The festivals just keep on coming. Every time we appear to hit critical mass in a region filled with fun galas, more events keep surfacing. To keep you in the loop on everything fest, BRO is delivering its biggest Festival Guide to date, featuring 100 of the best bashes in our backyard. Whether you’re looking for stellar sounds, craft beer, art, or adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance
Silk Hope, N.C. May 4-7
Shakori Hills brings a stacked line-up of roots acts together for a long weekend of family-friendly revelry. Headliners include Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Donna the Buffalo, Amy Helm, and Todd Snider. A fall version also takes place October 5-8. shakorihillsgrassroots.org
French Broad River Festival
Hot Springs, N.C. May 5-7
French Broad River Festival was started two decades ago by a group of local boaters with great taste in music. In its 20 years the paddler party has grown into one of the region’s favorite low-key fests, staying relatively intimate at the Hot Springs Campground but featuring an impressive line-up of roots music and plenty of chances to play on the river. This year catch sets by Keller Williams, Larry Keel, Cabinet, Sol Driven Train, and Snake Oil Medicine Show. Also, recruit some friends for the French Broad River Raft Race, a nine-mile, class I-IV run that holds distinction as the biggest mass start raft race in the South. frenchbroadriverfestival.com
Cheat River Festival
Albright, W.Va. May 5-6
Expanded to two days, this big annual party is filled with arts, boating, bluegrass, food, and fun, all to support the Cheat River watershed. Paddle in the Downriver Race, run a 5K, and catch tunes by the Hillbilly Gypsies and the Hackensaw Boys. cheatfest.org
Shaky Beats Music Festival
Atlanta, Ga. May 5-7
The electronica sister to the older Shaky Knees Music Festival, this fest at Centennial Olympic Park will feature Griz and the Chainsmokers. shakybeatsfestival.com
IPA Jambeeree
Crozet, Va. May 6
Starr Hill Brewery hosts the second running of this new fest that will feature the best in hoppy brews from Virginia. starrhill.com
Beale Street Music Festival
Memphis, Tenn. May 5-7
A mega fest in a musically historic city—Beale Street’s 2017 line-up boasts sets by Kings of Leon, Sturgill Simpson, Widespread Panic, and Snoop Dogg. memphisinmay.org
Carolina Rebellion
Concord, N.C. May 5-7
Hair metal and grunge live in Concord! Catch Def Leppard, Soundgarden, Tesla, and many more at Charlotte Motor Speedway. carolinarebellion.com
North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival
Huntersville, N.C. May 12-13
A celebration of tasty beer and good tunes brings some of the region’s best craft brews and bluegrass tunes together on Huntersville’s historic Rural Hill. Bands this year: Mandolin Orange, the Infamous Stringdusters, and Mipso. ncbrewsmusic.com
Aiken Bluegrass Festival
Aiken, S.C. May 12-13
This two-day celebration of bluegrass, biking, and beer returns to Aiken, featuring jams from the Infamous Stringdusters, Larry Keel, and members of Leftover Salmon. aikenbluegrassfestival.org
Shaky Knees Music Festival
Atlanta, Ga. May 12-14
The Atlanta indie and roots rock throwdown at Centennial Olympic Park hosts big names including LCD Soundsystem, The XX, Phoenix, and Ryan Adams. shakykneesfestival.com
LEAF
Black Mountain, N.C. May 11-14
The family friendly LEAF celebrates arts and culture from around the globe. Twice a year, in the shadow of Mt. Mitchell, traditions from around the world are represented through interactive exhibits, activities, food, and especially music. This spring the festival’s six stages will feature musicians from 13 different African countries, along with Macy Gray, Antibalas, Martin Sexton, and Sara Watkins. If you can’t make it in May, LEAF returns for its second yearly running in October, and the 3rd Annual Downtown AVL LEAF is happening August 4th and 5th. More info at theleaf.org
Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
Gettysburg, Pa. May 18-21
This serious bluegrass festival celebrates its 74th running with the Seldom Scene, Rhonda Vincent, the Soggy Bottom Boys, and many more. gettysburgbluegrass.com
