trumansburg, NY.