One of Bluegrass music’s most celebrated groups is headed to Pendleton County this fall as The Grascals take the Main Stage at the Kentucky Wool Festival on Sunday, October 4 from 2-4 p.m. in Falmouth.
Earning three GRAMMY nominations, two International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainer of the Year awards, and numerous other honors during a career that has included 13 albums and performances around the world, The Grascals are recognized as one of Bluegrass music’s elite.
Their rise to prominence began with a connection to one of country music’s most recognizable names, Dolly Parton. In 2004, the band served as Parton’s opening act and backing band on tour, beginning a lifelong relationship and friendship between the two.
Recently, the song “Broken Angels”, which was a collaboration between The Grascals’ vocalist Jamie Johnson and Parton, has earned recognition in the Bluegrass industry nominated for Song of the Year, Collaborative Recording of the Year and Music Video of the Year with the 2026 International Bluegrass Awards. The song explores the struggles of addiction, recovery, hope and second chances.
The Kentucky Wool Festival, held annually the first full weekend in October, will set the stage for The Grascals’ appearance on Sunday but that is only part of music lineup that will bring accomplished Bluegrass, country and regional performers to Falmouth through-out the weekend.
Strong music lineup throughout weekend
Friday evening’s Main Stage lineup will culminate with Paint Creek, a Kentucky country and Southern rock band that has shared the stage with artists including Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, John Michael Montgomery, Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, James Otto and The SteelDrivers.
On Saturday, Kentucky Bluegrass band Hammertowne, a returning favorite, will take the Main Stage at 6 p.m. before returning for a 9 p.m. performance on the Log Cabin Stage.
Hammertowne has earned national attention with “That’s What Kentucky Means to Me,” a celebration of the Commonwealth and its Bluegrass heritage. The song reached No. 1 on the Cashbox Magazine Bluegrass Top 100 chart earlier this year and has been nominated for Bluegrass Song of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards.
The weekend’s entertainment schedule features music throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday on both the festival’s Main Stage and Log Cabin Stage, offering festivalgoers an opportunity to hear everything from traditional Bluegrass and country to dulcimers, clogging and contemporary regional performers.
A Kentucky fall tradition
Held October 2–4, the Kentucky Wool Festival has become one of Pendleton County’s signature fall traditions, bringing visitors to Falmouth for three days celebrating Kentucky music, craftsmanship, agriculture and heritage.
Festivalgoers can experience traditional demonstrations, handmade arts and crafts, live entertainment and some of the foods that have become synonymous with Wool Fest, all surrounded by the rolling hills and fall scenery of Pendleton County adjacent to Kincaid Lake State Park.
For many families, the Kentucky Wool Festival has become an annual tradition and a signal that fall has arrived in Northern Kentucky.
For additional festival information and the complete entertainment schedule, visit kywoolfest.org.
Pendleton County Tourism