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Founded in 1974, Uncle Pen Days began as a tribute to Bill Monroe's maternal uncle, James Pendleton Vandiver. "Uncle Pen" played the fiddle and Monroe later said that he was the "fellow that I learned to play from." Bill Monroe's parents had both died by the time he was 16, and Monroe lived part of the time this his uncle, where he would play mandolin while his uncle played fiddle at local square dances and social events.

Greatly influenced by Vandiver, Bill Monroe wrote a song about him, Uncle Pen, in 1950 — a song that went on to be a hit for Porter Wagoner (1954) and Ricky Skaggs (1984).

Uncle Pen Fest is 4 days of different styles of bluegrass music, some workshops, jams and lots of gathering of friends and fellow campers. If you like to camp, there are plenty of campsites available from primitive to water/electric hookup for any size camper. Camping reservations are separate from admission tickets, each person staying at the campsite is required to purchase their own admission ticket. Reserve your campsite online through our reservation system. If camping isn't your style, book a room at our host hotel. Make plans to arrive on Wednesday so you don't miss a minute of the entertainment that begins Thursday-Saturday. 

Order your admission tickets and reserve your golf cart to get around online today! Every person entering the campground/festival grounds is required to purchase an admission ticket. Campers are required to purchase admission tickets that correspond to their camping reservation. Children 12 & under are free and do not need an admission ticket. 

The festival is held rain or shine, all tickets and camping are non-refundable. Come enjoy the fall weather and enjoy the beauty and history of Bill Monroe Music Park and Uncle Pen Fest.