Domefest
Bedford, Pa. May 18-20
Jam outfit Pigeons Playing Ping Pong hosts this three-day festival at Fort Royal Farm. Additional acts include the Main Squeeze, Consider the Source, and Aqueous. domefestival.com
Moogfest
Durham, N.C. May 18-21
Sonic pioneer Bob Moog is honored at this festival in Durham featuring Flying Lotus, Animal Collective, and Michael Stipe. moogfest.com
Trail Days
Damascus, Va. May 19-21
With the Appalachian Trail running through town, Damascus is the perfect place to host this big festival that’s an annual reunion for thru-hikers and a huge weekend party that lets all outdoor enthusiasts become immersed in A.T. culture. traildays.u
The Moonshiner’s Ball
Irvine, Ky. May 19-21
Indie folk and alt-country ring through the Red Lick Valley at this festival, featuring Con Brio, Lydia Loveless, the Marcus King Band, Margaret Glaspy, and Vandaveer. themoonshinersball.com
Susquehanna Breakdown
Scranton, Pa. May 19-20
Pennsylvania bluegrass group Cabinet hosts this festival at the Pavilion at Montage Mountain. Additional acts on the bill include Greensky Bluegrass and the Wood Brothers. susquehannabreakdown.com
Dominion Riverrock
Richmond, Va. May 19-21
Riverrock is a huge outdoor sports and music festival on the banks of the James River in downtown Richmond. Run the James River Scramble 10K, demo a SUP board, and catch sets by Hard Working Americans and the Steeldrivers. dominionriverrock.com
Hangout Music Festival
Gulf Shores, Ala. May 19-21
Hang out for three sunny days on the Gulf Coast of Alabama and listen to top national artists like Mumford and Sons, Twenty One Pilots, and Frank Ocean. hangoutmusicfest.com
Virginia Beach Funkout
Virginia Beach, Va. May 20
Virginia’s own Keller Williams leads the pack at this one-day groove bash in the Shaka’s Live Parking Lot. vabeachfunkout.com
Virginia Beer Festival
Norfolk, Va. May 20-21
Enjoy the best offerings from 65 breweries at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk. festevents.org
Tour De Fat
Asheville, N.C. May 20
New Belgium hosts this traveling celebration of “beer, bikes and bemusement” featuring a large bike parade and live music. The first date is in Asheville, featuring a show by Third Eye Blind, and additional regional stops include Charlotte, N.C., Atlanta, Ga., Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D.C. newbelgium.com
Dr. Ralph Stanley’s 47th Annual Memorial Weekend Bluegrass Festival
Coeburn, Va. May 25-27
Ralph Stanley II leads his legendary late father’s band, the Clinch Mountain Boys, at this bluegrass festival at the Stanley old home place in southwest Virginia. drralphstanleyfestival.com
RoosterWalk Music and Arts Festival
Axton, Va. May 25-28
This family friendly festival held near Martinsville continues to raise the bar with its impressive line-up of roots music. Bands this year: Greensky Bluegrass, The Wailers, Anderson East, and many more. roosterwalk.com
Papa Joe’s BanjoBQue Music Festival
Evans, Ga. May 26-27
Dig into some delicious BBQ and killer tunes from the Avett Brothers and Greensky Bluegrass. banjobque.com
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DelFest
Cumberland, Md. May 25-28
When it comes to the High Lonesome Sound, it’s hard to top a festival that honors living legend Del McCoury—once a member of genre founder Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys. Del and his band headline the fest, which takes place in the scenic Potomac River Valley of western Maryland, with help from a generation-spanning line-up of top-notch pickers. This year the roster includes Hot Rize, the Infamous Stringdusters, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, Tim O’Brien, and a duo set by Bela Fleck & Chris Thile. To avoid string overload, Delfest organizers also added some rock into the mix, including Phish’s Trey Anastasio and Gov’t Mule. delfest.com
Long Creek Music Festival
Long Creek, S.C. May 26-28
This mountain rager at the Chattooga River Resort & Campground features plenty of jams in the woods to support the mighty Chattooga River. Catch the Marcus King Band, Charlie Wooten Project, and more. longcreekfest.com
