Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on October 21, 2025
Legendary jam band moe. and the electrifying Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country headline the initial artist lineup for the 16th annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival, set for May 21–24, 2026, at Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, Virginia.
This marks moe.’s Rooster Walk debut, following 22 consecutive appearances at the Chicago-area Summer Camp Music Festival, which also took place on Memorial Day Weekend. In contrast, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country will return for their fifth straight year at Rooster Walk. Led by guitar virtuoso Daniel Donato, the band’s fusion of mind-bending improvisation, cosmic jam exploration, and outlaw country roots has propelled them toward international acclaim.
Also joining the initial lineup is the Alabama-based Mountain Grass Unit, one of the fastest-rising progressive bluegrass acts in the country. The band will return to Pop’s Farm after debuting at Rooster Walk 14 (2024).
Additional acts announced today include: Eggy (Jam/Rock – New Haven, Conn.); John Brown’s Body (Reggae/Dub – Ithaca, N.Y.); Yarn (Americana/Alt-Country – New York City); Holy Roller (Southern Rock – Richmond, Va.); Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast (Soul/Rock – Asheville, N.C.); Tan & Sober Gentlemen (Celtic Punk/Folk – Chatham County, N.C.); Isaac Hadden (Jam/Funk – Asheville, N.C.); Kindred Valley (Indie Folk – Huntington, W.Va.); Paul McDonald and The Mourning Doves (Southern Roots Rock – Auburn, Ala.); The Ain’t Sisters (Folk Rock – Atlanta, Ga.); Jacoozy (Funk/Jam – Boone, N.C.); Moga Family Band (Rock/Soul – Nashville, Tenn.); Big Fat Gap (Bluegrass – Chapel Hill, N.C.); Mountain Walrus (Psychedelic Rock – Roanoke, V.A.); Jayce Turley (Alt Country – Greenup County, Ky.); FeelFree (Reggae/Rock – Alexandria, V.A.); and Gabriel Van (Bluegrass Roots – Danville, V.A.).
“We’re kicking things off with a lineup built straight from fan feedback,” said Johnny Buck, executive director of Rooster Walk Inc. “Our supporters are the heart of this event — and when they tell us who they want, we listen. The best part? Their taste is spot on.”
More than 20 additional bands, including the top overall headliner, will be added in the coming months.
Camping passes for Rooster Walk 16 will go on sale at noon today (Oct. 21st). Admission tickets are already on sale. More information about both can be found at www.roosterwalk.com, which also provides festival details, travel tips, and planning information.
Held each Memorial Day weekend, Rooster Walk is a four-day celebration of music, art, and outdoor adventure nestled in the rolling foothills near Martinsville, Virginia. The 2026 event will feature approximately 50 acts performing across six stages, delivering around 80 sets of live music.
In addition to top-tier performances, the family-friendly festival will offer:
For those looking to take their Rooster Walk 16 experience to the next level, Rooster Walk offers exclusive Full Strut and VIP packages. These patrons enjoy perks such as exclusive access to VIP areas — including an island with a tiki bar, a side-stage bar, VIP hospitality and stage programming, and complimentary food and drinks at select locations. These packages are limited and often sell out in advance.
Rooster Walk has been recognized as one of Virginia’s Top 5 festivals by the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. It has also been named the region’s Most Creative Charitable Event by Virginia Living Magazine readers for three consecutive years.
Founded in memory of Martinsville natives Edwin “The Rooster” Penn and Walker Shank (Martinsville High School Class of 2000), the festival combines world-class music with community purpose.
A portion of festival proceeds supports local and regional charities, including:
Produced by Rooster Walk Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting music, arts, and education in Martinsville–Henry County, the festival has donated more than $378,000 to community causes since 2009.
