The 2025 Independent Country Festival Guide (Updating)
Welcome everyone to the inaugural Saving Country Music independent country festival guide. This will be the aggregation point throughout 2025 for information on festivals that include a majority of independent country, Americana, and/or bluegrass and roots acts.
This means mainstream country festivals will not be included, nor multi-genre festivals that might have some independent country artists such as Bonnaroo or ACL Fest. This is about supporting the independent events and performers helping to save country music.
PLEASE NOTE: This is just a preliminary effort here to try and get all important festival information in one place. Hopefully in the future, this list can include more information, be more interactive (maps, calendars, subgenre breakdown, etc.), or even populate its own app. But we must walk before we can run, and we don’t want to get too far into 2025 without starting this process that has been needed for many years.
If you know of an event you believe deserves to be included here, leave a comment in the comments section, or reach out with an email. This is just a preliminary list to get the discussion started, but all of the events listed here have also been screened to make sure they’re worthy of mentioning. Events that have been covered by Saving Country Music recently will also have links to that coverage.
All the official listings are CONFIRMED EVENTS with dates announced and/or tickets on sale, even if 2025 lineups have not been announced. Events yet to be confirmed for 2025 and prescreened can be found below that in a separate list, along with events confirmed not returning. As soon as events are confirmed, they’ll be given an official listing.
Bookmark this page and return in 2025 since it will be updated throughout the year in real time as events are announced, and dates confirmed.
January
MusicFest at Steamboat (Texas, Red Dirt, Country) Jan. 6-11, Steamboat Springs, CO
30A Songwriters Festival, (Songwriters, country, folk, Americana) Jan. 16-20, South Walton, Florida – (read more)
Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend (Americana) Jan. 16-20, Barcelo Maya Resort, Mexico
The Country Music Cruise (Classic country) – Jan. 19 – 26- Ft. Lauderdale to Costa Maya (SOLD OUT)
Mile 0 Festival, (Texas, Red Dirt, Americana) Jan. 21-25, Key West, FL – (read more) – (2024 recap)
Red River Songwriters’ Festival – Jan. 30 – Feb. , Red River, NM
February
Cryin’ Time Steel Guitar Convention, Feb. 6-9, Vancouver, BC
Midwinter Bluegrass Festival, Feb. 14-16, Denver, CO
Oly Old Time Festival (Old-time), Feb. 14-16, Olympia, WA
Folk Alliance – Feb. 19-23, Montreal, Canada
Wintergrass (bluegrass) Feb. 20-23, Bellevue, WA
Outlaw Country Cruise – Feb. 22-28, Nassau to St. Thomas
Steamboat/Winter Wondergrass (bluegrass) Feb. 28-March 2, Steamboat Springs, CO
Cayamo Cruise (Americana) Feb. 28-March 7, Miami, FL to St. John’s.
Extra Innings Festival (Independent and mainstream country, Americana) – Feb. 28 – Mar. 1, Tempe, AZ
March
Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion (Country, Americana, indie rock, part of SXSW), March 13, Spicewood, Texas. – (2024 recap)
SXSW (Various events) March 7-15, Austin, TX
Suwanne Spring Reunion (bluegrass) March 20-23, Live Oak, FL
Lytle Music Festival (Texas country) March 21-22, Lytle, TX
Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance (Country, Americana) Mar. 27-29, Bryan, TX
Old Town D’Hanis Music Festival (Country, singer/songwriter) Mar. 30, D’Hanis, TX
April
Chilifest (Texas, independent, and mainstream country) April 4-5, Snook, TX
Hogs for the Cause (Independent country, Americana), April 4-5, New Orleans, LA – (read more)
Two Step Inn Festival, (Independent country, classic country) April 5-6, Georgetown, TX – (read more) – (2024 recap)
Grind City Music Festival (Independent country) April 5-6, Memphis, TN
Cattle Country Music Festival, (Southern rock, independent country, classic country) April 10-12, Gonzales, TX
Syndicate Smokedown & Music Festival, April 12, Fort Worth, TX
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, April 11-13, Durango, CO
South of Atlanta Fest (Independent country), April 12-13, Macon, GA
Walk This Earth Festival (Underground, independent country) April 18-20, Woodson, TX
Luckenbach Texas Bluegrass Festival, April 19, Luckenbach, TX
Merlefest (bluegrass) April 24-27, Wilkesboro, NC
Larry Joe Taylor Texas Music Festival – April 21-26 – Stephenville, TX
Old Settler’s Music Festival (Country, bluegrass, Americana) April 24-27, Dale, TX
Stagecoach Country Music Festival (Mainstream country with lots of independent country) April 25-27, Indio, CA.