Mountain Sports Festival
Asheville, N.C. May 26-28
This annual free fest in Asheville features a full slate of mountain sports fun—running, cycling, disc golf, climbing, and much more. Look for great vendors, live music, and kid’s activities at Carrier Park. mountainsportsfestival.com
Virginia Mountain Bike Trail Festival
Stokesville, Va. May 25-29
Virginia mountain bikers get together for a big hang at Stokesville Campground throughout a long weekend that includes some epic rides during the day and kicking back with fat-tire-loving friends at night. mtntouring.com
Spoleto Festival USA
Charleston, S.C. May 26-June 11
For 17 packed days and nights this spring, the Spoleto Festival fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with a variety of music, dance, theater, and visual arts. spoletousa.org
Beer City Festival
Asheville, N.C. May 27
Head to Roger McGuire Green to sample beers from more than 30 craft breweries while soaking up some great local Asheville tunes. beercityfestival.com
Mountain Music Festival
Oak Hill, W.Va. June 1-3
ACE Adventure Resort hosts this awesome convergence of music and adventure, pairing a roster of jam heroes with access to world-class whitewater and a top-notch trail network in West Virginia’s New River Gorge. Alongside all your outdoor playtime, listen to sounds from a stacked line-up that includes Umphrey’s McGee, the Revivalists, Twiddle, and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. mountainmusicfestwv.com
Graves Mountain Festival of Music
Syria, Va. June 1-3
Three days of the best in bluegrass takes place at the scenic Graves Mountain Lodge in the shadow of Shenandoah National Park. Catch sets from the Steeldrivers, Lonesome River Band, Junior Sisk, and many more. gravesmountain.com
Nelsonville Music Festival
Nelsonville, Ohio June 1-4
With big names and small-town charm, this festival includes Ween, Emmylou Harris, Conor Oberst, and Son Volt. nelsonvillefest.org
1St Annual Brewmaster Ball
Arrington, Va. June 2
On the same site as the Lockn’ Music Festival, this new beer bash will feature top craft brews from the Commonwealth and tunes by Keller Williams. infinitydowns.com
Cold Mountain Music at Lake Logan
Canton, N.C. June 3
Support Lake Logan by catching the string sounds of Steep Canyon Rangers, Love Canon, and Town Mountain. coldmountainmusic.org
The Roots Picnic
Philadelphia, Pa. June 3
Live hip-hop masters the Roots host this annual shindig at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, this year playing a set with Pharrell and adding Lil Wayne and Solange to the line-up. rootspicnic.com
Mondo Roots Cultural Arts & Music Festival
Clayton, N.C. June 3
Homegrown grooves and artists converge for a day of fun in downtown Clayton. mondoroots.com
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Manchester, Tenn. June 8-11
The mothership of mega fests returns to the farm in Manchester with U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Weeknd. bonnaroo.com
Carolina Country Music Festival
Myrtle Beach, S.C. June 8-11
Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry, and Jason Aldean lead this huge country bash on the beach. carolinacountrymusicfest.com
The Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Homecoming
Southwest Virginia June 9-17
A nine-day celebration of bluegrass and traditional mountain music takes place in 20 different communities around Southwest Virginia. Catch tunes by Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys with special guests Larry Sparks and Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Doyle Lawson, and many more. mtnsofmusic.com
Plein Air, Art in the Mountains
Gilmer County, Ga. June 9-11
This celebration of open-air painting includes three days of artists painting outside, inspired by Gilmer County’s scenic mountain vistas, rivers, orchards, and vineyards. The popular event also includes a Family Fun Day and Picnic at Harrison Park on Saturday. gilmerarts.org
W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival
Henderson, Ky. June 14-17
Great grub and stellar traditional grooves highlight this festival that’s been around for a quarter century. handyblues.org
