Saturday September 26th 2026
10:00 am to 9:00 PM
About the Event
Every September thousands of music lovers show up to this annual Traditional Music Festival. Nationally and regionally known musicians treat the crowd to Bluegrass, Cajun, Irish, and Country music as well as other entertainment such as traditional dances. A craft show is held on both days with plenty of interesting items for sale, and there is no shortage of food and refreshments. If you would like to spend one of the last weekends of summer enjoying great music in a beautiful Park, then the annual George Portz Traditional Music Festival is a great way to spend your weekend. This event is sponsored by The Festus Missouri Parks and Recreation Board.
Remember to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets for seating!
Camping: Primitive tent camping and RVs allowed starting Friday at 5 p.m. No hook-ups available.
For more information email George Portz’s Son Jason at jasonp@georgeportztmf.com
Hotel Options
Book a stay at the Holiday Inn Express for a relaxing and fun weekend.
- Mention the George Portz Music Festival to receive a discount for your stay.
- 1802 Gamel Cemetery Road, Festus, MO 63028
Phone: 636-937-7100 - Discounted block rate is no longer available after September 22nd.
- Please call our property to book your reservation – (636) 937-7100
Saturday Night Jam Session
Call for Vendors and Crafters
Become a Vendor or Crafter at the George Portz Traditional Music Festival!
Join us at the 36th Annual George Portz Traditional Music Festival and showcase your products, services, or organization to thousands of attendees from across the region. This beloved community event features live traditional music, family-friendly activities, food vendors, and a vibrant marketplace of local businesses, artisans, and community organizations.
We are currently seeking:
- Craft Vendors & Artisans
- Boutique & Retail Vendors
- Food Vendors
- Face Painters & Family Activities
- Local Businesses
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Community & School Groups
Vendor Fee: $30 per booth
Electricity Available
Tables Not Provided
Non-Profit Organizations, Community Groups, and School Groups participate FREE!
Register Today
Complete the vendor registration form below to reserve your space:
https://forms.office.com/r/RHrYnvygMW
Vendor Payment
Please submit your vendor payment through the ticketing link at:
www.GeorgePortzTMF.com
Questions?
Jason Portz (618) 972-8682
jasonp@GeorgePortzTMF.com
We look forward to welcoming you to one of the Midwest’s premier traditional music festivals!
Event Schedule
About the Organizer
George was a nationally and internationally renowned entertainer. His talents led him to become the Illinois State Open Fiddle Champion at 16 years old, he joined the Goins Brothers Bluegrass Group ‘on festival circuit’, play on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival, and in Washington, D.C. at the White House with then President Richard M Nixon. George returned to Illinois after his stint with Melvin & Ray Goins. His first performance as a member of The Friends of Bluegrass was at Southwestern Illinois College in 1979.
George’s talents would lead him to later win the National “Open” Fiddle Championship 1982. He was awarded the Legacy Award for his contribution to preserving, promoting, and perpetuating Bluegrass music and other traditional Americana forms. George taught fiddlin to a huge number of students and never charged them a penny. Alison Krauss, a former pupil of George’s, went on to achieve national recognition. She acknowledged George’s contribution to her success in the music industry on her first record.
George and his band have performed or opened for John Hartford, Alison Krauss and Johnny Gimble. They’ve also played with Riders In The Sky and ‘Pappy Wade Ray’, Michael Martin Murphy and Patsy Montano. It is a great loss to not only us, but also those who knew him. He loved to say that he had no ‘fans,’ only friends. This was because he thought about each of you who followed his music. His music, his humor, and his laughter will continue to live on for as long as people remember him and his life.
Festival Organizers
Jason Portz &
Deanna Hardgrave
Meet the Festival Organizers
The George Portz Traditional Music Festival is proudly organized by Jason Portz and Deanna Hardgrave, whose dedication and passion help make this beloved annual event possible.
Jason and Deanna work year-round coordinating entertainment, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and event logistics to ensure festival guests enjoy an unforgettable celebration of traditional music, community, and family fun. Together, they are committed to preserving the festival’s rich heritage while continuing to grow and enhance the experience for attendees, performers, and vendors alike.
Their shared vision and countless hours of volunteer effort have helped make the George Portz Traditional Music Festival one of the Midwest’s premier traditional music events, carrying forward a tradition that has brought people together for more than three decades.
We thank Jason, Deanna, and the many volunteers, sponsors, musicians, and supporters who help keep this treasured community tradition alive. 🎵🪕🎻❤️
Our Sponsors
It is not possible to host this event without helping hands. We have several sponsors who volunteer to help us physically and financially to make this event possible.