Biscuits & Banjos Festival, (bluegrass, old-time, Black country) April 25-27, Durham, NC – (read more)
High Water Music Festival (rootsy indie rock, Americana) April 26-27, North Charleston, SC
Key West Songwriter’s Festival (mainstream/independent songwriters) April 30-May 4, Key West, FL
May
Calf Fry Music Fest (Red Dirt, Southern rock), May 1-3, Stillwater, OK
Lone Star Smokeout (Independent, mainstream country), May 2-4, Arlington, TX
Whiskey Myers’ Wiggy Thump Festival, May 10, Palestine, TX
Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival, May 15-18, Hurricane Mills, TN
FreshGrass Bentonville (Americana, bluegrass) May 16-17, Bentonville, AR
Magnolia Days Festival, May 16-17, Columbus, TX
Greenbelt Music Festival (Bluegrass, acoustic), May 16-17, Clive, IA
Sleeping in the Woods Festival (songwriters) May 16-18, Lake Cumberland, KY
Tico Time Bluegrass Festival, May 16-18, Durango, CO.
Troubadour Festival (Texas, Independent Country) May 17, College Station, TX
Strawberry Music Festival (bluegrass), May 21, Grass Valley CA
DelFest (bluegrass) May 22-25, Cumberland, MD – (2024 Recap)
Rooster Walk (bluegrass, Americana) May 22-25, Martinsville, VA
Kerrville Folk Festival (folk, Americana) May 22 – June 8, Kerrville, TX
Red Rooster Festival (Americana, country, rock, blues) May 29-31, Suffolk, UK
Dusty Vaquero Days, May 30-31, Gillette, WY
Ogden Music Fest (bluegrass, country, Americnana) May 30 – June 1, Ogden, Utah
OrcasFest (folk, bluegrass) May 29 – June 1st , Orcas Island, Washington
June
Texas Music Revolution (Texas and independent country) June 6-7, McKinney, TX
Mountain Music Festival, June 6-7, New River Gorge, WV
Laurel Cove Music Festival (Independent country, Americana) June 12-14, Pineville, KY
Circus Mexicus, June 12-14, Penasca, Mexico.