Brew Stash Bash
Charlotte, N.C. June 17
The U.S. National Whitewater Center hosts this annual one-day bash filled with craft beer, live tunes, yoga, and a 6K trail race. usnwc.org
Bayou Boogaloo Music & Cajun Food Festival
Norfolk, Va. June 23-25
Get your fill of crawdads, jambalaya, po boys, and beignets, as well as some of the best bands coming out of New Orleans. festevents.org
Northern Virginia Summer BrewFest
Centreville, Va. June 24-25
A deep roster of breweries coupled with local music, food, and arts makes this annual fest a summer staple in NOVA. novabrewfest.com
ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival
Owensboro, Ky. June 21-24
This three-day fest aligns seasoned roots veterans like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with progressive string favorites including the Punch Brothers and Yonder Mountain String Band. rompfest.com
Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival
Maryville, Tenn. June 23-24
Taste the finest craft brews being made in eastern Tennessee at this annual festival in Maryville. hopsinthehills.com
Funhouse Fest
Williamsburg, Va. June 23-25
Virginia piano man Bruce Hornsby hosts a hometown gala at the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg with help from Lake Street Dive, Rhiannon Giddens, and Sheryl Crow. funhousefest.com
Floyd Fandango
Floyd, Va. June 23-25
Taking place at the same site as FloydFest, this low-key companion festival features live tunes, craft brews, and plenty of outdoor fun, including a 5K race, disc golf tournament, and a mountain cross bike race. atwproductions.com
Back Home Appalachian Arts & Music Festival
New Martinsville, W.Va. June 30-July 2
A solid line-up of down-home roots bands anchors three days of good times in the Mountain State. Catch sets by the Rumpke Mountain Boys, the Davisson Brothers, and the Recipe. backhomefestival.com
Festival for the Eno
Durham, N.C. July 1 and 4
This annual event at Durham City Park features over 65 acts on four stages, along with great food and art—a big celebration of the great Eno River. Line-up TBA. enoriver.org
Master Musicians Festival
Somerset, Ky. July 7-8
This fest is all about variety, bringing a big range of multicultural music— blues, bluegrass, Celtic, rock, jazz, country, and Americana acts—to the stage. Lineup includes Dawes, Blackberry Smoke, Old 97’s, and many more. mastermusiciansfestival.org
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Funkatorium Invitational
Asheville, N.C. July 8
The venerable Wicked Weed Brewing hosts this celebration of sour beers from across the country. wickedweedbrewing.com
Red Wing Roots Music Festival
Mount Solon, Va. July 14-16
Virginia string band the Steel Wheels host this annual gathering at Natural Chimneys Park in the Shenandoah Valley. The line-up is always impressive, featuring a full slate of Americana and bluegrass heroes, and the atmosphere is intimate and friendly, meaning parents can feel good about bringing little ones to the party. The festival’s two main stages are within sight of each other, and the entire grounds are configured into a close-knit village, making everything—vendors, beer garden, local food booths—easily accessible at any time. This year grownups can dig the sounds of Steve Earle, Lake Street Dive, Tim O’Brien, and Sarah Jarosz, while little ones enjoy activities in the Shady Grove kid’s area and get to hear music for youngsters on the Kinfolk Stage. redwingroots.com
Camp Bisco
Scranton, Pa. July 13-15
The Disco Biscuits host this multi-band electro rager at Montage Mountain. Additional acts: Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Griz, and Lotus. campbisco.com
Pasture Palooza Music and Arts Festival
Berryville, Va. July 13-15
Roots rock and jam bands dominate this low-key fest in the scenic countryside of northern Virginia. Line-up still forthcoming as of press time. pasturepalooza.com
Forecastle Festival
Louisville, Ky. July 14-16
Forecastle has grown to become one of the premiere music festivals in the country, taking place every summer at Louisville’s scenic 85-acre Waterfront Park. Bands: LCD Soundsystem, Weezer, Odesza, Sturgill Simpson, PJ Harvey, Cage the Elephant, and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats. forecastlefest.com
