As the Waterford Fair continues its 80-plus year tradition of celebrating heritage and community, the Foundation is pleased to share some significant updates regarding our Main Stage for 2026.
For the past 20 years, the Fair’s musical programming was expertly guided by Roy Chaudet. Roy’s commitment to our event has been invaluable; following his receipt of a service award this past April, he has officially retired from his volunteer role to focus on other interests. While we will certainly miss Roy’s presence at the stage, we are deeply grateful for the strong foundation he built over two decades of dedicated service.
Building on that legacy, we are excited to announce a new professional partnership with River & Roots Productions to showcase the 2026 Main Stage.
Based in the Shenandoah Valley, River & Roots is led by David Van Deventer and Morgan Morrison. As the founders of the Furnace Mountain Band, David and Morgan bring a unique dual perspective to the Fair. They are not only seasoned event promoters but also accomplished touring musicians who have spent many an afternoon entertaining our fairgoers over the years. Their expertise ensures that Waterford will continue to host the high-caliber, Americana and old-time performances that resonate so perfectly with our historic setting.
We are already looking forward to the diverse range of talent they are bringing to the village this October. Our confirmed 2026 lineup ( currently includes:
- The Plate Scrapers
- Hot Club of Baltimore
- Tessa McCoy and the State Birds
- Collins & Vocke with special guest Zach Lester
- The Furnace Mountain Band
- One Street Over
- Old Dominion Quartet
This collaboration represents a thoughtful next step for the Fair. By combining River & Roots’ professional network with the local traditions Roy helped establish, we are ensuring that the Main Stage continues to grow as a premier destination for Americana and roots music.
Get a head start on the music! We’ve curated a 2026 Waterford Fair Preview Playlist on YouTube so you can experience the incredible talent joining us this year.
Watch & Listen to the 2026 Lineup Here
We look forward to seeing you at the stage from October 2nd through 4th!