State of Illinois
09/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/02/2026 10:52
Lincoln's New Salem to host 45th traditional music festival and bluegrass concerts Sept. 11-12
SPRINGFIELD - Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site in Menard County will host the 45th Traditional Music Festival and Bluegrass Concerts Sept. 11-12.
Bluegrass concerts will take place in the Kelso-Hollow Amphitheater from 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. Then on Saturday, Sept. 12, musicians from across the Midwest will gather at Lincoln's New Salem, filling the campground and historic village with impromptu jam sessions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historic site interpreters will present demonstrations and reenactments throughout the village.
Musicians are welcome to participate in Saturday's traditional music festivities in the historic village. Only traditional, non-electric musical instruments are permitted. Those who enjoy live music and dancers are welcome.
"Each year, the village comes to life with more than 100 musicians playing on porches, under trees and along the pathways. This year is a significant milestone, marking 45 years of traditional music at New Salem," said Troy Gilmore, superintendent of Lincoln's New Salem.
The festival is free and open to the public. In the event of rain, Friday and Saturday evening concerts will move indoors to the visitor center auditorium. For additional information call 217-632-4017.
To accommodate traveling musicians, the campground's online reservation system will not accept reservations from Monday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Sept. 13. All campsites will be available on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR's work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook , YouTube and LinkedIn .
State of Illinois published this content on September 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 02, 2026 at 16:52 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]