Lightning Bug Music Festival has announced its return to Valparaiso, Ind., to cap off the summer with a celebration of music and outdoor activity on Sept. 9 and Sept. 10. The announcement is the first from the beloved Indiana gathering after a four-year hiatus.

To return bigger and better than ever, Lightning Bug Music Festival will head to Sunset Hill Farm’s natural amphitheater just an hour outside of Chicago’s Lake Michigan’s South Shore. There they will welcome two nights of legendary headliner Railroad Earth along with celebrated bluegrass, Americana, folk and jamband acts from across the country, including Cedric Burnside, Ghost Light, The Lil Smokies, Mikaela Davis & Southern Star and more.

“I’m thrilled to share this year’s lineup, and experience, which brings together a distinct yet complementary group of artists at a unique venue with side-by-side stages, onsite camping and the other quirky touches that our team knows make music festivals special and memorable for friends and family,” said new festival director John Westbrook, a Northwest Indiana native and long-time friend of Lightning Bug Music Festival co-founder Geof Benson in a press release.

2022’s festival will feature a new multi-stage viewing experience, onsite car and RV camping, interactive art installations, yoga and meditation, along with local artisans and food and beverage options. 

Two-day passes are on sale for $125 and single-day passes are $65. Camping at the festival is encouraged and priced at $25 per car and $100 per RV. Kids 12 and under get into the festival for free. Find tickets here.

Lightning Bug Music Festival 2022
Daily Lineups

Friday, Sept. 9

Railroad Earth, Ghost Light, Lindsay Lou, Duane Betts, Charlie Parr, Howly Bowling, Cordovas, Marcus Rezar’s Led is Dead, Pajamas

Saturday, Sept. 10

Railroad Earth, The Lil Smokies, Cedric Burnside, Charlie Parr, Mikaela Davis & Southern Star, Sicard Hollow, Debutants, Old Pup, River Spell 

Weekend Artists at Large

Rushad Eggleston aka Rushadicus, Trevor Shepich