Chinook Fest (Independent country) June 12-15, Naches, WA
Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, June 12-15, Grass Valley, CA
Telluride Bluegrass Festival, June 19-22, Telluride, CO – (read more) – (2024 Recap)
Sawtooth Valley Gathering, June 19-22, Stanley, ID
Moccasin Creek Festival (roots, Americana, country) June 19-22 in Effingham, IL
Red Wing Roots Music Festival (roots, Americana) June 20-22, Mt. Solon, VA
Old Salt Music Festival, June 20-22, Mannville, Montana
Rudy Fest (bluegrass) June 21-28, Morehead, KY
ROMP Fest (bluegrass, Americana) June 25-28, Owensboro, KY
Blue Ox Music Festival (Country, Americana) June 25-28, Eau Claire, WI
Jackalope Jamboree (independent country) June 26-28, Pendleton, OR – (read more) – (2024 recap)
Cotton Fest (William Clark Green-curated, Texas country) June 26-28, Lubbock, TX
Big Ponderoo (country, Americana, folk) June 28-29, Sisters, OR – (2024 recap)
July
High Sierra Music Festival, July 3-6, Quincy, CA
American Music Festival (Americana), July 3-6, Berwin, IL (Chicago)
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic, July 4th, Austin, TX
Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival – July 4-6, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Norsk Countrytreff (Traditional country) July 9-13, Briem, Norway
Galleywinter’s River Jam, July 11-13, New Braunfels, TX
Harley Davidson Homecoming Festival (Chris Stapleton & Hank Williams Jr.) July 11-12, Milwaukee, WI
Big Flat Folk Festival (Western country) July 11-12, Eastend, Saskatchewan, Canada
Master Musicians Festival (Country, Americana) July 11-12, Somerset, KY
Pickin’ On Picknic’ (Bluegrass, roots) July 10-13, St. Clair, MO
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, July 16-20, Oak Hill, NY
Little Sandy Shakedown, July 17-20, Greenup, KY
She Rises Festival (All Women, Roots Music), July 18-19, Taos, NM
Huercasa Country Festival (Traditional country) July 18-19, Spain
Shriner’s Bluegrass Festival, July 18-20, Olive Hill, KY
FairWell Festival (Independent Country), July 18-19, Redmond, OR – (read more)
Under The Big Sky Music Festival, (independent country, Americana) July 18-20, Whitefish, MT – (read more) – (2024 recap)
Ramblin’ on the Ridge, (Independent country) July 18-19, Craigmont, ID
Night in the Country (Mainstream/Independent Country), July 24-26, Yerington, NV
Viva Big Bend, (Americana, country) July 23-27, Big Bend Region, TX
Headwaters Country Jam (independent, some mainstream country) July 24-26, Three Forks, MT
Red Ants Pants (Folk, country, Americana) – July 24-27 – White Sulfur Springs, MT
Cheech’s Deecefest Family Music Festival, July 24-26, La Crosse, WI
Newport Folk Festival, July 25-27, Newport, RI
Haywayer Country Music Festival, July 25-26, Finland
Rockygrass Festival (bluegrass) July 25-27, Lyons, CO
Rock The Rind (Independent country, classic country, Americana) July 31- Aug. 2 – Brownstown, IN
Pickathon (Indie rock, country, Americana) July 31 – Aug. 3rd, Happy Valley, OR
Pickin’ in Parsons (bluegrass) July 29 – Aug. 2, Parsons, WV
August
Farmer’s Brand Bluegrass Festival, Aug. 1-3, Dallas, TX
Hinterland Music Festival (Indie rock, Americana) Aug. 1-3, St. Charles, IA
Hollergirl Music Festival, Aug. 1-3, Irvine, KY
Robert’s Western World Fan Fair, Aug. 4, Nashville, TN
Pickin’ in the Backwoods, Aug. 7-9, Nashville, IN
Braun Brothers Reunion, Aug 7-9, Challis, ID
Smoke & Irons Music Fest (Independent Country), Aug 8-9, Bartlett, IL
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Aug. 8-10, Lyons, CO
Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival, Aug. 8-10, Alta, Wyoming
Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots, Aug. 14-17, Vermont
Wheatstock – Aug. 15-16, Helix, Oregon
Larry Fest (bluegrass) Aug. 14-16, La Farge, WI
8750 Festival (Texas, Independent country) Aug. 14-17, Red River, NM
