Uncle Pen Fest
Uncle Pen Fest
SEPTEMBER 22-23, 2023
Featuring 2 days of various bluegrass performers, workshops, and jams plus the Bluegrass Hall of Fame Induction.
*Camping and festival admission purchased separately
Get Your Advance Tickets!
Advance ticket sales are on sale now.
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.
Tickets & Golf Cart Rentals
Advance Tickets (Ends Sept. 16)
- $45 | Friday Admission
- $50 | Saturday Admission
- $75 | 2-Day Admission
Gate Pricing (Begins Sept 17):
- $50 | Friday Admission
- $55 | Saturday Admission
- $85 | 2-Day Admission
Golf Cart Rentals – 2 DAYS (Sales End Sept. 14th)
- $180 | 2 Passenger
- $260 | 4 Passenger
**Golf carts MUST be picked up by the person who is listed on the ticket/reservation, must be 18 or older to rent a cart, sign a waiver and have a card on file. All drivers must be 16 years or older with a valid driver’s license. Sales tax not included in prices listed. Pickup is after 10am on the first day of the event, must be returned by Noon on Sunday. Additional fees apply for late returns, damages, and carts not returned to the pickup area**
2023 Uncle Pen Fest Daily Lineup
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
- 11am | Caroline Owens
- 12:15pm | Wildfire
- 1:30pm | Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass
- 2:45pm | Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
- 4:00pm | Caroline Owens
- 5:15pm | Wildfire
- 6:30pm | Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass
- 7:15pm | Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
- 8:15pm | Induction of Vassar Clements
- 9:00pm | Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
- 8:15pm | Induction of Vassar Clement
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
- 11am | Tim Graves & The FarmHands
- 12:15pm | Junior Sisk
- 1:30pm | Finley River Boys
- 2:45pm | The Grascals
- 4:00pm | Tim Graves & The FarmHands
- 5:15pm | Junior Sisk
- 6:30pm | Finley River Boys
- 7:15pm | The Grascals
- 8:15pm | Induction of Tom Gray
- 9:00pm | Tom Gray with The Country Gentleman Tribute Band
Food Trucks
Coming soon – stay tuned.
Stay With Us Directly On-Site
Campsites
If you are interested in camping during our festivals, our family and pet-friendly campground can accommodate campers of all sizes from tent camping to large motorhomes. rates are based on 2 guests, each additional guest is $15 per person, per night, up to 6 guests per campsite.
RATES
30 amp W/E – $40 per night based on 2 guests
50 amp W/E – $45 per night based on 2 guests
Primitive Tent Camping – $15 per person, per night
Boondocking – No hookups, first come, first serve $22 per night based on 2 guests
No refunds, all guests staying in the campsites are required to purchase festival tickets. Rates do not include fees and taxes.
Camping Cabins
Our pet friendly camping cabins offer you the best of both worlds – enjoy the festival, then retreat indoors for a good night’s sleep. Cabin rates are based on 2 guests, each additional guest is $15 per person, per night.
Our Deluxe Camping Cabins feature a small kitchenette and bathroom – $250 per night based on 2 guests. Minimum stays apply. Maximum 6 guests.
Regular Camping Cabins have a few basic amenities to make your stay comfortable – electricity, microwave, mini fridge, no bathroom, bring your own linens. $175 per night based on 2 guests Minimum stays apply. Maximum 6 guests. $125 per night based on 2 guests Minimum stays apply. Maximum 4 guests.
No refunds, all guests staying in the cabins are required to purchase festival tickets. Rates do not include fees and taxes.
Rent A Camper
Are you looking to experience camping, but you don’t have your own camper?
We have two 26′, fully furnished Jayco campers that you can rent onsite. Rates are based on 2 guests, each additional guest is $15 per person, per night, up to 4 guests per camper.
Rutherfords Roost and Bill Monroe Lakeside campers are located on lakeside sites, with beautiful views of the lake. Each camper sleeps up to 4 guests.
RATES
$200 per night based on 2 guests Maximum 4 guests. Minimum stays apply.
No refunds, all guests staying in the campers are required to purchase festival tickets. Rates do not include fees and taxes.