Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival celebrates 40th year with big names, new ownership

Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival Celebrates 40th Year with Big Names and New
Ownership
The beloved Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival is set to return July 9-12, celebrating its 40th year
with a star-studded lineup, family traditions, and an exciting first season under new ownership.
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. Several other acts—including Aaron
McDaris & Friends, Russ Morton Youth Showcase, Sylamore Special, and Jackson Harris—will
also take the stage.
Aaron McDaris, who took ownership of Starvy Creek Park earlier this year, says the 2025 event
is more than just a festival—it’s a personal dream come true.
“It has been a lifelong dream of mine to own and operate a bluegrass festival,” McDaris said
after officially purchasing the grounds in January. “It is beyond my wildest dreams and
imagination that it would be the festival that I grew up going to.”
Starvy Creek was also honored this year with the prestigious “Promoter of the Year” award at
the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) Awards, marking a
milestone moment for the festival’s new chapter. McDaris credited the Day family—the festival’s
original founders—for laying the foundation for the festival’s success.
“We are truly humbled and honored. We want to say how incredibly thankful we are to the Day
family for entrusting our family to carry on their legacy,” McDaris said. “We are blessed to carry
on the tradition they started.”
The festival, known for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere, remains a community-centered
event. As part of that mission, children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult ticket.
McDaris’s family and friends remain deeply involved in running the event, from shuttle service to
groundskeeping.
One beloved tradition that continues this year is the famous homemade pie stand and sweet
shop run by McDaris’s sister-in-law, Melanie Robertson, known as “The Pie Lady.” Last year she
baked over 300 pies for the festival and plans to offer new flavors for this milestone event.
There will also be a tent sponsored by the Acoustic Shop which will offer insturmental
workshops for the youth and adults in attendance. After each day’s sets conclude, late-night
jamming will take place at the tent.
In addition to the music and pies, the festival offers full camping amenities. Campsites with 30-
amp and 50-amp electrical outlets are available for $15 and $20 per day, respectively. Dropped
campers are $3 daily, and rough camping (no electric) is just $6 per day. A 3% credit card fee
applies, and no reservations are accepted.
Admission is $20 on Wednesday, $25 on Thursday, and $35 for Friday and Saturday admission.
Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult ticket. A four-day pass is $80, with half-price
admission for children aged 12-16 when accompanied by an adult.
Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival takes place rain or shine, with no refunds. No drugs or alcohol
are permitted on the grounds, and violators will be asked to leave. Directions to the festival are
clearly marked off Exit 113 on I-44 near Conway.
For more details, including a full schedule and camping information, visit www.starvycreek.com
or call 615-516-4380.

As McDaris looks to the future, he is committed to maintaining the legacy of Starvy Creek while
also growing its reach and reputation.
“The music, the people, the tradition—it’s all so special to me,” McDaris said. “I just want to keep
it going and keep bringing the community together. This festival means so much to so many, and
I’m just happy to be part of it.”