The Long Road Festival (Independent country, Americana) Aug. 22-24, Leicestershire, UK
Northwoods Jam (Independent Country, Red Dirt) Aug. 22-23, Henriette, MN
Brown County Bluegrass Festival, August 21-23 – Georgetown, OH
Marcus King’s Family Reunion, August 23-24 – Charleston, SC
Manchester Music Festival, August 28-30, Manchester, KY
SamJam Bluegrass Festival, Aug. 27-31, Piketon, OH
Caveman Music Festival (Americana, independent country) – Aug. 28-31 – Weston, CO
Rhythm & Roots (Roots, Americana) Aug. 29-31, Charleston, RI
Alley Fest, Aug. 30-31, Paintsville, KY
September
Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance (Country, Americana) Sept. 4-6, Taos, NM
Unbroken Circle Music Festival (Country, Americana) Sept. 4-6, Madison, IN (read more)
The Valley Music Festival, Sept. 4-6, Sun Valley, ID
Americanafest, Sept. 9-13, Nashville, TN – (2024 recap)
Bourbon & Beyond Festival, (independent country, Americana, rock) Sept. 11-14, Louisville, KY – (2024 recap)
Tanglefoot Festival (Texas country) Sept. 12-13, Temple, TX
Summer Sundown Music Festival (Country, Americana) Sept 12-14 in Effingham, IL
Born & Raised Music Festival, (Red Dirt, Texas, independent country, Southern rock) Sept. 11-13, Pryor, OK
Poppy Mountain Music Festival (bluegrass) – Sept. 12-20, Rowan County, Kentucky
World of Bluegrass, Sept. 16-20, Chattanooga, TN (Note: 1st year in Raleigh, NC)
Healing Appalachia, Sept. 19-20, Ashland, KY
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Sept. 19-21, Bristol, TN – (2024 recap)
Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival (bluegrass), Sept. 20-21, Annapolis, MD
Boats and Bluegrass, Sept. 25-28, Winona, MN
Sisters Folk Fest (folk, Americana, country) – Sept. 26-28 – Sisters, OR
Golf & Guitars Music Festival, Sept. 28-30, Sacramento, CA
October
River To Grow Music Festival, Oct. 3-4, Irvine, KY
Feels Like Home Festival (Texas Country), Oct. 4,
Mempho Music Festival, Oct. 3-5, Memphis, TN
North Springs Music Festival (Independent country) Oct. 9-11, Whitleyville, TN
Moonshiners Ball (Americana, bluegrass) Oct. 9-12, Livingston, KY
Riverfront Revival (Darius Rucker-hosted, Independent Country), Oct. 10-11, N. Charleston, S.C.
Little Grassy Get Down (bluegrass & Americana) Oct 10-12, Makanda, IL
RedWest Fest Oct. 10-12, Salt Lake City, UT
The Ramble Festival Oct. 10-12, Darlington, MD
Iron Hills Country Music Festival, Oct. 11-12, Birmingham, AL
Troubadour Festival (Texas, Independent Country) Oct. 18, Celina, TX
November
Moon Crush Whiskey Moon (Whiskey Myers-curated fest) Nov. 7-9, Miramar Beach, FL
Way Down in Mississippi (Jason Eady Fest) Nov. 7-8, Clarksdale, MS
Texas Country Music Cruise, Nov. 2-9, Texas to Mexico
St. Pete Country Fest, Nov. 21-23, St. Petersburg, FL
December
Blackberry Smoke’s High Tide Getaway – Dec. 6-10, Cancun, Mexico
Orange Blossom Revue (Country, Americana) Dec. 5-6, Lake Wales, FL
Wild Horses Dec. 27, San Diego, CA
2025 Festival Awaiting Confirmation
Peacemaker Festival
Pilgrimage Festival
Redwest
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
Rhymes and Vines
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
Live at the Station
Galleywinter’s River Jam
Cajun and Crawfish Music Festival
Little Sandy Shakedown
Whispering Beard
Backcountry Festival
Whizzbangers Ball
Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend
Bear Shadow Music Festival
Diamond Stone
Dreamy Draw
Festival Confirmed Not Returning for 2025
Black Deer Festival (postponed for 2025)
Four Corners Folk Festival (postponed for 2025)
Big As Texas Festival (appears to be canceled)
Country on the Bay (rebranding?)
January 9, 2025 @ 11:01 am
Red River Songwriters’ Festival – Jan. 30 thru Feb. 1
Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance – Mar. 27 thru 29 – Bryan, Tx.
Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance – Sept.4 thru 6 – Taos, NM
January 9, 2025 @ 11:17 am
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. As stuff is confirmed, it’s being added to the list.
January 9, 2025 @ 11:06 am
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
January 9, 2025 @ 11:37 am
Waiting for confirmed dates on this, but it’s on the radar.
January 9, 2025 @ 11:07 am
As always, there is the conundrum of keeping secrets to keep it low key, or spread the word to garner support. These two independents deserve our support.
This is a good one. Last years lineup will be hard to beat!
https://www.wheatstock.org/
https://www.facebook.com/wheatstockmusicfestival
Also…
Went to this last year. It was their first year. Camped in an alfalfa field, it was hot and dusty. We had a great time. Kellan Smith was new to us and he killed it. Riana Wallace from the Lowdown Drifters did a solo set, which was great. Mickey, Lowdown and Jeff were good as usual. There were only a couple hundred people there. Very low key “mom and pop”. We’re going back this year. July 18 and 19.
https://www.ramblinontheridge.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHs695leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVIK-Jy2BwEoRlwlczzSToYiG9eyEyo50nQjgJS6OUrksHBX5nwpHktpOw_aem_D7w675Dsmgzi9CrHoSN8LQ
https://www.facebook.com/ramblinontheridge
January 9, 2025 @ 11:38 am
These are two good ones. Better to make sure they’re supported than return than trying to keep them a secret. With the amount of fests going belly up at the moment, the more support, the better.
January 9, 2025 @ 2:36 pm
Wheatstock’s website doesn’t say anything about 2025. Is it for sure coming back? Looks like 2024 had a great lineup!
January 9, 2025 @ 11:19 am
Although a very small lineup at the moment, there is a new two-day festival taking place in April in Macon, GA called South of Atlanta Fest. The current lineup is Silverada, Ben Chapman, Brent Cobb and The Band Loula.
January 9, 2025 @ 11:32 am
April 12th-13th
January 9, 2025 @ 11:38 am
Added.
January 9, 2025 @ 11:42 am
Here are your Norcal events:
Strawberry Music Festival – Grass Valley CA May 21st. Bluegrass.
Hardly Strictly Bluegras – San Francisco CA Oct TBA, Bluegrass, Traditional Country, Americana,
High Sierra Music fest – July 3rd – July 6th, 2025 (Normally dominated by Americana/indie country)
Mill Valley Music Fest – May 10 – 11, (Americana)
Back country fest – Gardnerville May 30th – june 1st (Indpendeb Country) this is TBA, no lineup, no website, but the date is on their Insta., hope its not dead as its was one of the only truly Independent country festivals accessible easily to Northern California (its in NV near Tahoe).
January 9, 2025 @ 12:30 pm
Some good ones here, but High Sierra has always frustrated me. I believe their roots are in country/bluegrass/Americana, but it’s a LOT of indie rock, jam band, etc. to take in for an independent country fan. We’ll see how this year’s lineup shakes out.
January 9, 2025 @ 12:00 pm
Big Flat Folk Festival in Eastend Saskatchewan is just north of the Canada-USA boarder near Swift Current Saskatchewan. This year it is on July 11+12. This is a small grassroots festival that boasts some great talent in the past. Last years line up had Colter Wall headlining, along with Blake Bergland, Belle Plane, Noline Hoffman, Zachary Lucky and others.
I didn’t attend last years inaugural event as it was held the same weekend as UTBS. This year their festival is moved to the weekend before so we will catch it on the way down to UTBS.
This years line up will be announced in February and an inside source tell me it is going to be a great one.
Check it out at bigflatfolkfest.ca
January 9, 2025 @ 12:29 pm
Got it.
