Drifter Merch’s blog features news, events, tour dates and vendor spotlights to music and album reviews.

Lorrie Dixson Griggs Lorrie Dixson Griggs

Your Ultimate 2026 Jam Band Summer Guide

Get ready for a high-energy summer of music. The 2026 Summer tour circuit is shaping up to be a legendary run, stretching from MSG to Red Rocks and beyond. Here is your ultimate guide to some of the heavy hitting jam bands going down the road.

1. Phish

Phish are back to turn Summer into a beautiful blur of parking lots, inside jokes, and monster jams.

  • Don't Miss: Deer Creek on July 10-12, MSG July 22-29 plus Dick’s Labor Day shows.

2. Widespread Panic

It’s a full tour for Panic out West this Summer and the fans are already packing coolers and chasing setlists.

  • Don't Miss: Jackson Hole on July 5, followed by Montana on the 7th and 8th and the rest of the West Coast run in July.

3. Goose

Goose have officially graduated from breakout act to full-blown touring force, and the 2026 dates prove it.

  • Don't Miss: MSG dates on June 19-20 and Red Rocks on August 27-28.

4. Billy Strings

Billy Strings is recovering from a skateboard injury now, but with the tour starting in July, the countdown is officially on.

  • Don't Miss: The Portland, ME run on July 24-25 and Bethel Woods on July 31-August 1.

5. Joe Russo's Almost Dead

JRAD will be bringing enough energy to make even the calmest Dead groove feel like a sprint.

  • Don't Miss: Stone Pony on August 8 and Mission Ballroom on August 20.

6. Umphrey’s McGee & moe.

This joint tour is basically a summer-long invitation to get delightfully lost in the weeds.

  • Don't Miss: Their joint summer tour and the return of moe.down on July 16-18.

7. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

PPPP are back on the summer circuit, still proving that funk can be both infectious and mildly exhausting.

  • Don't Miss: Their festival circuit plus Northeast summer stops, including Levitate on July 18-19, Flood City on July 24-25, and Domefest on August 6-8.

8. String Cheese Incident

On String Cheese Summer tour, every night unfolds less like a setlist and more like a guided improvisation.

  • Don't Miss: Colorado mountain shows including Red Rocks July 17-18 and Campout in the Pines on August 14-15.

9. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard pick up in August, where predictability goes to disappear.

  • Don't Miss: Field of Vision II on August 14-16 and the Forest Hills residency on August 20-22.

10. Eggy

Eggy keep sounding like a band that’s about five minutes away from becoming everybody’s next favorite band.

  • Don't Miss: Cathead Jam on June 5-6 and Electric Forest on June 25-28.

11. The Disco Biscuits

The Biscuits are still in the business of bending time, space, and your sleep schedule.

  • Don't Miss: SPAC on July 3, Atlantic City on July 4, and King of Prussia on July 25-26.

Summer 2026 is about more than just the music as it’s also about the adventure. It’s about the long drives, the lot hangs, and the feeling of community you only get when the lights go down and the first note hits. Whether you’re looking for lot shirts, custom band merchandise, or just a new favorite hat to keep the sun off your face, we’ve got you covered. Check out our On the Road page and look for our blue tent at concerts and festivals across the country. Come say hello, share a story about your favorite show, and grab some gear that was made by fans, for fans.



Read More
Not to Miss Events Lorrie Dixson Griggs Not to Miss Events Lorrie Dixson Griggs

Chucktown Flodown: A Goosemas Pre-Party in the Low Country

Rising Tide Art Studio and Drifter Merch present the Chucktown Flodown: A Goosemas Pre-Party in the Low Country on Saturday, December 14 from 12-4pm at Commonhouse Aleworks located at 4831 O’Hear Ave. in North Charleston.

Join us for a vibrant market event celebrating fan artists with live music from Just Groove with Rob Corbett playing funky jams for the Goose and local community ahead of Goosemas N2!

The event is free to attend and will showcase Goose-inspired artists and local artisans while giving back to the local Park Circle neighborhood & support for the Goose’s non-profit Western Sun Foundation.


Read More
Lorrie Dixson Griggs Lorrie Dixson Griggs

Seekers on the Ridge and Day of Dead in Winston-Salem

The Seekers on the Ridge: Goose Pre-Party & Vendor Market is making its way from Asheville to Winston-Salem! The fundraising event will now be held on Friday, October 25th, from 2PM to 6PM at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co., located at 772 N. Trade Street, right before the jam band Goose’s Hurricane Helene Benefit show at LJVM Coliseum. Patrons will experience the creativity of talented artisan vendors and enjoy live music from The Sam Robinson (Marvelous Funkshun, The Lee Boys, and Artimus Pyle Band) Trio that will deliver a captivating performance blending psychedelic rock, classic funk, electric blues, and jam rock. While savoring delicious comfort food and refreshing brews, guests can enter to win raffle prizes while supporting MANNA Food Bank! Plus, Fiddlin’ Fish is generously donating 20% of the day’s proceeds to the remarkable non-profit dedicated to combating hunger in Western North Carolina. It will not only be a great day out, but also supporting a worthy cause that makes a real difference in the state.

Participating Vendors
for Seekers on the Ridge
include:

  • HoneyCreek Pottery

  • Drifter Merch

  • Varvel Arts

  • Bout Half Past Dead

  • Reba’s Dancing Dyes

  • Slow Ready Podcast

  • Grateful Fred

  • Pesca Muerta

  • G. Tallent Designs

  • Cool Attire Co.

  • Arete

  • Jennifer Barrineau Art

  • Blaze on Creations

  • Handmade Mama’s Minis

  • Fennario Thunder Provision Co.

  • Soul Shaking Life Shop

  • Blue Ridge Gems

“Along with live music, we’re presenting a curated market featuring innovative vendors showcasing their creations, including many from Western North Carolina,” said Lorrie Dixson Griggs, one of the event organizers. “Before Goose’s benefit concert, patrons can kick back and enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with dancing, refreshing drinks, and unique shopping. While supporting a fantastic cause, there’s something for everyone to uncover, from hand-crafted pottery and stunning artwork to cool merchandise!”


Join us for the 7th Annual Day of the Dead celebration at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co. the next day on Saturday, October 26th! This vibrant and culturally rich event promises a day filled with music, community, and fun for all ages.

The festivities kick off at noon with Shakedown Street, where you'll find a fantastic variety of local vendors showcasing their varied goods. Families can enjoy a range of engaging kids’ activities designed to entertain and inspire young minds, making this a perfect outing for the whole family.

The Winston Warehouse will be transformed into a lively venue, complete with a stage that will host an incredible lineup of musical talent throughout the day. A food truck will be parked outside, offering a selection of tasty bites to keep everyone fueled and ready to celebrate.

The music starts with General Hyjinx on the stage at 4PM. Known for their energetic performances, this band will set the tone for an unforgettable evening. As the sun sets and the night begins, get ready for Cosmic Charlie, Athens, GA’s high-energy Grateful Dead tribute band. They’ll take the stage at 8PM, bringing the timeless sounds of the Grateful Dead to life and keeping the energy flowing well into the night.

This year’s Day of the Dead celebration is not just about music; yet it’s a gathering of community and culture. Don’t miss out on this incredible day filled with good vibes, great company, and unforgettable experiences!



Read More