The sound of banjos and bass will once again echo across Planet Bluegrass in Lyons as the RockyGrass Festival opens its 53rd edition tomorrow.

Why it matters: The three-day bluegrass tradition is a cornerstone of Lyons' community and music scene, with about 4,000 people streaming into town to enjoy each day of the festival.

🎟️ If you go: Tickets are sold out, but there are still open camping spots.

• Gates open at 10am tomorrow and Sunday and 9am on Saturday.
• Expect local food, beverages and a variety of artisan craft vendors on-site.

🪕 The music: Acts include Sam Bush Bluegrass Band and The Infamous Stringdusters.

• When musicians finish their sets, they can "slap on a bathing suit and jump in the river," Planet Bluegrass spokesperson Grace Barrett told Axios Boulder.
• Tomorrow night promises "a special moment," she added, as Molly Tuttle will make her final appearance with her touring band, the Golden Highway, including Colorado native Dominick Leslie.
• In addition to the onstage acts, Barrett said, there will be "lots of campground picking."

🌊 The river: What sets RockyGrass apart is its landscape, as cliffs and towering trees overlook the St. Vrain, where festivalgoers can literally dip their toes in the river while soaking in world-class bluegrass.

⛺️ The vibe: Barrett said the family-friendly environment and tight-knit community are what make RockyGrass special.

• "People were bringing the kids and now their kids have kids; it's a wonderful community surrounding the event," she said.
• Events for children include crown-making, face-painting and an "instrument petting zoo" where kids can try a variety of instruments.
• RockyGrass has a policy that encourages people to occupy vacant tarps on the lawn until the owners return: "The whole point is to make new friends and listen to new music," Barrett said.

Strum along

Lyons is clawing its way back from years of disasters — and hoping tourism will help fuel its revival.

Why it matters: The small town's economy largely relies on seasonal tourism, and fires, more than a decade's worth of flooding, and the pandemic wiped out key businesses and momentum.

The big picture: Lyons endured a catastrophic 2013 flood and a ruinous 2022 downtown fire, compounded by pandemic-related setbacks.

Context: Last year, the small town in northwest Boulder County completed the last of its 100-plus rebuilding projects in the wake of the devastating 2013 flood.

• In addition, just as the world began to emerge from the COVID pandemic, a fire destroyed several businesses in downtown Lyons in 2022.
• While last year's Stone Canyon Fire did not cross into the town, many residents were evacuated.

Between the Lyons: The slogan "We've got grit" reflects a hard-won sense of identity, first adopted on bumper stickers after the 2013 flood.

• "Lyons is nothing if not resilient," the town's mayor, Hollie Rogin, said.
• Yes, but: "Like many small towns, our economy is struggling. It's mostly seasonal, which adds challenges," Rogin added.

Zoom in: The town boasts six wedding venues, Marigold restaurant, outdoor and recreation opportunities, and a vibrant music scene highlighted by two major summer festivals at Planet Bluegrass.

What's next: Construction is underway on a new two-story retail and office space where the 2022 fire destroyed key businesses. A long-anticipated hotel project is also slated to begin this year.

The bottom line: Lyons is hoping resilience — and maybe a bit of reinvention — will be enough to win back the crowds.

Plan your visit

Lyons may be small, but it's big on standout food, solid sips and relaxed charm.

Zoom in: Here are some top spots to hit on Main Street and beyond next time you're in town.

Where to eat:

🍽️ Marigold alone is worth the drive. This intimate restaurant — a James Beard finalist — is plating some of the most artful and delicious dishes in Colorado. It specializes in seasonal ingredients that span European and new American cuisine.

• Their non-traditional spin on a Caesar salad is a must. And don't skip the organic, natural wine pairings.

🥐 At Moxie Bread Co., flaky croissants, heritage grain loaves and fresh flatbreads are served in a cozy cafe with a rustic, farmhouse feel.

🥪 For a no-frills local favorite, St. Vrain Market, Deli & Bakery delivers classic sandwiches and homemade cookies. It's a great place to grab-and-go before an afternoon picnic or hike.

Where to drink:

🥃 Spirit Hound Distillers is a top-notch spot serving house-distilled gin, rum, whiskey and more in a woodsy, laidback lounge.

🍺 MainStage Brewing pours experimental ales and lagers in a cozy taproom that serves solid wood-fired pizza, too. The expansive outdoor patio regularly hosts live music.

🎶 The Rock Garden is an outdoor beer garden known for its fire pits, food trucks and live music. Plus, their huge outdoor screen makes it a prime place to catch a game.

🍔 Oskar Blues' original brewpub, which opened in 1997, still slings burgers and brews with unpretentious charm in the middle of town.

Cheers!