Americanafest 2025

Yeah, all of you know my M.O. around here right around the time we all converge onto the field for Muddy Roots, I begin writing about things like Americanafest and North Springs Music Festival as well. I am super swamped busy over here in the office, but this festival and the panels are not to be missed, but the SIDE SHOW PARTIES are the ones that really shine some talented people. And by God, it is my job to make sure you know about all of these people….and HOOOOLY CRAP is there an ongoing list of side shows with a plethora of names that you may or may not know of.

Basically, this is always more of the Super Bowl of music that is embraced by the Americanafest community, much like Steamboat Springs is for Red Dirt Music. This article may appear to flip flop around the city but it all culminates into the entire event that happens September 9 – 13th. If you are an avid music fan like I am, this event is going to kill your wallet this year.

I did get some promo links for this event below, and the name was on this list were amazing like The Local Honeys, Emily Nenni, Pat Reedy and Todd Day Wait. I see nothing but growth from these artists lately and I have known them for many years as musicians. Right Now the female side of Independent Country Music is so over saturated with female artists but I am actually enjoying the fruits of their spoils here lately. Emily Nenni is one of those gals with a unique voice and style all her own.

A Tribute to Luke Bell: An evening honoring the life and music of Luke Bell, one of the most authentic voices in country and Americana. This special night is a celebration of Luke’s life, featuring performances from the friends and musicians who knew him best. Expect stories, songs and more.
(Thursday, September 11)

S.G. Goodman. Daggum, what can I say about her that isn’t already been said? Sunny Sweeny featured her new album called “Planting By The Signs” came out in June to rave reviews, including my own kudos to her new work. The entire week’s festivities include some terrific male and female independent Country bands all around the city.

Kristiana Murray is another name you will see all over the city this week, and the show hosted by Elle King is another female filled banger of a show with the likes of Kaitlin Butts and Summer Dean. This show will be another integral piece of the overall puzzle that this festival is.

Exit In, The Blue Room and many other smaller venues will all be included in the side shows all along the weekend. Truth be known, it is almost virtually impossible to take in all of the full festivities of this weekend in one year.

Third Man + The Blue Room: Spend an evening with Joy Oladokun, Medium Build, Dawes and S.G. Goodman. Showcases start at 7 p.m. Priority entry will be offered to AMERICANAFEST attendees with Gold and Silver Passes, followed by Festival wristbands. Limited tickets will be sold at Third Man Records on Thursday, September 11, at 11 a.m.
($40, cash only, two-ticket limit)

Honky Tonkin’ In Queens: Honky Tonkin’ in Queens presents the Official All-Star AMERICANAFEST Late-Night Party Jam. Featuring performances from Elle King and The Bretheren Band with the Queens of the Honky Tonk. Don’t miss Lola Kirke, Summer Dean, Kaitlin Butts, Kristina Murray and more.
(Thursday, September 11)

Another rising portion of Americanafest is the current Kentucky local independent music scene, which in itself is becoming an entity. Many other areas of the United States becomes over saturated with festivals that end up slicing each other’s throats by competing. This region however, has instead banded together to form a brick wall of Kentucky festivals.

I myself have covered Master Musician’s Festival twice, and I have not yet been to the others.  However these directors have banded together to create a year long network of festivals for independent artists to play along a season.

This article is going to be choked full of information on this festival overall with helpful hints on all of the week’s long festivities. So here are some of the posters from the Kentucky music community.

Hear the Sounds of Fort WorthThis year, you can catch musical performances featuring native Fort Worth folks. Showcasing acts will take center stage at Analog at Hutton Hotel on Thursday, September 11,with sets from Brandi Waller-Pace, Jack Barksdale, Claire Hinkle, Summer Dean, and Matthew McNeal. The evening will kick off with a special recognition of Delbert McClinton and conclude with appearances from special guests!

Explore the Past, Present and FutureIn-depth panels begin on Wednesday with “Fort Worth, TX: Creating A Scene,” a discussion moderated by the Director of the Texas Music Office, Chip Adams.He will be joined by Brandi Waller-Pace, Summer Dean, Brooks Kendall Jr. and Tom Martens as they explore how the city’s deep musical roots, expanding creative infrastructure, and bold community investments are shaping a powerful new identity as a rising music hub.

Celebrate at the Cowtown GitDownVisit Fort Worth invites you to a full day of music at the Cowtown GitDown, plus light bites and La Pulga Tequila cocktails.Held at Tennessee Brew Works on Friday, September 12, see performances by Brandi Waller-Pace, Cameron Smith, Claire Hinkle, Cory Cross, Cory Michael, Kendi Jean, Jack Barksdale, Matthew McNeal, Mollie Danel, Runaway Sky and Summer Dean!

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown will serve as the AMERICANAFEST host hotel once again in 2025. Our hotel room block is open through Monday, August 18th, so you can stay with us at our special rate! Serving as the hub of activity during the event week, it will house our daytime music business conference and offer a central location to mingle and network with other attendees. For details on pricing in our room block and more travel & lodging information, click here.