Hot August Music Festival: Rockin’ the Ridge
Words by Dan Rozman
Photos by Mark Raker
Mark your calendars, music fans! On August 10, Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Maryland, will come alive with the sounds of the 31st Hot August Music Festival (HAMF). This annual bash has become a staple of the local summer scene, blending tunes, family fun, and community spirit into one unforgettable day.
This year’s lineup is set to impress, with two stages showcasing a mix of national acts and hometown heroes. Powerhouse vocalist Grace Potter and the genre-defying Snarky Puppy are headlining, but that’s just the beginning. Keep an ear out for Neal Francis, jam band Eggy, and the eclectic Sam Grisman Project. Baltimore’s own Cris Jacobs, the high-energy Pressing Strings, and guitar wizard Paul Reed Smith with Eightlock will represent the local scene in style.
Festival co-owner Ryan Glaeser is pumped about the extended set times, giving music lovers a chance to soak in the performances. And don’t miss The Hot August Collective — a regional talent supergroup that’s sure to bring down the house. Glaeser explains, “The Hot August Collective is a group of local musician friends; Jonathan Sloane — who opened the festival last year — on vocals and guitar, multi-award winning Ron Holloway on saxophone, Benjie Porecki on keys, Ben Tufts on drums, Bobby Thompson on vocals and guitar, and Christopher Brown on bass. It’s a bunch of really killer players.”
Watch an NBC4 news report on Hot August Music Festival on YouTube:
HAMF isn’t just for the grown-ups. The Kids Corner will keep the little ones entertained with activities like hat-making and face painting. Even better, kids 12 and under get in free, making it a wallet-friendly day out for families.
Come hungry! Local food vendors will be dishing up tasty treats all day long. And what’s a festival without some good brews? Union Craft Brewing is bringing their A-game, including a special festival beer called Lightning Bug that’s perfect for sipping in the summer sun. There will also be craft and clothing vendors to complete your festival needs.
For those looking to level up their festival experience, the new VIP area is where it’s at. Think primo parking, catered eats with drinks included, a sweet viewing spot, and dedicated porta potties.
Can’t wait until Saturday? Kick things off early at the Union Craft Brewing pre-party on Friday, featuring the Cris Jacobs Bluegrass Round-Up. They are another supergroup made up of Jacobs, Sam Grisman, Pat McAvinue, BJ Lazarus, and special guests Brad Kolodner, Cara Kelly, Ed Hough, Sam Guthridge, Jordan Tice, Alex Berman and hosted by Sam Gallant and Lauren Tucker.
And when the festival winds down, head over to Mother’s North Grille for an afterparty with The Hot August Collective and maybe some special guests.
The 31st Hot August Music Festival is shaping up to be the can’t-miss event of the Maryland summer. With its killer lineup, family-friendly vibe, and all-around good times, it’s the perfect way to squeeze every last drop of fun out of the season. Get your tickets now. See you there!
Certain aspects of the research and/or drafting for this piece may have employed AI
Hot August Music Festival
W/ Grace Potter, Snarky Puppy, Neal Francis, Cris Jacobs, Eggy, Sam Grisman Project, Pressing Strings, PRS Eightlock, and The Hot August Collective
Oregon Ridge Park
Saturday, August 10
Show @ 11:30am
$99 GA/$249 VIP
All ages
Here are some scenes of past Hot August Music Festivals! All photos copyright and courtesy of Mark Raker.
