The joy of Bourbon and Bluegrass at Lincoln's Cottage is real
/Attendees filling up the Great Lawn at 2023 Bourbon & Bluegrass (photo Brian Rimm)
Every year, President Lincoln's Cottage, on the grounds of the Old Soldier's Home, hosts the Bourbon & Bluegrass Festival, a main feature of the start of my family's summer and a great opportunity to be on the AFRH grounds. The event is also the biggest fundraising event for Lincoln's Cottage.
Neighbors come out for a full day of live bluegrass music, food, kids' games on the great lawn and to try out different bourbon drinks.
Buy your tickets from Lincoln’s Cottage today!
The festival goes for two days: May 18th and May 19th, 1pm - 5pm.
Letitia VanSant (photo Brian Rimm)
On Saturday, May 18th, award-winning singer-songwriter Letitia VanSant will open the festival for the second year running with her dulcet calls for social justice. VanSant’s performance will be followed by Hubby Jenkins, the Grammy-nominated multi-instrument sensation who has been a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Rhiannon Giddens Band.
The final act of the day will be Adeem the Artist, a fan-favorite last year, who will be back with their catchy, Appalachian-style tunes and lyrics that probe issues of faith, gender, identity, and self-acceptance.
(Courtesy Jake Blount)
On Sunday, May 19, Afro-futurist performer Jake Blount will return to his native DC along with Mexican-inspired Charlottesville band David Wax Museum. The festival will conclude with a performance by Senora May, the acclaimed experimental songstress who hails from Kentucky, just like Old Abe.
The music will be the focal point of an award-winning festival that incorporates food, history, cocktails and mocktails, lawn games, and even beard-trimming (a nod to Abe’s signature style). Delicious bourbon will complete specialty cocktails provided by RSVP Catering.
From great bourbon to non-alcoholic drinks to great BBQ food, there’s something for everyone! (photo Brian Rimm)
Teetotalers (like Lincoln) will also enjoy a selection of zero-proof cocktails. In addition, there will be delicious food trucks on hand to provide a base for the beverages — including Rocklands Barbeque and Captain Cookie.
TICKET INFORMATION
One-Day General Admission
– Adult (with two drink tickets): $70.00
– Adult: $50.00
– Youth (ages 7 – 20): $35.00
– Child (ages 0 – 6): Free
Two-Day General Admission
– Adult (with two drink tickets): $115.00
– Adult: $75.00
– Youth (ages 7 – 20): $50.00
– Child (ages 0 – 6): Free
Single Day Parking Pass: $20
Each General Admission ticket includes:
An afternoon of live bluegrass music from critically acclaimed musicians
Exterior preservation tours of Lincoln's Cottage
Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, more food options available for purchase
Adult With Drinks tickets also include:
Two drink tickets for specialized bourbon cocktails or premium non-alcoholic drinks (ID required; additional drink tickets available for purchase during event)
All proceeds from the event go toward preservation efforts at President Lincoln's Cottage
