Welcome, everybody, to the first-ever Saving Country Music Independent Country Festival Guide. This will serve as a hub throughout 2025, compiling a list of festivals that feature a significant portion of independent country, Americana, bluegrass, or roots music acts.
Let me explain: mainstream country festivals aren’t going to be part of this guide, nor are multi-genre festivals like Bonnaroo or ACL Fest, even if they happen to include a few independent country artists. The objective here is to support independent festivals and performers who work actively for the survival and growth of country music.
Worth noting, this is a first attempt at collating some of the most important information about festivals in one place. Hopefully, this list will grow in the future to include more detailed information, become interactive with maps or calendars, be filtered by subgenre, or even be developed into an app of its own. These things take time, but it is better we start now and gradually improve than wait any longer for this much-needed initiative to get going.
If you know of an event you think belongs here, please feel free to leave a comment below or send in an email. Keep in mind this is just an early list for discussion purposes, but each event listed here has been vetted to at least be mention-worthy. Also, for festivals that Saving Country Music has recent coverage on, those links will be provided for further reading.
All the official listings here represent confirmed events, meaning their dates have been announced, and/or tickets are already on sale, even if the lineups for 2025 have not yet been finalized. Events that are still awaiting confirmation for 2025, as well as those we’ve prescreened, can be found in a separate section below. This section also includes festivals confirmed not to return this year. Events will be migrated to the official listings as they are confirmed.
Please bookmark this page and check back often in 2025, as it will be updated in real time with new events announced and additional dates confirmed.
January
For the music enthusiast, January unfolds a symphony of experiences that are indelibly etched in the psyche across breathtakingly beautiful locations. It all begins with the MusicFest at Steamboat, which is scheduled from January 6-11 in the snowy, paradisiacal Steamboat Springs of Colorado. Texas, Red Dirt, and Country converge amidst breathtaking mountain views to create this dreamlike atmosphere.
As the month wears on, sunny South Walton, Florida, welcomes the 30A Songwriters Festival from January 16-20 a celebration of the heart of songwriting, where country, folk, and Americana melodies ring out along picturesque beaches. Meanwhile, across turquoise waters, Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend dazzles at the Barcelo Maya Resort from January 16-20, bringing empowering Americana tunes under the warm Caribbean sun.
Classic country buffs: The Country Music Cruise sails from Ft. Lauderdale to Costa Maya, January 19-26, offering some unforgettable melodies on the high seas. Down in Key West, the vibrant Mile 0 Festival takes over January 21-25, weaving Texas, Red Dirt, and Americana sounds into the laid-back island life. Finally, the month wraps up with the soulful Red River Songwriters’ Festival from January 30 to February 2, set amidst the serene beauty of Red River, New Mexico. January indeed is a musical journey to remember!
February
February blooms with musical adventures, painting winter days in vivid harmonies and heartfelt tunes. It kicks off in lively Denver, Colorado, as the Midwinter Bluegrass Festival warms hearts on February 14-16, mixing banjos and fiddles with crisp mountain air. Over in Olympia, Washington, running from February 14-16, the Oly Old Time Festival brings to life the nostalgic and mellow tunes of old-time music, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection.
From February 19-23, the Folk Alliance descends upon Montreal, Canada, turning the entire town into a haven of storytelling and acoustic wonders. Right on its heels, Wintergrass takes over Bellevue, Washington, from February 20-23, as a celebration of bluegrass that’s as cozy as it is exhilarating.
More adventure at sea awaits with the Outlaw Country Cruise, sailing from Nassau to St. Thomas, February 22-28, with country rebels bringing their signature vigor to the high seas. As February draws to a close, two magic happenings appear: Steamboat Winter Wondergrass, February 28-March 2 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and the Cayamo Cruise, an Americana paradise leaving from Miami February 28-March 7. For the land-lovers, Tempe, Arizona’s Extra Innings Festival (February 28-March 1) brings the heat with some of the finest independent and mainstream country sounds around. Warm up to February music!
March
March unwraps like a melodic tapestry, weaving eclectic sounds into the season of renewal. Starting with the electric energy of SXSW a celebration of art, music, and innovation running from March 7-15 in vibrant Austin, Texas – just a stone’s throw away, on March 13, the legendary Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion graces Spicewood, Texas. Here, country, Americana, and indie rock meet in sweet harmony under the Texan sky, making for a magical evening as part of SXSW’s charm.
The melodies head to Live Oak, Florida, from March 20-23, where Suwannee Spring Reunion fills the air with heartfelt bluegrass tunes amidst serene woods and warm camaraderie. Meanwhile, the Lytle Music Festival lights up on March 21-22 with true Texas country in the cozy town of Lytle, Texas, inviting locals and visitors to swing to its soulful rhythm.