Sloss Festival
Birmingham, Al. July 15-16
Birmingham gets its own big band bash downtown at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Headliners: Alabama Shakes, Widespread Panic, Odesza, Sturgill Simpson, Run the Jewels, and Spoon. slossfest.com
Deep Roots Mountain Revival
Masontown, W.Va. July 20-22
This fest in its second year is bringing music back to Marvin’s Mountaintop, just outside of Morgantown. The impressive line-up includes Brandi Carlile, Dr. Dog, Lettuce, Sam Bush, and JJ Grey & Mofro. mountainrevival.com
Burning Can
Brevard, N.C. July 21-22
Oskar Blues Brewery celebrates its claim to fame—being the first to put delicious craft brews in cans—at this annual fest, which takes place at a scenic spot
on the edge of Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Hosting the two-day party at its REEB Ranch outpost near Brevard, Oskar Blues welcomes 50 killer breweries from around the country that put their best liquid in cans. In addition to plenty of imbibing, the weekend features live tunes and plenty of outdoor playtime, including a Beer Relay trail run, group mountain bike rides, a dirt-jumping comp, and paddle trips. Plus, there’s camping, so you don’t have to worry about getting home after drinking too many Dale’s Pale Ales. burningcan.com
Karoodinha Music Festival
Centre Hall, Pa. July 21-23
New mega fest alert. John Legend, Odesza, the Roots, Chromeo, X Ambassadors, and Maren Morris take top billing at this event at Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park. karoondinha.com
Artscape
Baltimore, Md. July 21-23
Over 400,000 people regularly attend Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival. Situated in downtown Baltimore, the fest spans 12 city blocks and features a bevy of exhibits, music, dance, theater, and film. artscape.org
FloydFest
Floyd, Va. July 26-30
FloydFest is a multi-stage musical blowout on a beautiful 80-acre mountain plateau reached right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Headliners this year include Thievery Corporation, Shovels and Rope, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Steel Pulse, Railroad Earth, and St. Paul & the Broken Bones. Outdoor adventure is also a key part of this established fest, which offers opportunities for mountain biking, running, disc golf, and shuttled river trips. floydfest.com
Asheville Yoga Festival
Asheville, N.C. July 27-30
Get in touch with your body at this event in downtown Asheville that features expert instructors and experienced teachers leading classes and workshops, along with a schedule of live music and outdoor activities like SUP Yoga. ashevilleyogafestival.com
Virginia Highlands Festival
Abingdon, Va. July 28-August 6
Arts and culture collide at this festival in historic Abingdon. vahighlandsfestival.org
Wills Mountain Festival
Bedford County, Pa. August 4-6
This three-day roots fest sits along the scenic Appalachians in Bedford County. Lineup TBA. wmfest.com
The Peach Music Festival
Scranton, Pa. August 10-13
Widespread Panic and My Morning Jacket top the bill at this festival at Montage Mountain. thepeachmusicfestival.com
Staunton Music Festival
Staunton, Va. August 11-20
This annual event features an extended program of world-class chamber music in a quaint historic town in the Virginia Blue Ridge. stauntonmusicfestival.org
Microfestivus Craft Beer Festival
Roanoke, Va. August 12
Situated at Elmwood Park in the heart of downtown Roanoke, Microfestivus offers nearly 130 beers for your sampling pleasure, along with great music and local food. microfestivus.squaresociety.org
Smith River Fest
Axton, Va. August 12
Celebrate the Smith River with a full day of paddling, fishing, running, and biking, along with vendor booths, live music, and fun for the whole family. The fest takes place at the Smith River Sports Complex near Martinsville. visitmartinsville.com
The Big What Festival
Pittsboro, N.C. August 17-19
With three big nights of camping and jams in central North Carolina, Big Something leads an impressive lineup. thebigwhat.com
