Bluebird

Bluebird Music Festival 2024

APRIL 20-21, 2024
BOULDER, CO

THE SHORT VERSION

An intimate weekend of listening to your favorite indie and folk rock bands — and the stories behind their songs.

If you’re looking for an(other) excuse to disappear into the land of craggy peaks and toked-up granola liberalism, take the Bluebird Music Festival as your sign from a toe-shoe wearing, polar-plunging god. Now in its sixth year, the festival hosts a small lineup of internationally-renowned folk-indie musicians for two days of performances and artist talks at the University of Colorado, Boulder’s Macky Auditorium

The weekend festival has three separate events: a five-hour music performance on Saturday evening, a Strings & Stories session on Sunday afternoon and another performance Sunday evening. Strings & Stories is a fan favorite. At this event, artists perform acoustic renditions of their tracks, then dig into their artistic process. They share the stories of how their songs came to be and the inspirations behind each track. 

In the evenings, the venue transforms into the full, loud and wild concert experience festival-goers know and love. Indie folk fans will jump to see performances by headliners Gregory Alan Isakov, Jeff Tweedy, Langhorne Slim and Joy Oladokun, but supporting acts are equally exciting. Canadian singer-songwriter Andy Shauf pairs stripped-down psychedelic rock with lovesick lyric leanings, and Kentucky-based band Bendigo Fletcher mixes playful Americana nostalgia with a pinch of country and a dabble of alt-rock. The folk-punk sound of Sunny War cuts to the core of depression, hope and loss. 

Sponsored by Odell Brewing Company, Appaloosa Bar & Grill, The Sink and many more, a variety of small bites, IPAs, ales, and red and white wines will be available. Just make sure you bring your credit/debit card, as cash is not accepted.

Proceeds from the festival help support the nonprofit Future Arts Foundation that aids Colorado arts, music and environmental programs.

Specs

  • Venue capacity is 2,040.
  • Single event and full weekend passes are available (though limited quantities remain). Full weekend GA passes start at $199, and single event passes start at $49. See all of the options here. 
  • Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Colorado here.

FAQs

Where is the Bluebird Music Festival located?

At the Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, CO 80309.

What is the closest airport to the Bluebird Music Festival?

Fly into Denver International Airport (DIA), which is a 45-minute drive from downtown Boulder (44 miles). 

What is the Strings & Stories session?

On Sunday afternoon from 1pm to 3:30pm, selected artists perform acoustic renditions of their tracks, then dig into their artistic process. They share the stories of how their songs came to be and the inspirations behind each track. 

How do ticket sales work?

Weekend pass holders need to pick up their pass at Macky Auditorium starting at noon on April 20th. Single event attendees just need their event ticket (sent to email). 

Which artists are on the Bluebird Music Festival 2024 lineup?

Gregory Alan Isakov, Jeff Tweedy, Joy Oladokun, Langhorne Slim, Andy Shauf, Bendigo Fletcher, Briscoe, Sunny War, The Cody Sisters.

Playlists

Poster

Videos

BY Katherine James