The month culminates with Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance, from March 27-29 in Bryan, Texas. This magical festival brings together country and Americana music in a hospitable barn atmosphere, where every note seems intimate and every performance, memorable. March becomes a melodic journey, offering a blend of sounds that captures the heart of music lovers everywhere.
April
April ushers in a month of color with music and festivals in country, Americana, bluegrass, and indie tunes. First up is Chilifest (April 4-5) in Snook, TX, where Texas country both independent and mainstream invites festival-goers to two-step and raise a Lone Star toast. Meanwhile, the Hogs for the Cause Festival in New Orleans, LA, on April 4-5 will be a truly unforgettable day of independent country and Americana, capturing the heart and soul of the Big Easy.
Next up is a triple treat over the weekend of April 5-6 with Georgetown, TX’s Two Step Inn Festival a mix of independent and classic country music and Memphis, TN’s Grind City Music Festival, an independent country festival for lovers of independent country music, to pay respects to the very origin of country music. The unique blend of southern rock, independent country, and classic country awaits in the Cattle Country Music Festival in Gonzales, TX, on April 10-12.
For those liking bluegrass, the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown will take place in Durango, CO, on April 11-13. On April 12-13, independent countries will be featured in the South of Atlanta Fest in Macon, GA. Walk This Earth Festival gives an underground touch to the independent country on April 18-20 in Woodson, TX.
As the month winds down, Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC, celebrates bluegrass in all its forms from April 24-27, while the Larry Joe Taylor Texas Music Festival brings a week of Texas country from April 21-26 in Stephenville, TX. The Old Settler’s Music Festival in Dale, TX, weaves together country, bluegrass, and Americana into an unforgettable celebration from April 24-27.
The Stagecoach Country Music Festival April 25-27 in Indio, CA – houses a blend of popular and independent country music. While in Durham, North Carolina, for the same dates, the Biscuits & Banjos Festival was held with a predominance of bluegrass, old-time, and Black Country. In this regard, towards the end, comes the High Water Music Festival – April 26-27, North Charleston, SC – knitted into one heady, eclectic musical cocktail, rooting from indie rock to Americana.
From Texas to the Carolinas, April is a country music month of festivals where one can take in the different flavors of the genre, each one creating its own musical journey.
May
The month of May brings waves of festival magic, with country, Americana, bluegrass, and southern rock echoing across vibrant landscapes. This month starts in Stillwater, OK, on May 1-3, at the Calf Fry Music Fest a show of appreciation to Red Dirt and Southern rock artists and goes directly to Lone Star Smokeout (May 2-4) in Arlington, TX, promising one unforgettable time that unites under and mainstream country music talents.
Heartfelt performances abound in mid-May, from the soulful Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival in Hurricane Mills, TN, on May 15-18 to FreshGrass Bentonville in Bentonville, AR, on May 16-17, where Americana and bluegrass fill the air. Down home and country in Columbus, TX, is the Magnolia Days Festival on May 16-17, and over to songwriters and those who love songs is the Sleeping in the Woods Festival on May 16-18 in Lake Cumberland, KY. Bluegrass fans head west to Durango, CO, to attend the Tico Time Bluegrass Festival May 16-18, enjoying great music among great mountains.
Followed by the Troubadour Festival in College Station, TX, on May 17, showcasing the best of Texas and independent country, the Strawberry Music Festival sets up in Grass Valley, CA, an iconic bluegrass experience on May 21, while DelFest, in Cumberland, MD, from May 22 to 25, and Rooster Walk in Martinsville, VA, also from May 22 to 25, guarantee moments of Americana and bluegrass that will be remembered forever.
As the month closes, the Kerrville Folk Festival (May 22–June 8) in Kerrville, TX, offers a great folk and Americana experience, while across the pond, the Red Rooster Festival (May 29-31) in Suffolk, UK, blends Americana, country, rock, and blues into a truly eclectic celebration. The Ogden Music Fest, Ogden, UT, May 30–June 1, rounds out May with just the right blend of bluegrass, country, and Americana sounds that leave the festival participant wanting more.
May brings a vortex of music styles, each festival unique in its genre combination and creating lifetime memories for its patrons of all ages.
June
June unfolds as a musical journey into the rich brew of festivals showcasing eclectic flavors of country, Americana, and roots music. Kicking off the month is the Texas Music Revolution, June 6-7, in McKinney, TX a celebration of the heart of Texas and independent country – while the Mountain Music Festival, June 6-7, in New River Gorge, WV, draws music lovers into the beauty of the mountains. The Laurel Cove Music Festival, Pineville, KY, June 12-14, is a wave of independent country and Americana that floods the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, while Chinook Fest, Naches, WA, June 12-15, fills the air with independent country sounds.
