Getting the call earlier in the week that one of our photographers could not make DelFest this year got me moving quickly to try and adjust my calendar to at least cover some of the amazing festival this year. I was able to clear Friday, May 22, and I proceeded to plan to go to DelFest 2026, which is one of my favorites of the year.
The 2026 DelFest started out in drizzling to medium rain for those in attendance. It did not let up throughout the day, but in the music business the show must go on, and that’s exactly what happened on Day 2 of this year’s fest.
I was extremely happy to get to cover one day of this year’s event, and the bands I was able to cover included The Malpass Brothers; Driftwood; Gaelic Storm; Po’ Ramblin’ Boys; Falco & Book Play Garcia; Water Tower featuring Sierra Ferrell; Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands; Punch Brothers; The Creekers; The Del McCoury Band; and Blackberry Smoke to finish out the regular day’s events.
Watch The Del McCoury Band perform “I Can’t Get You Off My Mind” live at DelFest 2025 on YouTube:
In the late-night edition after midnight, I was able to cover a great set by the The Infamous Stringdusters with Ronnie McCoury from the Del McCoury Band sitting in for a song.
One of the key experiences each year at DelFest is getting to see some amazing sets in the late-night after numerous bands have already played during the day. You never know who will show up to play as well, which makes for a highly memorable experience for music lovers
In spite of the rain during Friday’s event, the musicians in attendance played some stellar sets. Each of the bands I got to cover played some outstanding music from the heart despite the yucky weather. Del McCoury and his band were stunning as always. The caliber of bands at this year’s event were sensational and included Marty Stuart and Alison Krauss on different days during the fest.
Each of the bands I got to see on Friday provided a great variety of musical styles by the planners of the event. Getting to finally cover a Blackberry Smoke show was also a highly positive experience as the band finished out the day in very cold and heavy rain but in exemplary form. Blackberry Smoke is currently on their 25th anniversary show and began the tour at DelFest.
DelFest is more than just great music and phenomenal bands it also provides thousands of music fans an opportunity to get out of the house each spring, and camp and grill food as they listen to some of the best bluegrass, blues, rock and country music in America.
My only regret this year was because of previous commitments I could not attend more of this year’s 4-day event. I will plan and hope to return next year for the entire event. Cumberland, MD is a beautiful area for a music festival, and having the Allegany Mountains as a backdrop makes for an invigorating 4-days of music, food, and hanging out with fellow music lovers.
Here are some photos of the performers from the second day of DelFest 2026, live on Friday, May 22. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Miller. After The Del McCoury Band, all acts are listed in alphabetical order!
The Del McCoury Band
Blackberry Smoke
Driftwood
Falco and Book Play Garcia
Gaelic Storm
Laurie Lewis and The Right Hands
Magoo
Punch Brothers
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The Creekers
The Infamous Stringdusters with Ronnie McCoury
The Malpass Brothers
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
The Young Guns with Heaven McCoury
Water Tower featuring Sierra Ferrell
