The First City Music Festival opens Thursday in Vincennes, bringing three days of bluegrass, folk, and roots music to the French Commons.

This year’s lineup features nationally known acts, including Grammy Award winner Peter Rowan, the Sam Grisman Project, and Kyle Tuttle. Festival organizer Nash Dunn said securing Rowan is a major highlight for the event.

“Peter Rowan was, our headliner this year was a really big one for us. He was somebody that we had had on our list for years and had to grow into, you know, as a multiple Grammy Award winning artist and certainly Bluegrass Music Hall of Famer. We are blessed and really excited to have Mr. Peter Rowan joining us this year.”

Along with nationally recognized performers, organizers are also spotlighting regional and local musicians. Music will run on two stages each day, beginning Thursday at 2 p.m.

The festival is designed to be more than just a music event. It will include art activities, music workshops, jam sessions, and yoga. Children 12 and under get in free, with kids’ programming scheduled throughout the weekend.

Dunn said the goal is to create a full community experience.

“We also have, music workshops that will be going on down in the grounds. And those are open to adults, or kiddos. Anybody who’s interested in doing that. We’ll have some jam sessions going on down in the grounds, of course, lots of art activities. And then yoga, lots and lots of yoga, and wellness classes going on throughout the weekend as well.”

The First City Music Festival is organized by a local nonprofit. Proceeds help maintain the French Commons and fund the Evan Twitty Music and Art Scholarship for Knox County students pursuing music or arts education.

Tickets, camping options, and local discounts are available at firstcitymusicfestival.com.