The beloved Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival returns this week – July 9–12, celebrating its 40th year with a star-studded lineup, beloved family traditions, and exciting new additions—including a brand-new Woodshed Tent offering workshops, jam circles, and after-hours fun.
This year’s festival promises to be one of the biggest yet, with performances by bluegrass greats such as Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, The Larry Stephenson Band, Authentic Unlimited, The Kody Norris Show, Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul, Tennessee Bluegrass Band**, and Deeper Shade of Blue. Rising stars and special showcases—like Aaron McDaris & Friends, Russ Morton Youth Showcase, Sylamore Special, and Jackson Harris—will also take the stage.
This marks the first full season under new owner Aaron McDaris, who officially purchased Starvy Creek Park earlier this year. For McDaris, the festival is more than just a musical gathering—it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
“It has been a lifelong dream of mine to own and operate a bluegrass festival,” McDaris said. “It is beyond my wildest dreams and imagination that it would be the festival that I grew up going to.”
Earlier this year, Starvy Creek was recognized with the “Promoter of the Year” award by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA). McDaris credited the Day family, who founded the festival, for laying the foundation for that success.
“We are truly humbled and honored,” he said. “We want to say how incredibly thankful we are to the Day family for entrusting our family to carry on their legacy.”
Introducing the Woodshed Tent
New for the 40th anniversary, Starvy Creek is proud to introduce the Woodshed Tent, hosted by The Acoustic Shoppe. This all-new addition offers free music workshops, jam sessions, and afterhours gatherings for all skill levels. It's open to all festivalgoers and adds an exciting educational and interactive element to the event.
Woodshed Tent Schedule:
Wednesday – Kickoff Sessions & Jam
* 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Open Jam Tent
* 12:00 PM: “Shop Talk” Live Stream by The Acoustic Shoppe
* 1:00 PM: Guitar, Bass, Mandolin – Bluegrass Basics
* 2:00 PM: How and Where to Play Fills
* 3:00 PM: Performing on Stage – Do’s and Don’ts
* 4:00 PM: Nashville Numbers
* 10:00 PM–12:00 AM: Afterhours Fun
Thursday – Beginner Workshops
* 9:00 AM: Guitar
* 10:00 AM: Fiddle
* 11:00 AM: Mandolin
* 12:00 PM: Banjo
* 1:00 PM: Bass
* 2:00 PM: Dobro
* 3:00 PM: Beginner Jam Circle
* 4:00 PM: Songwriting
* 10:00 PM–12:00 AM: Afterhours Fun
Friday – Intermediate Workshops
* 9:00 AM: Mandolin
* 10:00 AM: Fiddle
* 11:00 AM: Guitar
* 12:00 PM: Band Workshop
* 10:00 PM–12:00 AM: Afterhours Fun
Saturday – Specialized Workshops
* 9:00 AM: Nashville Numbers / Intro to Theory
* 10:00 AM: Harmony Workshop
* 11:00 AM: Banjo
* 10:00 PM–12:00 AM: Afterhours Fun
Traditions and Community
While new features bring fresh excitement, many cherished traditions remain. McDaris’s sister-in-law, Melanie Robertson, affectionately known as “The Pie Lady,” will again serve up hundreds of homemade pies and sweets—a festival favorite.
The event remains family-friendly, with children 12 and under admitted free** with an adult ticket. McDaris and his family are hands-on with all aspects of the festival, from shuttle service to groundskeeping, continuing the community-driven spirit Starvy Creek is known for.
Camping & Ticket Info
Camping amenities include 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups for $15 and $20 per day, respectively. Dropped campers are $3 daily, and rough camping (no electric) is just $6 per day. No reservations are taken, and a 3% credit card fee applies.
Daily Admission:
* Wednesday: $20
* Thursday: $25
* Friday & Saturday: $35 each day
* 4-Day Pass: $80
* Children 12 & under: Free with adult
* Ages 12–16: Half-price with adult
Festival is rain or shine. No refunds. No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the grounds.
Directions are clearly marked off Exit 113 on I-44 near Conway. For full details, visit www.starvycreek.com or call 615-516-4380.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here