Music, Demonstrations and Guided Bird Walk Highlight the 26th Annual Spring Planting Festival Schedule

Contact: Park Headquarters, 423-569-9778

ONEIDA, Tenn. - Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will feature a full day of music, historic demonstrations and Appalachian traditions for the 26th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival on April 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. A free shuttle bus will run throughout the day for those who prefer not to walk between festival locations.

Guided Bird Walk Kicks Off the Day

The day begins at 8 a.m. ET with a guided bird walk starting at the Bandy Creek swimming pool and led by ornithologist Dr. Charles Nicholson. The easy walk offers participants of all ages a chance to learn about birds of the Cumberland Plateau.

Nicholson has more than 35 years of experience studying birds in the Big South Fork area. A longtime member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society, he has served as president and journal editor. Nicholson holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, authored Atlas of Breeding Birds of Tennessee and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee.

A Full Day of Appalachian Heritage

Following the bird walk, the Spring Planting and Music Festival will bring music, heritage and hands-on history to life across three locations throughout the park. The day-long celebration highlights the culture, traditions and craftsmanship, offering activities and demonstrations for visitors of all ages.

Live Music at Bandy Creek

At the Bandy Creek Area, guests can enjoy a full lineup of live performances under the main tent, featuring bluegrass, traditional Appalachian music, Americana and singer-songwriter styles.

Bandy Creek Main Tent Music Schedule (in Eastern Time):

Surrounding the music tent, local food and craft vendors will offer handmade goods, regional foods and traditional crafts. Families with young children, and the young at heart, can also stop by the old-timey toys tent to play with wooden toys inspired by those that earlier generations enjoyed.

Historic Demonstrations at Oscar Blevins Farm

A short hike along the Oscar Blevins Trail leads to the Oscar Blevins Farm, where park staff and partners will present historic demonstrations of candle dipping and other pioneer-era trades. These live demonstrations offer a glimpse into the practical skills that helped sustain Appalachian communities for generations.

Living Traditions at Lora Blevins Farm

At the Lora Blevins Farm, the focus shifts to the everyday traditions that supported mountain life. Visitors can witness mule teams plowing, butter churning and quilting, showcasing the labor, ingenuity and resourcefulness that defined life on the Cumberland Plateau.

For more information about this event, visit our webpage.

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