January 9, 2025 @ 12:08 pm
🌟 Cheech’s Deecefest Family Music Festival 🌟
🗓️ July 24-26, 2025
📍 Bluebird Campground
Get ready for three unforgettable days of music and community in the heart of Driftless Wisconsin! 🎶 Cheech’s Deecefest Family Music Festival celebrates the best in independent country, Americana, bluegrass, and roots music, bringing together an incredible lineup of talented acts in a family-friendly atmosphere. 🌿🎻
Set against the stunning backdrop of Driftless Wisconsin’s rolling hills, this festival offers more than just music. From soulful harmonies to toe-tapping rhythms, each performance promises to create lasting memories. Whether you’re a die-hard music lover or looking for a weekend getaway, Cheech’s Deecefest is the perfect blend of great tunes, good vibes, and the beauty of the outdoors. 🎸✨
January 9, 2025 @ 12:29 pm
Added.
January 9, 2025 @ 12:51 pm
July 10-14th:
Hodag (NW part of Wisconsin, near MN) w/ Neal McCoy, Carly Pearce, Blackhawk, and some crappy mainstream acts.
Windy City Smokeout (parking lot of United Center, Chicago) w/ Jon Pardi and some crappy mainstream acts.
Probably July 11-14:
Square Roots (Lincoln Ave between the two buildings of the Old Town School of Folk Music) no lineup yet, but Ian Noe played there a couple of yrs ago.
July 17-20:
Country Thunder (near Lake Geneva, WI) w/ Dierks, Zach Top, Ashley McBride, and some crappy mainstream acts.
January 9, 2025 @ 1:44 pm
Windy City, Country Thunder, and these kinds of festivals might have some independent acts, but if they’re majority mainstream, I’m just not going to include them here. I wish them the best, but this is about the smaller and more independent events that often get overshadowed by the big mainstream events, so I’m just not going to include them here.
January 9, 2025 @ 1:05 pm
Great resource! Love seeing some of the options that are around that have not grabbed my attention yet. A few that I am aware of that are not on the list:
Cross Roads Acoustic Fest – Seymour, IN April 25 & 26 https://www.crossroadsacousticfest.com/
Fallsburg Summer Stage – Fallsburg, KY (’25 unconfirmed should occur mid-May based on the past couple of years.) https://fallsburgsummerstage.com/
Sustain Art & Musical Festival – French Lick, IN (’25 is confirmed but dates are not announced yet. Promoters are holding several concerts this month to drive awareness) https://www.facebook.com/SustainFestivals/
Roostertail Music Festival – Madison, IN July 3-5 (1/10 is the full show announcement. ’24 had a stacked day of performers) https://www.facebook.com/RoostertailMusicFest/
First City Music Festival – Vincennes, IN (unconfirmed, past few years has been held last weekend in September) https://www.firstcitymusicfestival.com/
Moonshiners Ball – Livingston, KY October 9-12 (possibly a few acts in the past that causes this to be outside of your scope but the majority aligns with the Country Dew Decimal system) https://themoonshinersball.com/
North Springs Music Festival – Whitleyville, TN October 9-11 https://www.northspringsmusicfestival.com/
Madhop Music Festival – Madison, IN (unannounced, held the past couple years the 1st weekend in November) https://madhopmusicfest.com/
If Little Sandy Shakedown (last year was good) is on the radar these should be as well.
January 9, 2025 @ 1:50 pm
I believe the musical portion of Roostertail Music Festival is going to be replaced by Unbroken Circle Music Festival. Roostertail and the regatta might still have music, but it might be more mainstream stuff. The old Roostertail crew is starting their own festival from my understanding.
Some good stuff here. Waiting on some of these to confirm dates.
January 9, 2025 @ 2:24 pm
Agree about Roostertail. Waiting on the undercard announcement as the 2 headliners announced were outside of my wheel house before taking a pass on this year!
Was hopeful Unbroken Circle Productions would at least serve as a consultant of sorts to ensure Roostertail did not go “off the tracks” from what it was. Their post after Roostertail said they had been organizing it the last several years and where going to start the new Fest, but did not mention they were stepping away (at least from the posts I caught). 2 festivals in 2 months would definitely be a challenge.
