MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ark. — Music lovers and foodies alike can head to the Ozark Folk Center State Park this weekend for the Bluegrass & Fried Chicken Festival, set for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22-23, 2025. The two-day celebration promises award-winning bluegrass performances, fried chicken feasts, and plenty of family fun in the Ozarks.
The festival kicks off Friday evening with a concert at the Ozark Highlands Theater, followed by a Saturday matinee and an evening performance at the 1,000-seat indoor venue. This year’s lineup features East Nash Grass — named SPGMA’s 2025 Instrumental Group of the Year and the IBMA’s 2024 New Artist of the Year — along with Sprillwater Drive, Casey & The Atta Boys, 5 South, and more.
Festival tickets also include free admission to the park’s artisan Craft Village from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, where visitors can enjoy live music sets, craft demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
Between shows, The Skillet restaurant at the park will serve its popular fried chicken buffet, offered separately from concert tickets.
Advance tickets are available at OzarkFolkCenter.TicketLeap.com. Guests are encouraged to buy ahead, as day-of tickets purchased at the theater or Gift Shop cost $5 more.
