The Black Hills Bluegrass Festival is an event that doesn’t seem to get a lot of attention. But it’s in its 29th year, so its organizers must be doing something right. In fact it’s the longest running bluegrass and acoustic music festival in South Dakota.

This year’s Black Hills Bluegrass Festival is next weekend, June 26 to 28, at the Mystery Mountain Resort nine miles south of Rapid city. Mystery Mountain is on U.S. Highway 16 near Bear Country USA.

The first festival was held in 1980. I remember going to one of the early festivals at the Hart Ranch south of Rapid City. It bumped around in the early years, but since 1995 its permanent home has been the Mystery Mountain Resort.

This year’s entertainment lineup includes The Martins, Greenman Band, Midnight Flight, Chuck Suchy, the Black Hills Bluegrass Band and Black Hills in Motion Cloggers.

The Martins and Midnight Flight, both Missouri-based bands, are among the country’s top bluegrass bands. They won and Midnight Flight are bluegrass bands.The Greenman Band plays Celtic Music. Chuch Suchy is a farmer and storyteller.

In addition to the musical performances, there will be bluegrass workshops, picnics and other events.

For more information, visit the FESTIVAL WEBSITE.