Unbroken Circle Productions has been doing a great job of bringing Independent Country musicians into SE Indiana!
January 9, 2025 @ 2:40 pm
In talking with Isaac Rudd it does sound like there was a complete split between Roostertail and the promoter for Unbroken Circle. I’ve got a house booked for Unbroken Circle dates but am waiting to buy my tix until they announce the headliners at least. Presale tix can be purchased now is my understanding.
Great resource Trigger. Thanks for putting this all in one place.
January 9, 2025 @ 3:56 pm
Thanks for confirming that Rich! Isaac would definitely be a highly creditable source to what is going on there.
January 9, 2025 @ 1:15 pm
SamJam Bluegrass Festival – August 27-31 – Piketon Ohio
Carter County Shriners Bluegrass Festival – July 17-19 – Olive Hill KY
Nelsonville Music Festival (not strictly country, but usually includes country, folk and bluegrass in the lineup) – June 20-22 – Nelsonville OH
January 9, 2025 @ 1:57 pm
Some good bluegrass fests here.
Nelsonville is very similar to High Sierra and Pickathon. They all started as roots fests and over the last many years have become more and more indie rock. We’ll see how the 2025 lineup shakes out.
January 9, 2025 @ 1:25 pm
Brown County Bluegrass Festival – August 21-23 – Georgetown Ohio
January 9, 2025 @ 1:49 pm
Railbird May 31st-June 1st from what they’ve been telling people. Gavin Adcock already has it on his tour, official line up they said will be dropping soon.
January 9, 2025 @ 2:01 pm
I’m very surprised that neither Railbird nor FairWell Fest have confirmed they’re moving forward for 2025, and didn’t do pre-sales at the end of the last year. That means they weren’t sure if they were coming back. They’re both owned by C3/LiveNation, and are basically sister festivals to Two Step Inn, which has already announced. They’re on my radar though. If Gavin says he’s playing, that’s a good sign its coming back.
January 9, 2025 @ 2:05 pm
Agreed, no idea why nothing has been announced. Since the water/heat debacle of a couple years ago it’s been ran smoothly, Forecastle is no longer around so it would make sense to keep Railbird going since it doesn’t step on Bourbon and Beyond in September and in Louisville. Either way great work showcasing all festivals in one stop Trig
January 9, 2025 @ 1:59 pm
Sawtooth Valley Gathering
January 9, 2025 @ 2:10 pm
Good one.
January 9, 2025 @ 2:22 pm
Laurel Cove Music Festival is on again, presales for previous attendees kicks off I think next week.
January 9, 2025 @ 2:57 pm
Pickin’ in Parsons, held in Parsons, WV. More bluegrass than country, but worth the share if bluegrass is your thing.
https://www.fiverivercampground.com/pickin-in-parsons.html
January 9, 2025 @ 8:23 pm
Parsons is only an hour and 40 minute drive for me. I might check this one out!
January 9, 2025 @ 5:39 pm
Good Lord! I predicted the festival bubble would burst 5 years ago! They only grew in number and strength.
January 9, 2025 @ 8:01 pm
The Farmers Branch Bluegrass Festival is the replacement for the Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival, which was held annually for 15 years. One difference is that the new festival is indoors.
January 9, 2025 @ 8:34 pm
Thanks.
January 10, 2025 @ 6:33 am
Luckenbach has had a one-day bluegrass festival in April the last three years. They usually post events closer to time, so that’s another to keep in mind.
Oklahoma’s International Bluegrass Festival will be October 9-11. I attended this event last year. They have a lot of bluegrass, but also country and western, Americana mixed in. Evan Felker played a full set with bluegrass pickers last year.