As June wears on, the Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival (June 12-15) in Grass Valley, CA, pays its respects to the traditions of bluegrass, while the iconic Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June 19-22) in Telluride, CO, invites one and all to revel in the magic of bluegrass nestled in the stunning Colorado mountains. In the same period, the Sawtooth Valley Gathering (June 19-22) in Stanley, ID, presents an intimate musical retreat, while the Moccasin Creek Festival (June 19-22) in Effingham, IL, celebrates all things roots, Americana, and country.
Indeed, June is the month for such events as the Red Wing Roots Music Festival, which, running from June 20-22 in Mt. Solon, VA, showcases roots and Americana. Then there’s Rudy Fest, touting the best in bluegrass from June 21-28 in Morehead, KY. ROMP Fest takes over Owensboro, KY, from June 25-28, continuing the tradition in bluegrass while the Blue Ox Music Festival also takes place from June 25-28 in Eau Claire, WI, and invites music lovers into country and Americana. Rounding out the month are the Jackalope Jamboree, June 26-28, in Pendleton, OR, and Cotton Fest, June 26-28, in Lubbock, TX, both spotlighting independent country, while Big Ponderoo, June 28-29, in Sisters, OR, closes out the month with folk, Americana, and country.
June is a month when the air is filled with harmony, from the foothills of Kentucky to the heart of Texas, in celebration of timeless sounds of country, bluegrass, Americana, and everything in between.
July
July is a month bursting with an exciting tapestry of music festivals spanning the globe, each offering a unique experience. Norsk Countrytreff, running from July 9-13 in Briem, Norway, offers traditional country with much soul, while stateside, the Harley Davidson Homecoming Festival on July 11-12 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, boasts Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr. for some classic country in the heart of the state. The Big Flat Folk Festival in Eastend, Saskatchewan, will celebrate the essence of western country on July 11-12, whereas on the same dates, Somerset, Kentucky, will host the Master Musicians Festival with the delight of a country and Americana mix. Little Sandy Shakedown, Greenup, KY, goes into full throttle from July 17-20 as music enthusiasts converge. Huercasa Country Festival, held in Spain from July 18-19, invites all for a taste of traditional country rhythms. Shriner’s Bluegrass Festival, July 18-20, brings bluegrass lovers together in Olive Hill, KY, while Under The Big Sky Music Festival on July 18-20 in Whitefish, MT, captures the spirit of independent country and Americana. Ramblin’ on the Ridge, July 18-19, provides a rustic country vibe in Craigmont, ID, while Viva Big Bend, July 23-27, plunges fans deep into Americana sounds in Texas’ Big Bend region.
Mid to late July is also filled with colorful festivals, including Headwaters Country Jam, July 24-26, Three Forks, MT; Red Ants Pants, July 24-27, White Sulfur Springs, MT, and Cheech’s Deecefest Family Music Festival, July 24-26, La Crosse, WI. The iconic Newport Folk Festival, July 25-27, Rhode Island, fills the air with Americana melodies, while in Finland, the Haywayer Country Music Festival, July 25-26, offers a Scandinavian twist on country music.
The month will wrap up with two larger events, the Rockygrass Festival in Lyons, CO (July 25-27), featuring bluegrass, and Rock The Rind in Brownstown, IN, from July 31 to Aug. 2, focusing on a mix of independent country, classic country, and Americana. In the same week, Pickathon, Happy Valley, OR, from July 31-Aug. 3, is all indie rock, country, and Americana; meanwhile, the best in bluegrass awaits those who show up for Pickin’ in Parsons, Parsons, WV, on July 29-Aug. 2.
July was a month of musical diversity: from country legends to independent voices and from classic Americana to influences from across the globe, uniting people together through the universal language of music.
August
August is like a symphony where every happening plays a different note, adding to the melody of joy and rhythm. In early August, Texas plays host to the foot-stompin’ sounds of the Farmer’s Brand Bluegrass Festival (August 1-3), with Iowa’s more soulful sounds of the Hinterland Music Festival and Kentucky’s upbeat Hollergirl Music Festival lending perfect harmony. Pickin’ in the Backwoods is the charming, rustic event for Indiana mid-month from August 7th through the 9th, while Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Folks Festival and Wyoming’s Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival, also between August 8-10, create some magic across the mountains.
Wisconsin gets its heartbeat going during August with Larry Fest, where bluegrass traditions are celebrated from August 14-16. Across the Atlantic, England’s The Long Road Festival and Minnesota’s Northwoods Jam bring Americana and Red Dirt vibes on August 22-24 and August 22-23, respectively. Ohio keeps the pace going with the Brown County Bluegrass Festival, August 21-23, and the foot-stomping SamJam Bluegrass Festival, August 27-31.
