Fire On The Mountain 2026: The Ultimate Grateful Dead Winter Experience at Sugarloaf

Get ready to shake it down in the snow! Fire On The Mountain is returning to Sugarloaf Mountain for its 7th annual celebration, and the 2026 edition promises to be the most “kind” one yet. If you are a fan of the Grateful Dead, improvisational jam bands, and world-class spring-style skiing in the heart of winter, this is your pilgrimage.

Join us for the unforgettable Fire On The Mountain 2026 experience, where music and winter fun collide!

From January 29 to February 1, 2026, the iconic Sugarloaf Base Lodge transforms into a psychedelic winter wonderland. Whether you’re chasing fresh corduroy on the slopes by day or dancing in your ski boots by night, this multi-day festival blends mountain culture with the soulful vibes of the Dead.

Throughout Fire On The Mountain 2026, attendees will enjoy unique performances that elevate the festival atmosphere.

🎸 2026 Festival Schedule & High-Altitude Highlights

🔥 Fire On The Mountain 2026:

Mark your calendars for the epic Fire On The Mountain 2026 event!

A Festival Like No Other

Kickoff Night: Thursday, January 29

FREE | All Ages | Widowmaker Bar

• 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Fire On The Mountain Kickoff Party – DJ Eagle Electric sets the mood, spinning classic Dead and jam-band deep cuts on vinyl.

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Mountains of the Moon Movie Watch Party – Grab a brew and catch a special screening of Chris Benchetler’s cinematic masterpiece, Mountains of the Moon, exploring the cosmic intersection of sport and music.

Friday, January 30: The Jam Intensifies

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Not Fade Away (FREE | All Ages) – Kick off the afternoon at the Widowmaker with high-energy rock and improvisation.

• 7:00 PM: Doors Open (21+ Ticketed) – Note: No re-entry after 7 PM.

• 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM: Steely Dead (Widowmaker) – A mind-bending fusion of Steely Dan’s precision and the Dead’s free-form exploration.

• 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM: Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass (King Pine Room) – Our weekend headliner brings bluegrass-infused Dead classics to life.

  Don’t miss out on all the surprises at Fire On The Mountain 2026!

Saturday, January 31: The Peak Experience

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: MarleyGrass & More (FREE | All Ages) – Relaxed afternoon vibes at the Widowmaker.

• 7:00 PM: Doors Open (21+ Ticketed).

• 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM: Grateful for Biggie (Widowmaker) – An electrifying mashup of Grateful Dead jams and the lyrical flow of The Notorious B.I.G.

• 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Shakedown Citi (King Pine Room) – Direct from Shakedown Street at Citi Field, this band brings a fresh, adventurous spirit to the music.

• 10:30 PM – 12:00 AM: Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass (King Pine Room) – One last late-night set to close the evening.

Sunday, February 1: The Soulful Send-Off

• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Acoustic Après with Rose Alley & Friends (FREE | All Ages) – Wind down with a beautiful, soulful tribute to the Jerry Garcia Band.

  The Fire On The Mountain 2026 experience culminates in an unforgettable send-off!

🎿 Why Sugarloaf is the Place to Be

Located at 5092 Access Rd, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947, Sugarloaf is Maine’s premier alpine destination. Beyond the music, you’re looking at:

• Lift-Serviced Above-Treeline Skiing: The only place in the East to get that big-mountain feel.

• Après-Ski Culture: The Widowmaker and King Pine Room are the beating hearts of the mountain’s social scene.

• Winter Adventures: If you need a break from the downhill, the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center offers ice skating, fat biking, and over 50k of Nordic trails.

🎟️ Ticket Information & Passes

Don’t wait—advance pricing is available for a limited time!

• Weekend Pass: $55 (21+)

• Friday Night Only: $25

• Saturday Night Only: $45

• Note: Evening shows are strictly 21+. All afternoon après shows are free and open to all ages.

🌲 Beyond the Mountain: Exploring the Moosehead Lake Region

While Sugarloaf offers incredible thrills, many festival-goers extend their Maine journey to the nearby Moosehead Lake Region. If you’re looking for a slightly more “wild” side of Maine, it’s just a scenic drive away.

Why visit Moosehead? If you want to trade the crowds for quiet woods, it’s the perfect spot to reset. You can spend a morning ice fishing on the massive expanse of Moosehead Lake or taking a quiet snowshoe hike around the base of Mount Kineo. The area feels like the “real” Maine—untamed, friendly, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Local Insider Tip: For the best snowmobiling in the state, hit the ITS66 trails. They run right through the heart of the region and offer some of the most consistent snow in the Northeast.

🏡 Your Basecamp for Adventure: Moose River Lookout

When you’re ready to trade the festival energy for some riverside relaxation, stay with us at Moose River Lookout. Located in Rockwood, Maine, our cozy rental is the ultimate headquarters for those who love the outdoors.

• Amenities: 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 7), Private Dock, Backup Generator, and Free WiFi.

• Direct Trail Access: Step out the back door and onto the ITS66 Snowmobile Trails.

• Location: 4054 Rockwood Rd, Rockwood, ME 04478.

Whether you want to check our availability for a winter getaway or just need a quiet place to recharge after a weekend of dancing at Sugarloaf, Moose River Lookout is where your Maine story begins.

Contact Us:

• Phone: 800-544-0300

• Email: [email protected]

• Official Website: Moose River Lookout

Come for the tunes, stay for the turns, and leave Grateful!