Come for a day or
stay and camp the whole week or weekend.
Camping only $18 per night
What to bring to the festival if camping
Early camping starts May 15
GOLF CARTS ALLOWED
| Ticket Type | Price each |
| Thursday (Drive-in) | Free |
| Friday | $15 |
| Saturday | $35 |
| Sunday | $20 |
| Weekend Pass | $50 (Required for campers) |
| Children 15 & under | Free (With adult) |
Thursday May 22 2025
No charge for drive-ins
Cedar Creek
Watershed Ramblers
New Valley Grass
Friday, May 23, 2025
Daily ticket $15
David Mayfield Parade
Watershed Ramblers
New Valley Grass
Saturday May 24, 2025
Daily ticket: $35
Chicken Wire Empire
David Mayfield Parade
Kids' Korner
Sunday morning Gospel Sing
Flat-footing, sometimes called Appalachian flat-footing or buck dancing
Clogging and Flat-Footing: The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Traditional Dance
For centuries, the Appalachian Mountains have echoed with the rhythmic pounding of feet—an enduring tradition known as clogging and flat-footing. These percussive dance forms, rooted in European, African, and Indigenous influences, have evolved into staples of American folk culture, particularly in bluegrass and old-time music circles.
What is Clogging?
Clogging is a high-energy dance style characterized by precise footwork and a distinct emphasis on rhythm. Dancers wear tap-style shoes and strike the floor with their heels and toes, often in time with the upbeat tempo of bluegrass or country music. Unlike tap dancing, clogging typically incorporates a looser upper body movement, and dancers frequently perform in groups, synchronizing their steps to create a mesmerizing, unified sound.
Flat-Footing: A Freestyle Tradition
Flat-footing, sometimes called Appalachian flat-footing or buck dancing, is a more relaxed, improvisational form of percussive dance. Unlike the structured steps of clogging, flat-footing allows dancers to "ride the rhythm" of the music, keeping their feet close to the ground while executing intricate heel-toe movements. The style is deeply personal, with dancers developing their own variations and flourishes.
Roots in Tradition
The origins of these dance styles date back to early Appalachian settlers, who blended their cultural traditions to create a uniquely American art form. Irish, Scottish, and English step dancing merged with African American rhythmic movements and Cherokee dance traditions, forming the foundation of what would become clogging and flat-footing.
As bluegrass and old-time music gained popularity, so did these dance forms. Today, they remain an integral part of music festivals, community gatherings, and competitions across the country.
Why It’s Still Alive Today
Despite changes in musical trends, clogging and flat-footing continue to thrive. Dance groups, workshops, and festivals keep the tradition alive, attracting both seasoned dancers and newcomers eager to learn. The joy of dancing to live music and the deep connection to cultural heritage make these styles more than just dance—they are a living, breathing part of history.
Whether at a bluegrass jam, a festival stage, or a backyard gathering, the rhythmic tapping of feet against wood tells a timeless story—one of movement, music, and the unbreakable spirit of Appalachian dance.