Mark your calendars for August 22 and 23, 2025, and head to Ozark Folk Center State Park in scenic Mountain View, Arkansas, for the Bluegrass & Fried Chicken Festival—a weekend full of world-class music, traditional crafts, and classic Southern cooking.
Set in the heart of the Ozarks, this two-day event brings together nationally recognized bluegrass talent with the timeless charm of artisan demonstrations, family activities, and good food. It’s one of the summer’s most anticipated festivals and perfect for a family outing or a weekend getaway.
Live Music at Its Best
The lineup features award-winning performers including East Nash Grass, Spillwater Drive (Arkansas CMA’s Bluegrass Band of the Year), Casey & the Atta Boys, and others. Concerts are held indoors at the park’s 1,000-seat Ozark Highlands Theater, offering a comfortable space to enjoy the music, rain or shine.
Explore the Craft Village and Herb Garden
Admission includes access to the Craft Village and Heritage Herb Garden from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. You’ll see artisans at work in 19 unique shops, offering live demonstrations in everything from blacksmithing to basket weaving. It’s an opportunity to learn about Ozark traditions and pick up handmade treasures.
Don’t Miss the Famous Fried Chicken Buffet
Between shows, stop by the hilltop Skillet Restaurant, where their all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet will be served Friday and Saturday. The buffet is sold separately from your festival ticket, but it’s a crowd favorite for a reason.
Fun for All Ages
With music, crafts, food, and hands-on activities, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The setting is peaceful, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the experience is truly one-of-a-kind.
Get Your Tickets Early
Tickets include concert access and entry to the Craft Village and gardens. The fried chicken buffet is available for purchase at the event.
For ticket information, a full performance schedule, and more details, visit
ozarkfolkcenter.com
Make plans now to experience the music, flavors, and traditions of the Ozarks all in one unforgettable weekend.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.