Article Contributed by Ashley Feller
Published on 2026-02-28
The eighth annual Suwannee Spring Reunion returns to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park from March 19th–22nd, 2026, for four days of world-class Americana, bluegrass, and roots music. This rejuvenating event takes place near the gorgeous Suwannee River in the picturesque town of Live Oak, Florida. The festival has curated an especially exciting lineup this year, offering the best of Americana legends and several of the scene’s brightest rising stars. Because the music holds such broad appeal, it’s a perfect destination for multi-generational families, old friends, and those new to festivals.
Suwannee Spring Reunion stands out as an unforgettable event, produced by a team with the biggest hearts and an undeniable passion for connecting people through music and community. In my decades of attending festivals, I’ve found this to be one of the most restorative events for the human experience. Through years of interviewing artists, I’ve been blessed by the stories they’ve shared and their collective love for this venue. They’ll all tell you this place is pure magic — a tradition we must keep alive and, above all, a therapeutic experience for all of us.
The lineup is a smorgasbord of the best of roots music, including headlining acts like Steep Canyon Rangers, Larkin Poe, Keller & The Keels, as well as Sam Grisman Project. Word on the street is that The Sam Grisman Project will be playing tribute sets to Old and In The Way, the legendary supergroup that included his father David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan, and John Kahn. I recall circa 2004 watching another group called “Old and in the Gray,” which featured Peter Rowan, David Grisman, Vassar Clements, and others I don’t recall. It is so satisfying to see the next generation carrying the music forward.
While the lineup overall is promising, I’m especially looking forward to seeing Tire Fire and Sunnyside String Band. I previously caught a set by Tire Fire at the Florida Americana Music Festival in Brooksville, and I was delighted by their energy and stage presence. My anticipation for Sunnyside String Band is deeply personal; the group is fronted by Sunnie Rae Click, whom I met at Suwannee years ago. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch her hone her songwriting and develop into such a seasoned professional. Backed by a group of fantastic players, Sunnie brings relatable songs to life with one of the most powerful voices I’ve ever heard. Her hard work and dedication shine through in the band’s performances every single time.
The Suwannee Spring Reunion takes place in one of the most well-appointed and beautiful camping resorts in Florida. Imagine towering live oak trees draped in wistful Spanish moss flowing on a soft spring breeze; the atmosphere is truly heavenly.
While you’re here, it is absolutely mandatory to visit the Suwannee River. If you dare to dip even just one toe into the water, I think you’ll begin to understand the healing power this place has. There have been so many times I’ve stood on those white sand beaches, gazing at the limestone banks reflecting in the dark currents, and found myself weeping with joy, completely overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of my surroundings.
The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park includes every amenity you could imagine. If you’re looking for a trip down the river, the on-site canoe livery has rentals ready for a peaceful paddle. For sports fans — or anyone just craving beer and wings — the SOS Café is the place to be. While it’s home to the Music Hall stage, the back of the building offers plenty of table seating, a full liquor bar, and a generous menu with reasonable prices. Speaking from experience: the wings are absolutely delicious!
If you’ve forgotten something at home, you’re in luck because the Country Store likely has it in stock. They carry a variety of grocery items, and heaven forbid you run out of beer — they have an impressively wide selection. It’s also a perfect spot to take a rest, sink into one of the rocking chairs, and enjoy some people-watching.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to adore, from the numerous bird species in the sanctuary to the wildlife found throughout the park’s trails. If this is your first time attending, do not miss sunset at the Bat House. If you arrive just before the sun sinks below the horizon, you’ll be entranced as the bats make their grand ascent into the evening sky. It is a spectacular sight. You must see it to believe it.
When you arrive, you’ll notice that the festival grounds are expansive. Once you’re settled into your campsite, you’ll realize that veteran festival-goers are incredibly friendly and enthusiastically welcome first-time attendees. In fact, there is always a great deal of excitement when folks share that this is their first time at Suwannee. Once you experience this place, you’ll never want to miss it. I promise.
If you’re a musician, you are welcome to bring your acoustic instrument because these festivals are known for a legendary jamming culture. At all hours of the day, you can find folks casually playing music together in their campsites. There are two specific camps that welcome attendees to stop by and play some tunes: Slopryland, hosted by the band Sloppy Joe, and the Bill Monroe Tent, hosted by Quartermoon. These bands facilitate a welcoming and fun environment for musicians of any skill level, and it’s here that many lifelong friendships are made. After the music on the main stages ends at night, it’s tradition for everyone to play around the campfires until the sky turns purple, the sun rises, and the morning birds begin to sing.
Suwannee Spring Reunion is what festival founder Beth Judy calls “Community Plus.” Once you attend, as long as you are kind and look out for your neighbor, you become family. There have been numerous times when I haven’t felt like I belonged anywhere else in the world, but when I arrive at Suwannee, the veil is lifted and I can feel love everywhere.
I believe it’s important that we have these experiences and share them with the ones we love because it’s always later than you think. Sometimes the most important thing we can do for ourselves is immerse ourselves in community, revive ourselves in nature, dance to the music ’neath the stars, and embrace creative renewal. This will be a transformational escape for all of us. It will be a chance to focus on what really matters: love and unity.
I can’t wait to see you all at the eighth annual Suwannee Spring Reunion beginning March 19th, 2026. You can find full festival information and purchase your tickets at www.suwanneespringreunion.com. A special thank you to Beth Judy and her team for once again creating such a vital, life-affirming event for so many of us. See you down by the Suwannee!