January 9, 2025 @ 8:08 pm
Larry Fest in LaFarge WI, Aug 14-16
Boats and Bluegrass in Winona MN, Sept 25-28
January 9, 2025 @ 8:22 pm
Rudy Fest – June 21-28 – Morehead, KY
January 9, 2025 @ 9:15 pm
MBOTMA (Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association) August Festival is August 7-10. I went a couple years ago. It was fun.
January 10, 2025 @ 4:58 am
Don’t know if you will include events outside of the US (maybe in an own section?), but there is finally a decent festival happening in Finland on July 25.-26. https://www.haywater.fi/
There isn’t a good site in Europe that lists country events.
Also, I really appreciate all the things you do with SCM Trigger! All the best from Finland!
January 10, 2025 @ 8:31 am
Yes, I am including international events. Thanks for the heads up.
January 10, 2025 @ 8:20 am
Not really a festival, but did you see Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo’s lineup? Definitely a lot more exciting than in past years
January 10, 2025 @ 8:33 am
Article coming up about Rodeo Houston momentarily, but I don’t think including county fairs, rodeos, etc. where there is only one performer a night over an extended period works for this particular exercise since most people select the night they want to go, more like going seeing someone on tour as opposed to a festival where you see multiple people at once, if that makes sense.
January 10, 2025 @ 9:26 am
Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival in TX also always has a great lineup.
January 10, 2025 @ 4:05 pm
I’m always talking about the ” little bluegrass fests” in my comments. There are just lots of them in Kentucky, Ohio, and surrounding areas. They really are a good time, and a refreshingly less crowded, more intimate experience. Going to some of the mega fests can be daunting. These little ones i always come away relaxed from.
Poppy Mountain Music Festival in Kentucky is a bigger one, but enjoyed immensely by trad – grass fans.
7Mile Fest in Circleville Ohio is a nice example of the small ones i speak of.
There are many more to be found, and some of them hardly advertise because locals and regulars in the scene, adequately support them.
I lived local to the MACC Fest for many years, but it finally came to an end after a 20 year run or so. That one was epic for so many reasons. It was a yearly cancer benefit for StJudes Children’s Hospital, and they probably raised a few million during its run. It brought so many names, and legends in its heyday.
January 10, 2025 @ 5:31 pm
Whatever happened to Firewater (the Whiskey Myers festival) outside of Kansas City? It was Tumbleweed before they took it over but now we got nothing.
January 10, 2025 @ 6:08 pm
Met the owners of that festival and they seemed like real good guys just trying to bring cool music to their region. It’s a real uphill battle for these independent promoters. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to put this together. There are so many festivals now, sometimes one will be right under your nose and you don’t even know about it.
January 10, 2025 @ 6:27 pm
Pryor is closed to KC but that’s still a haul. Kansas City seems to get neglected too often which is a shame.
January 10, 2025 @ 9:10 pm
Atwood Music Festival in Monticello, MS. Began in 1975 as a Bluegrass festival but has since grown to include Blues, Rock, etc… Still, I got to see the Steel Woods, Drake White, Matt Mason, and others
January 11, 2025 @ 10:15 am
Our 17th Annual Golf & Guitars Music Festival will be Sept 28-30 in Sacramento.
January 11, 2025 @ 10:30 am
Got it Ken!
January 11, 2025 @ 12:48 pm
Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival – Home
https://search.app/yxu6Xo923jEk9fD38
Wilmington OH
January 11, 2025 @ 1:12 pm
Pickin in the backwoods in Brown County Indiana.
https://www.pickininthebackwoods.com/
January 12, 2025 @ 2:26 pm
I’ll be there with you in Key West next week at the Mile O Festival, Trig.
Hope to see you.
January 13, 2025 @ 1:29 pm
Ossipee Valley Music Festival Hiram, ME July 24-27, 2025
Past performances include Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Willie Watson and a bunch more
March 27, 2025 @ 6:26 am
Suggestion, She Rises Festival (sherisesfest.com)
April 4, 2025 @ 9:34 am
Redwest Fest SLC Utah Oct 10-12