Article Contributed by Ashley Feller
Published on 2026-09-10
Mark your calendars for the 10th annual Suwannee Roots Revival, happening at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida, October 8-11, 2026. This festival is a delight for camping enthusiasts, no matter your style. Just imagine setting up camp in pure Florida paradise, enjoying Americana music from more than 28 acts, as well as workshops, daily yoga, and food and craft vendors.
Roots Revival has a deep history of bringing people together for the love of live music, dancing, and community. Festival Director Beth Judy shares, “One of the many things I love about this festival is that no matter what crazy stuff is happening in the world or in our lives, this annual gathering somehow recharges us and brings joy, laughter, fun, and a much-needed balance. Suwannee Roots Revival is the perfect place to have stellar musical experiences, connect with this incredible community, have a ton of fun, and embrace a spirit of adventure that puts an even bigger smile on your face.”
I echo Beth’s sentiments and promise that if you attend, you will return home feeling refreshed, revived, and inspired.
This festival features Americana chart-topping acts such as Trampled by Turtles, Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, as well as the legendary Peter Rowan. It’s refreshing to see the return of Shinyribs. Several years ago, I was completely captivated by their set and felt as if the energy of New Orleans had found its home in Northern Florida.
It is also heartwarming to see Amelia Day returning to the festival. She recently performed at Spring Reunion and made a fantastic impression, and I’m anticipating another dynamic performance from her.
If you love family energy, don’t miss The Lee Boys featuring Roosevelt Collier. When you watch The Lee Boys perform, you’re likely to catch some kind of spirit and rejoice in nature. They are one of the greatest performing acts native to Florida, and if you love to dance and feel the music move through you, then their set will not disappoint.
Another new addition I’m looking forward to seeing is Asydequest. This group was formed by Arrie Bozeman, Justin Boudreau, and Richie Jones, “three accomplished musicians brought together by a shared love of great songs, authentic performance, and the unexpected moments that happen when talented artists create together.” The group hails from Atlanta, and it will be exciting to experience this new project.
The festival would not be what it is without the bands and musicians whom I’d call veteran Suwannee performers. If you love songwriters who are masterful storytellers, don’t miss Jim Lauderdale or Verlon Thompson. Both are accomplished songwriters and have contributed to the careers of Guy Clark, George Strait, and many other hitmakers known in Nashville.
There is nothing like a Sunday morning at Suwannee when Verlon is pouring his heart out to the crowd. One moment he has everyone in stitches from laughing, and then the next everyone is weeping behind their sunglasses. At least I am.
I couldn’t be more excited to see the return of Firewater Tent Revival. This band brings psychedelic energy to the stage and performs a marvelous set of mostly original music. They always put on a great show through hilarious storytelling and masterful musicianship.
This festival is an excellent choice for families and music lovers of all ages because it offers a camping experience that most festivals often miss the mark on. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is a camping resort that features golf cart rentals, a country store, canoe livery, laundry facilities, several bathhouses, and even a full-service bar and restaurant.
There is upgraded camping for RVs and tents, and it also has a decent variety of rental cabins. No matter your camping style, there is a site for you. If you enjoy quiet, peaceful evenings, there is plenty of quiet camping along River Road. The Loop feels like the suburbs for RVs in the best way possible.
Per the festival website, weekend tickets include music and primitive camping from Thursday, October 8, 2026, through Sunday, October 11, 2026. An early arrival pass is required for any weekend admission ticket holder arriving prior to Thursday, October 8, at 8 a.m.
If you need to reserve a campsite with power or water, you can do so through the park or by calling the park office at (386) 364-1683.
I have been primitive camping at festivals in this park since the early ’90s, and it is one of Florida’s finest parks for primitive camping. The Suwannee family takes great pride in constructing cozy and whimsical campsites for the long weekend, and the festival grounds magically transform over days into a mystical village of lights, tents, and campfires.
The festival takes place a stone’s throw from the great Suwannee River, and there is nothing like looking up at the moon as its light pierces the night, permeates the darkness, and lands softly on the deep, dark river.
Suwannee Roots Revival has a long history of being a picker’s paradise. Just after the music ends on the stages, music lovers retreat back to the campsites to enjoy acoustic music in the magic forest.
There are two official campsites that welcome musicians of all abilities to jam at just about any time of day during the festival. The first is The Bill Monroe Shrine, hosted by Florida’s own Quartermoon, who have been part of the festival since the start.
This is a great place to bring your acoustic instruments if you enjoy playing acoustic favorites like “Ride Me High,” John Prine songs, and even bluegrass standards. Quartermoon welcomes everyone warmly and does a remarkable job of making everyone feel included in the jam. Even if you don’t play an instrument, folks are welcome to visit and enjoy listening to the musicians jamming around the fire.
The second campsite famous for its late-night jams is Slopryland, hosted by Wisconsin’s own Sloppy Joe. Here you’ll find many of the stage performers collaborating in the moonlight, playing music for the love of it.
This is a special place where many friendships have started and where new, up-and-coming bands emerge from the shadows to jam with the veterans. It’s a blessing to see the pickers who have played and sung until they could stand no more combining forces with the new generation of pickers who have found themselves wandering into Slopryland to share their songs and be part of the magic.
There is so much to explore at Roots Revival beyond all the music. Make sure you visit the vendor rows for cold drinks, coffee, and a substantial variety of food selections. I have seen everything from Bahamian food to pizza, and nearly every year there is something new to try.
If you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe, make sure to visit the many clothing and jewelry vendors. There is always a lovely selection of handmade clothing and jewelry, as well as homemade beauty products. If you collect art, this is a wonderful festival to find your newest piece, as many of the vendors feature works of art available for purchase.
If you are an early bird, there is daily yoga with Rhonda Bell, and it is the perfect way to start or end your festival day. Just imagine yourself gazing softly at the live oaks and watching the Spanish moss sway gently in the breeze as you breathe out all that you’ve been carrying.
This is your opportunity to let go. This is your moment to ground yourself again with music, friendship, community, and nature.
Roots Revival is one of the best festivals around for families. There are playgrounds as well as a kids’ stage that offers daily children’s entertainment, crafts, and activities. I have watched my friends take their children there and report that they had just as much fun as their kids did at the Kids’ Tent.
Roots Revival does a wonderful job of prioritizing the family experience because they know that, in order to keep this event going, it must inspire the kids in some creative fashion.
Suwannee Roots Revival will heal you whether you’re aware that you need healing or not. The energy that flows through the community is nourishing, and I promise you’ll leave feeling happier and more grateful than you did when you arrived.
This festival is a prime example of what can manifest after years of dedication, persistence, and having a sense of what the festival community needs at this time in society.
So reserve your campsite, get your tickets, and we’ll see you at the next Suwannee Roots Revival, October 8-11. Special thanks to festival producer Beth Judy and her team for planning such an exciting event.
