Is Brewgrass a rain-or-shine event?
Yes! Thanks to our barn, Brewgrass is an all-weather event. However, the barn is not heated or cooled so layers might not be a bad idea.
Where is Brewgrass located?
Brewgrass takes place in our beautifully restored A-frame tobacco barn on our Glendening Nature Preserve property located at 5702 Plummer Lane, Lothian, MD 20711 (click here for direct Google Maps link). This large yet intimate space includes a performance stage and a large seating area with benches and chairs available. There is also outside picnic table seating that can be covered in the event of rain and a large yard for children and families to play and enjoy. Finally, our beautiful Butterfly Garden near the barn will be in full spring bloom during Brewgrass and worth a stroll during your visit!
What is included in the ticket price?
Each standard Brewgrass adult, non-designated driver ticket includes access to the entire music schedule, a commemorative, eco-friendly event pint cup including a ticket for a complimentary first beer, courtesy shuttle transportation, access to all event food and drink vendors, a water refilling station, various lawn games and hay bale climbing zone for children.Â
Each designated driver/child ticket includes access to the entire music schedule, courtesy shuttle transportation, access to all event food and drink vendors, a water refilling station, various lawn games and hay bale climbing zone for children. No alcohol will be served to designated drivers.Â
Colored wristbands will identify each ticketholder. These will be received at the event welcome table near the shuttle drop off/pick up location at Glendening.
Are children welcome?
Of course! Musical experiences are essential for people of all ages. These experiences are especially valuable for children and can potentially inspire creativity, enhance cognitive development, and foster a connection to storytelling through music. Children and families are very welcome to attend Brewgrass AND children 2 years old and under can join Brewgrass free of charge.
Are dogs welcome?
While dogs are typically welcome at Glendening Nature Preserve, we ask that you please leave the pups at home this time. Service animals are always welcome.
What do Brewgrass proceeds support?
100% of Brewgrass proceeds directly support the Friends of Jug Bay and their mission to support the preservation and conservation of Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. For example, a portion of last year’s event funds were used to purchase this Echo Meter used in summer bat surveys for monitoring the presence/absence of various bat species around the Sanctuary.Â
What is the Friends of Jug Bay?
The Friends of Jug Bay (FOJB or Friends) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that was formed in 1986 to support and promote Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. The Friends receive funds from membership dues, donations, grants, fundraisers, and the sale of merchandise. Some of the projects and activities supported by these funds include research internships, summer camp scholarships, school bus transportation, stewardship projects, office and maintenance support, staff and volunteer development, scientific and educational equipment and materials, and other special projects. Learn more and become a Friend of Jug Bay today at https://jugbay.org/support/.
How does the mandatory event shuttle work?
Parking is extremely limited at Glendening Nature Preserve and is reserved for accessible parking and musicians who are lugging loads of instruments to and from the barn. All event attendees are asked to park at a nearby park and ride located at the Wrighton Road Park & Ride (click here for direct Google Maps link). It’s important to us to keep a frequent shuttle service operating throughout Brewgrass and we will be running shuttles between the park & ride and Brewgrass every 15-20 minutes. Even with the shuttle in place, carpooling is recommended. Drivers are welcome to quickly drop off passengers at the gated entrance to Glendening Nature Preserve before parking at the Park & Ride.
Is Brewgrass a packed event?
Absolutely not. We are not fans of hot, packed music festivals with limited seating and long lines. We cap Brewgrass sales to find the sweet spot of a comfortable, intimate food and music experience while also raising valuable funds for the Sanctuary.Â
Why did the event name change since last year?
In 2024, this event was named the Jug Bay BBQ, Bluegrass, & Beer Festival. We learned through our post-event evaluations that the word “festival” set an expectation of a larger event with potentially many food trucks and a vendor village. We realized that we needed to change our event name, and attendee expectations, to support a smaller, more relaxed music experience with limited vendors. Thus, Brewgrass was born!
What are the restroom facilities like at Brewgrass?
There are two indoor, individual, unisex bathrooms with flushing toilets and sinks. We are working on adding up to two outdoor port-o-johns available as well.
Can I bring outside food or drinks to Brewgrass?
Absolutely no outside alcohol is allowed at Brewgrass and while we can’t prohibit outside food, we ask to please limit it. Our vendors are local, independent business owners who will be working hard to provide drinks and delicious BBQ and vegetarian food options for purchase. All attendees are welcome and encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to refill at our water stations.
What is the ticket refund policy?
There are no refunds for purchased tickets. This is a rain-or-shine fundraising event benefitting the Friends of Jug Bay. If you would like to transfer your ticket to another person, please contact event coordinators at jugbay@aacounty.org where these instances will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Attendees can leave and return to the event if needed but are required to re-check in at the welcome table when returning.
Can I bring my lawn/camping chair and/or blanket?
There will be benches and folding chairs available inside the barn throughout Brewgrass however, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own chairs to settle in and get comfortable. The barn floor is an unfinished, dirt floor. We discourage laying down blankets inside the barn but welcome blankets laid out anywhere on the lawn.