Wildwood Revival
Athens, Ga. August 18-20
The hipness of Athens retreats to the countryside of 30-acre Cloverleaf Farm for a laidback, intimate festival that features top national acts playing in an open-air barn along with an artisan market, local beer and food, and even a Sunday morning Wiffle ball game. wildwoodrevival.com
Hot August Music Festival
Cockeysville, Md. August 19
Soak up that hot August sun with the best of rock, folk, and bluegrass. Lineup TBD. hotaugustmusicfestival.com
Virginia Craft Brewers Fest
Charlottesville, Va. August 19
Over 50 Virginia breweries make their way to this annual festival, this year moving to a new site at the IX Art Park in downtown Charlottesville. vacraftbrewersfest.com
Lockn’ Music Festival
Arrington, VA August 24-27
The ultimate jam rock marathon takes place on the scenic grounds of Nelson County’s Oak Ridge Farm, located about halfway between Charlottesville and Lynchburg. The main stage at the Lockn’ Music Festival rotates like a turntable, so sets between acts are linked together and fans don’t miss a note of music due to overlap. Add morning and late night sets at the Blue Ridge Bowl side stage and you’ll be basking in sonic overload. The huge line-up mixes classic rock vets, roots heroes, and jam band upstarts, this year including Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, John Fogerty, Widespread Panic, and the Avett Brothers. locknfestival.com
Jam in the Trees
Black Mountain, N.C. August 25-26
Pisgah Brewing Company is the place to be for this two-day progressive bluegrass bash. Bands on the bill: Acoustic Syndicate, the Infamous Stringdusters, Peter Rowan, Larry Keel, and Jim Lauderdale. jaminthetrees.com
Rte. 23 Music Festival
Wise, Va. August 26
This fun little fest on the rise features a great line-up at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. rte23musicfestival.com
Front Porch Fest
Stuart, Va. August 31- September 3
This relaxed weekend campout sits on the picturesque Spirit Haven Farm in Patrick County. Bands this year: Col. Bruce Hampton, Brother Jocephus and the Love Revolution, and Dangermuffin. frontporchfest.com
Jam Fish Music Festival
Mount Sidney, Va. September 1-2
This annual Labor Day weekend festival celebrates local arts and food and grassroots music. jamfishmusicfestival.com
Appaloosa Festival
Front Royal, Va. September 1-3
Celtic-minded string outfit Scythian hosts this three-day roots music festival in Front Royal; this year featuring sets by Eddie From Ohio and Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen. appaloosafestival.com
Abingdon Main Street BuskerFest
Abingdon, Va. September 2
Street performers of all stripes are the main event at this festival in downtown Abingdon. mainstreetbuskerfest.com
Hopscotch Festival
Raleigh, N.C. September 7-10
Every year an eclectic mix of indie rock and experimental acts converge in downtown Raleigh for this annual festival. hopscotchmusicfest.com
Mountain Song Festival
Brevard, N.C. September 8-10
The Steep Canyon Rangers curate another weekend of spectacular bluegrass at the Brevard Music Center’s open-air auditorium. Additional bands: Hot Rize, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Mipso, and Sierra Hull. mountainsongfestival.com
Gauley Fest
Summersville, W.Va. September 14-17
This bash brings together class V whitewater runs, live music, and boater shenanigans at the biggest paddling festival in the world. americanwhitewater.org
Brewgrass Festival
Asheville, N.C. September TBD
New beer festivals keep popping up everywhere, but, started two decades ago, Brewgrass was around long before the current craft beer boom. This pioneering event features tasty offerings from 50 craft breweries and a full day of progressive bluegrass. brewgrassfestival.com
Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion
Bristol, Tenn./Va. September 15-17
This annual fest incorporates roots music from all generations, featuring a range of artists from national headliners to regional upstarts to down home Appalachian pickers playing along the bustling main drag of State Street. Confirmed acts include Hiss Golden Messenger, Southern Culture on the Skids, Jesse McReynolds, the Whisky Gentry, and Susto; with some big headliners still to be announced. bristolrhythm.com
