High Sierra Music Festival Relocates to Grass Valley for 2026 After 25 Years in Quincy
The High Sierra Music Festival will move to the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley for its 2026 edition, scheduled for July 2-5. This marks a significant change after 25 years at the Plumas County Fairgrounds in Quincy, where the festival has faced declining attendance and financial challenges in recent years.
Festival producer Dave Margulies cited four consecutive years of financial losses and stagnant attendance as key reasons for the move. Despite efforts in 2025 to boost sustainability—such as modest price increases, cost-cutting, fewer big-name acts, and new glamping options—attendance dropped to 2,500 four-day passes, down from 4,000 in 2024, resulting in a loss of over $100,000.
While expressing deep gratitude for the festival’s long history in Quincy, Margulies emphasized that the decision was necessary for the festival’s future. The new Grass Valley location offers improved infrastructure, including around 1,000 hotel rooms and 240 vacation rentals, addressing the lodging shortages that have plagued past events. Its proximity to the Bay Area (just 2.5 hours from San Francisco) and major airports in Sacramento and Oakland also makes it more accessible for attendees, staff, and artists.
Local officials, including Plumas County Supervisor Mimi Hall, acknowledged the festival’s positive economic impact on Quincy and Plumas County but view the change as an opportunity for innovation and strategic planning. The 2026 festival in Grass Valley promises to retain beloved traditions such as daily parades, classic stages, and late-night shows, aiming to recreate the magic of High Sierra in a new setting.
The contract with the Nevada County Fairgrounds is currently for one year, with organizers planning to evaluate the festival’s success before making longer-term decisions. Having previously relocated twice—starting in Strawberry, moving to Big Bear, then Quincy—the festival is no stranger to change and looks forward to building new traditions while honoring its legacy.
