Today, I want to talk about the Byrd’s Creek Music Festival, a real down-home event that I recently had the pleasure of experiencing. So, picture this: a four-day music bash held on a sprawling 240-acre family farm. Yeah, you heard that right, 240 acres! This place, called Oaklawn Farms, is nestled right off Interstate 40 on the Cumberland Plateau, near Crossville, Tennessee. Pretty convenient spot, I must say.
I packed my bags, grabbed my tent, and drove down there, eager to see what this festival was all about. Now, I’ve been to my fair share of music festivals, but this one had a different vibe from the get-go. The first thing I noticed was the “dogs on leashes” rule. You could bring your furry friends, but they had to be leashed at all times, except in this special pet-friendly camping area. Even there, if your dog was a bit too rowdy and bothered the neighbors, they had to be tied up. And no dogs allowed inside the barn or on the patio areas. Fair enough, I thought.
Here’s the lowdown on how the festival unfolded:
- Arrival and Setup: I got there on the first day, found a sweet spot for my tent, and got settled in. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation.
- Exploring the Grounds: This wasn’t just a music festival; it was an experience. I wandered around, taking in the sights and sounds of the farm.
- The Music: This is where Byrd’s Creek really shined. The lineup was a mix of folk and Americana, with headliners like Lost Dog Street Band and Sierra Ferrell. Each day brought a new set of artists, and I was blown away by the talent. I mean they really have some veteran headliners. But they also got a lot of new acts. On Day 1 for example, I saw Anna Kline (Swift Silver), Mose Wilson, John R. Miller, and The Fumblebuckers. I heard some rumors that they are going to take over “Thursdays at the Amp”. So they are really growing.
- Meeting People: I met some fantastic folks, all gathered for the love of music. We shared stories, food, and lots of laughs. There was this one guy, a local from Baldwin County, who said this festival was an “escape from the reality” of the usual country music scene. I totally got what he meant.
- The Vibe: It was relaxed, friendly, and just plain fun. It’s not as crowded as the Hangout Music Festival for sure. I heard that festival can get about 40,000 people, which is crazy.
In a Nutshell
The Byrd’s Creek Music Festival was more than just a few days of music; it was an experience that stuck with me. It was about community, great tunes, and enjoying the simple things in life. Would I go again? In a heartbeat. If you’re into good music and good times, this festival should definitely be on your radar.
