There’s nothing quite like the sound of banjos echoing across the Catholic University of America Mall after a day filled with grace—and on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., that sound will return once again as the Hillbilly Thomists take the stage to close out the Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage with a concert.

Each year, thousands of pilgrims gather at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., for a full day of prayer, preaching, Adoration, Confession, the Rosary, and Mass. The pilgrimage doesn’t end there. As the day winds down, the crowd will spill out onto the Catholic University Mall for an unforgettable concert with the Hillbilly Thomists.

The Hillbilly Thomists, a group of Dominican Friars whose bluegrass albums have topped the Billboard charts, mix Appalachian roots with lyrics steeped in faith. Their songs are honest, hopeful, and full of longing for God—and they invite listeners into the joy of the Gospel, one toe-tap at a time.

This year, they’re back on stage—and back in the studio. Since releasing their fourth album, Marigold, the band has been writing and recording new material.

Last year’s Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage was an absolute delight for us, and we can’t wait to return to the stage this year. It’s a joy to participate in such a remarkable event in the life of the Church in America. — Fr. Jonah Teller, O.P.

The concert is free and open to everyone attending the Pilgrimage. It’s not just a performance—it’s a joyful finale to a day of grace. After hours of prayer and preaching, it’s a chance to celebrate, to sing, and to be reminded that joy is one of the surest signs of the Gospel.

Mark your calendar. Bring your friends. We’ll see you in Washington, D.C.