Billy Strings will headline the sold-out Ionia Freak Fair this weekend, Aug. 28-29, at the same time his fifth studio album, “So Much for Goodbyes,” is officially released.
The inaugural Ionia Freak Fair, a creation of Strings, is an outdoor two-day music festival held at the Ionia County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday. The festival will feature three-time Grammy-award winning bluegrass artist Strings and other popular musicians such as Lindsay Lou, Leftover Salmon, Full Cord, Sierra Hull, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Greensky Bluegrass and more.
Tickets for both days of the festival have been sold out, according to its official website, and estimates have put attendance at between 30,000 and 40,000 fans. Fans can get on the official waitlist to be notified if any tickets become available leading up to the weekend.
On Friday, Aug. 28, Strings will also release his 16-track album, “So Much for Goodbyes,” which was dedicated to his late mother Debra Apostol who died in 2025. Ahead of the album release, Strings dropped three singles from the album.
Strings’ fifth solo album includes original artwork created by his mom, the Detroit News reported.
“I made this record to honor my mother,” Strings said in a statement. “To notice and embrace this very significant period of grief in my life and make art from it. To turn my heartbreak into songs while using my guitar as a coping mechanism as I always have. It’s always been there for me to lean on through the hard times, and I figure it always will … until it’s my time to say goodbye.”
Strings is a native of Muir, northeast of Ionia and attended school in Ionia.
Here’s what to know before the festival kicks off:
Where will the Ionia Freak Fair take place?
The festival will be held in Ionia at the Ionia County Fairgrounds, at 317 S. Dexter St.
Where do I park my car when at the Ionia Freak Fair?
Parking is available at the Ionia County Fairgrounds, though it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Proof of a festival ticket is required to park; no oversized vehicles are allowed; and there is no overnight parking.
The parking lot opens at noon both days.
Ride share will have a designated drop-off and pickup zone located on the north side of the venue off of M-66. Fans will then walk to their event entrance lanes, according to the festival’s website.
What is the daily schedule for the Ionia Freak Fair?
Festival doors open at 3 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. both days.
Strings will have two late-night sets each day, from 8 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. and from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ahead of his set other artists such as Lindsay Lou, Leftover Salmon, Full Cord, Sierra Hull and others will play 45-minute to 1-hour sets.
Here’s the lineup for the main stage:
Apart from the main stage acts, there is also a pinball and metal tent with heavy metal bands set to play including Heartsick, For the Fallen Dreams, Cryptopsy and others.
What is the bag policy at the Ionia Freak Fair?
Here’s the lineup for the metal tent:
Fans are strongly encouraged to not bring bags, however, there are exceptions, including: clear bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches, fanny packs, clutches, wristlets and diaper bags accompanied by a child. All bags are subject to search upon entry.
Can I leave the venue and come back?
No. Re-entry is not permitted at the Ionia Freak Fair.
I want to dress up, what is the dress code?
Costumes are allowed, but face masks must be removable for ID checks at entry; anything that resembles a weapon or interferes with security screening is not allowed.
Will there be food and drinks options inside the venue?
Yes. There will be a variety of food options including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Bars as well as complimentary water refill stations will also be available each day. Cash or card will be accepted as payment.
Can I bring my dog to the Ionia Freak Fair?
Pets are not permitted in RV camping areas or anywhere on the event grounds. Only ADA-recognized service animals are allowed, and they must remain under control of their handler at all times.
What else can I not bring inside the venue?
What should campers know ahead of the Ionia Freak Fair?
For those who purchased the RV ticket for the Ionia Freak Fair, electricity hookups, accessible bathrooms and showers are available. There are no water hookups and external generators are prohibited.
Tents or car camping is not allowed.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Billy Strings’ Ionia Freak Fair is Aug. 28-29. What to know if you go
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
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By Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