As August bows out, Colorado’s Caveman Music Festival, running from August 28th to 31st, and Rhode Island’s Rhythm & Roots Festival from August 29th to 31st create unforgettable finales. Each event paints the month with colorful tunes, inviting fans to dance, sing, and celebrate life.
September
September is filled with vibrant melodies and unforgettable moments as music lovers gather at festivals across the country. First up, Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance in Taos, NM, and the Unbroken Circle Music Festival in Madison, IN, kick things off nicely on September 4-6 with their mix of country and Americana sounds. September 9-13 will find Americanafest in Nashville with its interaction between performers and the fans at the heartbeat of Americana music.
The Bourbon & Beyond Festival in Louisville, KY, from Sept. 11-14, melds rock, Americana, and independent country into one musical journey you will not want to miss, while the Born & Raised Music Festival in Pryor, OK, will bring Red Dirt, Texas country, and Southern rock to the forefront from Sept. 11-13. From the Summer Sundown Music Festival, Sept. 12-14 in Effingham, IL, to the iconic World of Bluegrass, Sept. 16-20 in Chattanooga, TN, each of these festivals represents a different flavor of country and Americana.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Sept. 19-21, honors the very roots of country music, while Boats and Bluegrass, Sept. 25-28 in Winona, MN, is a lakeside bluegrass blowout. Wrapping up the month, the Sisters Folk Fest, Oregon, Sept. 26-28, and the Golf & Guitars Music Festival, California, Sept. 28-30, offer different musical perspectives and wrap up this month of rich, varied sounds. It’s one of those months that country and American music seem to scream loud and clear. Now October is here.
October
With the weather now cooling off, October welcomes soulful sounds in droves. It starts with the North Springs Music Festival in Whitleyville, TN, from Oct. 9-11, and independent countries will be featured. Further, The Moonshiners Ball, from Oct. 9-12 in Livingston, KY, is an Americana and bluegrass-infused event. Little Grassy Get Down, a bluegrass and Americana fan favorite nestled within the beauty of nature, takes place in Makanda, IL, from Oct. 10-12. Lastly, the Troubadour Festival on Oct. 18 in Celina, TX, celebrates Texas country and independent music. October music festivals bring people together from all over the world with breathtaking performances and venues, making this season unforgettable.
November
November brings the Moon Crush Whiskey Moon festival, Nov. 7-9 in Miramar Beach, FL, where iconic Whiskey Myers curate a weekend of unforgettable music. Just before that, from Nov. 2-9, the Texas Country Music Cruise leaves Texas for Mexico, offering a week-long escape with country music at its finest.
December
As the year cools down, December brings the Orange Blossom Revue to Lake Wales, FL, from December 5-6, with country and Americana melodies wafting through the air as the year concludes in musical style. All these events invite everyone to let loose and bask in the rhythms of the season as the end of the year is as memorable as the music itself.
2025 Festival Awaiting Confirmation
Several of the most highly anticipated events are still pending final confirmation for the 2025 season. Among them, the Peacemaker Festival, Healing Appalachia, and Pilgrimage Festival will be sure to draw big crowds with their Americana, country, and folk headliners. The Braun Brothers Reunion, Redwest, and Wheatstock festivals are also in store for fans, each promising a lively atmosphere and an eclectic lineup. Iconic festivals, ranging from the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival to the High Sierra Music Fest to the fabled Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, retain their appeal through a fine variety of musical tastes.
The highly anticipated events for people who love small gatherings include Live at the Station, Galleywinter’s River Jam, and Cajun and Crawfish Music Festival. Other smaller festivals that are likely to make a return include Little Sandy Shakedown, Wiggy Thump Festival, and Railbird Festival. More of the upcoming festivals are FairWell Fest, Backcountry Festival, and Whizzbangers Ball, all of which boast their own style.
Also in the works but not quite announced are Nelsonville, Gordy’s HWY 30 Music Fest, and Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend. Also promising memorable experiences to fans this year are Bear Shadow Music Festival, Diamond Stone, and Dreamy Draw.
All these confirmations will surely add to the excitement as well as anticipation when this year progresses!
Festival Confirmed Not Returning for 2025
Yet, some festivals are off the 2025 docket – the hiatus of festivals. These are: Black Deer and Four Corners Folk Festivals won’t occur that year; fans were told to be patient. For country music aficionados, the appearance is for a void where the Big As Texas Festival got simply axed, in a while hinting toward some rebranding Country on the Bay. These changes have left fans with mixed feelings, but they hope that these festivals will return stronger than ever.