The Fourth Annual Pickens Appalachian Folk Festival Returns October 23–24, 2026

Presented by the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce, Hagood Mill Historic Site, and Holly Springs Center

The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Hagood Mill Historic Site and Holly Springs Center, is excited to announce the return of the Fourth Annual Pickens Appalachian Folk Festival, taking place October 23–24, 2026, at Hagood Mill Historic Site, 138 Hagood Mill Rd., Pickens, SC.

This free, two-day festival celebrates the music, stories, heritage, food, and culture of the Appalachian region. Set among the historic grounds of Hagood Mill, the festival brings together outstanding performers, regional artisans, food vendors, and visitors of all ages for an authentic Appalachian experience.

The festival begins Friday evening with Appalachian music and entertainment, then continues Saturday with a full day of live performances, storytelling, handcrafted goods, Appalachian-inspired food, and family-friendly fun.

2026 Music & Entertainment Lineup

Friday, October 23

• Spare Creek — Featuring members of Creekwater Collective and Spare Parts Band, Spare Creek brings together talented young Upstate musicians for a fresh take on bluegrass, blending strong vocals, skillful picking, and mountain-music roots.
• Murphy Campbell and Flat Foot Dancer — A young old-time musician, singer, and flatfoot dancer from Floyd County, Virginia, Murphy Campbell shares traditional Appalachian music with an energetic style that celebrates the region’s dance and string-band traditions.
• Panther Ridge — A family-and-friends mountain music group performing original songs, traditional tunes, close harmonies, fiddle-led melodies, and authentic old-time Appalachian sounds.

Saturday, October 24

• Storytelling with Johnny Thomas Fowler — An engaging Appalachian storyteller whose performances bring regional characters, humor, history, and mountain traditions to life.
• Buffalo Barfield & Unherd of Entertainment — Led by Greenville multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and storyteller Gregg “Buffalo” Barfield, this lively group reconnects audiences with Southern heritage through music, dance, laughter, and traditional entertainment.
• Swamp Rabbit Bluegrass — An Upstate South Carolina bluegrass group bringing a fresh, homegrown sound built around traditional instrumentation, tight harmonies, and energetic picking.
• Murphy Campbell — Returning Saturday with her distinctive blend of old-time singing, traditional fiddle music, and Appalachian dance.
• Wanda Johnson Band — South Carolina’s “Lady of Rhythm and Blues and Soul,” Wanda Johnson delivers powerful, soulful vocals rooted in blues, R&B, gospel, and Southern soul.
• Appalachian Son — A regional Southern Gothic act blending roots-driven music, dark mountain storytelling, and a modern Appalachian sound.
• Reedy River String Band — Hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, this three-part-harmony string band blends progressive newgrass with Appalachian roots, original songs, and high-energy acoustic musicianship.

Event Details & Admission

• Location: Hagood Mill Historic Site, 138 Hagood Mill Rd., Pickens, SC
• Festival Admission: Free
• Parking: Free
• Seating: Bring your own chairs
• Camping: Primitive tent and car camping available
  • One night: $10 per person, ages 10+
  • Two nights: $15 per person, ages 10+

Artisan vendors, food vendors, sponsors, and guests are invited to be part of this growing celebration of Appalachian culture and community.

“Each year, the Pickens Appalachian Folk Festival brings our community together to celebrate the music, stories, traditions, and heritage that make this region so special,” said Bryan Owens, Executive Director of the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to welcome everyone back to Hagood Mill for another memorable weekend.”

Make plans now to join us October 23–24, 2026, for great music, storytelling, food, crafts, camping, and Appalachian heritage.

Event details, camping passes, vendor information, and sponsorship opportunities are available at pickensappalachianfolkfestival.org.