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Alaqua Animal Refuge to Host Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest

August 2026

Headlined by Grammy-Nominated Sister Sadie

Information provided by Alaqua Animal Refuge

Alaqua Animal Refuge will host its Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest, presented by Cafe Thirty-A, on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST across the refuge’s grounds. The family-friendly celebration will span two experiences: a live bluegrass concert in Angel’s Arena and a sprawling Fall Fest on the back acreage.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST
Location: Alaqua Animal Refuge, 155 Dugas Way, Freeport, Fla.

Headlining the Bluegrass Barn Jam in Angel’s Arena is Sister Sadie, the Grammy-nominated, three-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year winner known for its all-female roots powerhouse sound and regular appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage. More than six hours of nonstop music fill the day, performed in order by:

Firetown Bluegrass: Regional favorite bringing high-energy traditional bluegrass.
Black Creek Strings Band: A Northwest Florida roots act with a soulful, homegrown sound.
Sister Sadie: Grammy-nominated, three-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year and Grand Ole Opry regular, rounding out the lineup.

Guests can choose General Admission or upgrade to VIP for premium seating and exclusive perks.

The Fall Fest, set across the refuge’s back acreage, will feature:

Bluegrass music and open jam sessions on the Pavilion Stage
Food trucks, children’s and adult beverages, and local vendors
Fall-themed photo ops and festive crafts
Seasonal games and family activities
Animal encounters with rescues currently in Alaqua’s care

All proceeds from the Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest support Alaqua’s mission to provide shelter, safety, and second chances to animals in need.

Tickets are now available. To purchase, please visit: https://secure.givelively.org/event/alaqua-animal-refuge-inc/animore-weekend-2026-bluegrass-barn-jam-fall-fest.

About Alaqua Animal Refuge

Alaqua Animal Refuge is a nationally recognized, no-kill animal welfare organization located on 100 acres in Northwest Florida. Guided by a vision of a kinder, more empathetic world for all living souls, Alaqua provides shelter, safety, and second chances to animals in need while serving as a leading advocate for animal welfare, education, and compassion.

Founded in 2007 by Laurie Hood, Alaqua has grown into one of the Southeast’s premier animal refuges and advocacy organizations, caring for thousands of animals each year through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, cruelty intervention, disaster response, and community outreach programs. The Refuge is home to a wide variety of domestic animals and serves as a destination for education, inspiration, and meaningful connections between people and animals.

As a member of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, Alaqua combines innovative animal care with educational programming designed to foster empathy, responsible stewardship, and respect for all living creatures. Through its Humane Heroes youth programs, public events, advocacy initiatives, and partnerships with local and national organizations, Alaqua is helping shape the future of animal welfare while inspiring positive change in communities across the country.

Today, Alaqua continues to expand its impact as a center for rescue, education, advocacy, and leadership, demonstrating the powerful role animals play in healing, learning, and creating a more compassionate world.

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To learn more, visit http://www.alaqua.org/