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Watermelon Park Fest
Berryville, Va. September 21-24
This small Americana gathering in Berryville feature some serious sounds along the scenic Shenandoah River. The initial lineup includes Marty Stuart, Keller Williams, and the Seldom Scene, and more will be added in late May. watermelonparkfest.com
World Chicken Festival
London, Ky. September 21-24
It doesn’t get much more Southern than this. Country music and delicious fried chicken dominate this Kentucky fest. chickenfestival.com
Imagine Music Festival
Atlanta, Ga. September 22-24
Feel the untz. The Atlanta Motor Speedway is the site of this electronic dance music blowout. imaginefestival.com
Hoopla
Roseland, Va. September 28- October 1
This emerging festival at the Devils Backbone Brewing Company Basecamp Brewpub and Meadows will feature a long weekend of live music, as well as plenty of delicious craft beers and outdoor playtime. dbbrewingcompany.com
Wide Open Bluegrass
Raleigh, N.C. September 29-30
Always full of High Lonesome heroes, this two-day festival closes the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Week in downtown Raleigh. Line-up still TBD. wideopenbluegrass.com
Graham Parsons Guitar Pull and Tribute Festival
Waycross, Ga. September 29-30
The true country legend gets a proper tribute at this multi-band festival. stgdfest.com
The Festy Experience
Arrington, Va. October 5-8
Settled in to a new site, the expansive Infinity Downs in Arrington, about a half hour south of Charlottesville, this annual festival will feature its usual impressive roster of roots music acts, headed by the Infamous Stringdusters. In addition to the tunes, expect an experience full of local food, craft beer, and plenty of outdoor action, including the Blue Ridge Burn, the annual 10K/5K trail race hosted by Blue Ridge Outdoors. thefesty.com
RiverRocks
Chattanooga, Tenn. October 6-21
Celebrating the best of Chattanooga, this fest features mountain biking, trail running, paddling races, hikes, and outdoor activities for novices and seasoned athletes alike. At night, enjoy great food and music by the river. riverrockschattanooga.com
Richmond Folk Festival
Richmond, Va. October 13-15
Celebrate the rich roots of American culture through music, dance, storytelling, and food at this yearly Richmond staple born out of this city’s previous reign as the host of the National Folk Festival. Lineup and events TBA. richmondfolkfestival.org
Go Outside Festival
Roanoke, Va. October 13-15
Roanoke continues to up its game as an outdoor mecca, boasting a bevy of recreation opportunities in town and in the surrounding Roanoke Valley. Highlighting all of the action is this annual festival, which turns River’s Edge Sports Complex into a mountain sports playground filled with running, biking, climbing, slacklining, paddling, and fishing. Organizers of this three-day fest, set along the Roanoke River, want it to be an event that offers more than gear gazing. Accordingly, they encourage everyone to participate, offering 125 activities over the course of the long weekend, from climbing clinics and bike demo rides to survival classes and a hiker obstacle course. The festival also features 12 races, including a half-marathon and beer relay. Live music, craft beer, and onsite camping mean you’ll have a chance to party after all the adventure. roanokegofest.com
Bridge Jam
October 20-21 Fayetteville, W.Va.
Fayetteville’s legendary Bridge Day gets a complementary music festival downtown at the Cascade Festival Grounds. Get down to the sounds of bluegrass, country, and rock in this fun little town on the edge of the New River Gorge. thebridgejam.com
Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival
Norfolk, Va. October 21-22
Taste 200 of the Commonwealth’s finest wines at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk. festevents.org
Townsend Grains & Grits Festival
Townsend, Tenn. November 4
Head to the Smokies and enjoy craft spirits and gourmet grub made in the South. grainsandgritsfest.com
