We were so excited to cover the Earl Scruggs Music Festival for the third time. The 2024 line up was pretty fabulous. Old Crow Medicine Show, Lindsay Lou, Yonder Mountain String Band, Marty Stuart, to name a few. If you’re brand new to the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, you can read all about it here. While I was not a newbie at the festival, I was a newbie to several bands who were performing. Each group brought with them a level of talent unknown to little ‘ole me. It sounds cliche to say that it gets better and better each year, but it truly does get better and better each year. We noticed several new displays right off the bat.
A fan favorite of the parents was Bluegrass Beach. This was a super fun addition to the children’s area young ones have enjoyed the first two years. We watched kids of all ages playing in the over-sized sandbox the entire weekend. A perfect babysitter. The portable box of sand will become a permanent fixture at the equestrian center.
Spirits of Bluegrass was another sweet spot making its inaugural appearance. Grab your cocktail and enjoy a game of Cornhole while waiting for your favorite band to take the stage.
Know Before You Go
- Bring your lawn chair. Even if you purchase VIP tickets, you can set your chairs up at the Foggy Mountain stage (smaller stage at entrance) when you arrive. Seating is VERY limited in that area. We were certainly thankful to have our own space. Pro Tip: arrive early to snag a spot under the trees! You can even set up lawn chairs in the VIP section at the Flint Hill Stage (large main stage).
- Umbrellas aren’t allowed. If rain is in the forecast, you’ll wanna have a poncho or raincoat handy.
- There is a clear bag policy.
- Most places inside the venue accept cash.
- Once inside, turn left and head to the Welcome Tent on the right for a fan – thank us later!
- Water fill stations are located throughout the festival.
- A shuttle runs each day from the General Admission parking area to the gate. VIP parking is right in front of the main entrance.
- ESMF is handicap accessible. Josh, over ticketing, told us that if someone needs assistance they “come running, no matter what we are doing to get them to where they need to be.”
Where To Eat
Finding food is not an issue at ESMF. Restaurants and food trucks are on site for your dining pleasure! We’re going to list our two favorite spots.
Roger’s Diner
We’ve eaten here every festival, and love everything from the menu to the friendly staff. Best of all, the prices won’t make you cry! This trip, I ordered my very first BLT. It did not disappoint. The bread was fresh and toasted to perfection. I can also recommend the fried chicken wrap. No matter what you’re in the mood for, do not leave without ordering the tots!
Campagna Italian Cuisine
This beautiful piece of art was only $18 and worth every penny. Not a single person in your party will regret a trip to Campagna.
Accommodations
Visit here for lodging details at the Earl Scruggs Fest. DO NOT wait to make arrangements. These spots sell out fast. Overmountain Lodge & Conference Center will be available for the 2025 season! The lodge is beautiful and right on the grounds. Visit their website to keep up with the progress.
Earl Scruggs Center
The Earl Scruggs Center is located thirty(ish) minutes away in the small (but quaint) town of Shelby, North Carolina. The Earl Scruggs Center is housed in the old Cleveland County Courthouse. On the National Registrar of Historic Places, you don’t have to be an architect to note the spectacular design. Trust us when we say, it’s worth your time to make the short trip. Save your festival ticket stub – admission is free for festival attendees!
Planning for Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2025 is already underway. Friends and family, plan to gather on the mountain August 29-31, 2025. Get a jump on tickets here!