The Washington Acoustic Music Association (WAMA) will host the 2026 WAMA Pickersfest from July 31 through Aug. 2 at the historic Oakview Grange in Centralia, bringing together nationally recognized performers, regional favorites, workshops, jam sessions, camping, dancing and family-friendly entertainment.
Pickersfest has become a destination event for musicians and music lovers from throughout the Pacific Northwest who gather to celebrate acoustic music traditions in a welcoming and community-focused atmosphere, according to a news release from event organizers.
Those interested in songwriting will particularly enjoy this year’s festival offerings.
The 2026 lineup features acclaimed singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale, a two-time Grammy Award winner and member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside Jimmy Ritchey, a Nashville producer and songwriter with deep Lewis County roots.
Raised in Centralia, Ritchey has worked with some of country music's biggest names, including Vince Gill, LeAnn Womack, Clay Walker, Randy Travis, Jake Owen, Mark Chesnutt, Pam Tillis and others.
Additional performers include:
• Rio Con Brio
• Chris Guenther of Mossyrock
• Dear Crow
• The Cowchips
• Eel Sallad
In addition to live performances, attendees can participate in acoustic music workshops; open jams; genre-specific jam sessions; open mic opportunities; community gatherings; instrument raffle activities; cornhole games; and on-site camping.
New for 2026, Pickersfest will also feature a Contra Dance, a traditional folk dance experience popular throughout North America, the release stated.
Camping opens Thursday, July 30, allowing festivalgoers to arrive early and enjoy informal music sessions before the official start of the festival on Friday.
The festival is hosted at the Oakview Grange in Centralia and is organized entirely by volunteers through WAMA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting acoustic music throughout Washington state.
Tickets, camping information, schedules, performer biographies and additional festival details are available online at wamapickersfest.org.
