Family, Fiddles, and Fun: Pickin’ on the Plains Returns This Weekend in Colby
- Kristina Hemel
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
If your summer plans are missing live music, laughter, and a whole lot of family-friendly fun, then clear your calendar—Pickin’ on the Plains Music Festival is back this weekend at the Thomas County Fairgrounds in Colby, Kansas! This hometown festival is celebrating its 29th year of unforgettable tunes and community togetherness.
A Festival with Roots and Rhythm
Started nearly three decades ago, Pickin’ on the Plains has grown into a beloved tradition. Originally a bluegrass festival, it has expanded its musical scope without losing the welcoming, homegrown charm. Organizer Susan McLemore—one of the many passionate forces behind the event—says this year's lineup is more eclectic than ever, featuring everything from traditional bluegrass to Western swing, folk, and jazz.
"This isn’t Picnic in the Park—this is big," Susan jokes. "We’ve got Grammy-nominated talent, musicians who’ve played with Roy Clark and Dolly Parton, and artists that people literally follow across the country."
The Lineup: From Appalachia to Jazz
Here's a quick preview of this weekend’s stellar performers:
The Grascals – Grammy-nominated and featuring five-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year, Kristin Scott Benson.
Appalachian Road Show – True to their roots, they bring mountain music, storytelling, and a lot of energy.
Hot Club of Cowtown – A jazz and Western swing trio that’s attracting fans from Denver to Kansas City.
John DePew Trio – Fresh, modern bluegrass with a folky vibe.
High Plains Tradition – Traditional bluegrass pros who’ve been playing together for 40 years.
Driven – Featuring a fiddle player with ties to both Dolly Parton and Roy Clark.
The McLemore Experience and Dirt Roads Gospel Band – Local flavor that rounds out the weekend.
With continuous music and quick transitions between sets, there's barely time to catch your breath before the next phenomenal performance begins.
More Than Music: A Full-Family Affair
While the music is the heartbeat of the event, the real magic is in the atmosphere. Whether you're camping out all weekend or swinging by for a single show, you'll find yourself surrounded by friendly faces, food vendors, and the kind of small-town hospitality that turns strangers into family.
Deb and Steve Sheppock, festival regulars from Manhattan, Kansas, describe Pickin’ on the Plains as “phenomenal.” Deb explains, “Once you’re here, you’re sold. You’re close to the performers, you can talk to them—it’s intimate, it’s relaxed, it’s a gem.”
The couple started coming in 2019 to see Ricky Skaggs and now make it a family tradition. “We’re camping out, and my brother and his wife are arriving today, too. Once you’ve been here, you want to bring everyone.”
Kick Things Off with a Potluck
The festival officially begins Friday evening, but the unofficial start is Thursday at 6:30 PM with a community potluck at the fairgrounds—free and open to everyone. Bring a dish, meet some folks, and enjoy the calm before the musical storm.
Tickets, Times, and Tips
Weekend Pass: $75 (Friday–Sunday)
Single-Day Options: $45 (Friday), $50 (Saturday), $15 (Sunday morning gospel)
Kids under 12: Free with a parent or guardian
Tickets Available: At the gate or online at www.pickinontheplains.com
Location: Thomas County Fairgrounds, Colby, Kansas
What to Bring: Lawn chairs, sunscreen, a smile—and maybe an appetite for food available at the food trucks.
Why You Should Go
If you’re on the fence, here’s the bottom line: You don’t have to be a bluegrass fan to love this festival. The talent is top-notch, the setting is beautiful, and the experience is as much about connection as it is about music. Whether you stay for a song or the whole weekend, you’ll leave with memories—and maybe a few new friends.
So grab your hat, load up the lawn chairs, and come join the Pickin’ on the Plains family. You’re going to love it.
For updates and more info, tune into NWKS Radio or visit www.pickinontheplains.com. See you at the Thomas County Fairgrounds!
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