Bill Knowlton's Bluegrass Ramble Picnic | Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Bill Knowlton's Bluegrass Ramble Picnic
6799 Little York Lake Road
Preble, NY 13141

(315) 457-6100

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AUGUST 3, 2025

Pack a lawn chair, a picnic and enjoy the celebration of all things Bluegrass as you’re overlooking beautiful Little York Lake! Bill Knowlton’s Bluegrass Ramble Picnic, the oldest bluegrass festival in the northeastern United States, features a wide variety of CNY bluegrass and old-time bands.

Food and beverages will be available throughout the day, with arts and crafts, vendors, band tables and raffles in order to help support the picnic’s expenses. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase CDs and souvenir items from the various participating bands.

The Bluegrass Ramble Picnic is held on the first Sunday in August at Dwyer Memorial Park on Little York Lake.

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Summer Festivals

WHAT TO EXPECT

The oldest bluegrass festival in New York State and arguably amongst its finest, this event is not to be missed. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and enjoy an afternoon by the glittering Little York Lake. The Ramble is full of laughter, food, and festivities, all the necessary ingredients for a perfect summer concert. The Bluegrass Ramble is free to attend and will host a wide array of food and craft vendors. The music begins at 10am.

All bluegrass and old-time bluegrass acts donate their musical services, which will be held under a tent by the Cortland Repertory Theatre. To help meet expenses, a guitar will be offered in a raffle thanks to the generosity of Ithaca Guitar Works.

THE 2024 LINE UP

Gospel Way
Salmon River Boys
The Orleans County Stringband
Acoustic Desserts
Atkinson Family
Lonesome Road Ramblers
New Snip City
The Atta Boys
Simmerin Stew
Plexigrass
Joe Lamay & Sherri Reese
Playing in Traffic
Northwater
Joe Davoli & Harvey Nussbaum
Kubick’s Rubes
The Delaney Brothers