The 38th Annual Old Settler’s Music Festival, a premier Americana and roots music event, takes place April 24 to 27, just 45 minutes east of Wimberley, via RR12, in Dale. The festival showcases a diverse range of genres, from bluegrass and folk to Americana and roots music.
This year’s festival includes a lineup of national music acts, family- friendly activities and a unique camping experience. National headliners include Wild Child, Watchhouse, The Devil Makes Three and Sierra Hull, alongside other notable performers like The Travelin’ McCourys, Heartless Bastards, and Darrell Scott.
For kids, there are face painting, bubbles and yoga activities. For older kids, there is the Youth Talent Competition where young musicians have the opportunity to showcase their skills. The competition is open to contestants 18 years and younger. The winner receives a $300 cash prize and a performance slot at the 2026 festival.
The festival offers late-night impromptu jams around the campfire that encourages everyone to join in.
Part of the Old Settler’s experience is camping. There are multiple campgrounds from which to choose. Banjo, Collings and Dobro offer beautifully manicured, tree-covered sites suitable for tents and RVs. Camp Dobro East, sponsored by Camphost, provides Amp access, perfect for big rigs and those seeking proximity to the festival action.
Old Settler’s has grown from a one-day bluegrass festival in 1987 into a nationally- recognized four-day event attracting loyal music fans. Many fans return annually for amazing performances by both legendary and up-and-coming bluegrass, folk and Americana artists such as Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, the War and Treaty, Alison Krauss, Los Lobos, the Jayhawks, Milk Carton Kids and the McCrary Sisters, and local favorites including Sarah Jarosz, Shakey Graves, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Shinyribs.
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Old Settler’s Music Festival is directed and staffed largely by devoted volunteers. The mission of the festival is to bring the legacy of American roots music to a new age of listeners while preserving the music and the strong culture of family, friends and community.
Single-day general admission tickets start at $79, kids 12 and under, $5. Visit oldsettlersmusicfest. org for tickets and more details. The festival is located in Dale at 1616 FM3158.
