Old Settler’s Music Festival Returns Oct. 21-24; Lineup Revealed and Tickets on Sale Today

AUSTIN, Texas — After cancelling in 2020 and postponing April 2021’s reboot, Old Settler’s Music Festival planners can’t wait to welcome old friends and introduce new ones to their Tilmon, Texas home for the 34th annual gathering of roots-music artists and fans, now slated for Oct. 21-24. A limited amount of tickets, priced at 2020 levels, will go on sale today for those not already holding 2020 passes. Observance of all current COVID-19 protocols will be followed, including proof of vaccinations completed at least 14 days in advance or negative test results within 48 hours of entry for every participant aged 12 or older. Full details and FAQs about COVID-19 safety measures are posted on the Old Settler’s website.  

Stages, attractions and facilities will be arranged to provide extra room for attendees to maintain safe social distances, without sacrificing the friendly vibe, laid-back charm and sense of community that led to the festival’s 5th-place ranking on USA Today’s 2019 list of North America’s top 10 festivals.

Old Settler’s also has been busy refining its 145-acre permanent home with amenities including a fully electrified campground powered by renewable green energy, eliminating noisy generators.

Since its founding in 1987, Old Settler’s has established a loyal following not only among music-lovers, but performers as well. Some of the most shining stars in roots/Americana music are returning to perform over four autumn days on the festival’s main and second stages, including mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush; The Travelin’ McCourys, fronted by Del’s sons, Ronnie and Rob; Steve Martin collaborators the Steep Canyon Rangers; adventurous string band Della Mae; singular storyteller Steve Poltz; and Texas icons James McMurtry, Ray Wylie Hubbard and the powerhouse duo of Carolyn Wonderland and Shelley King.

Houston’s Folk Family Revival and Fort Worth singer/songwriter Bonnie Bishop are also on the bill, along with several Austin natives or transplants. They include Wood & Wire’s Tony Kamel, making his solo debut; folk duo Jamestown Revival; pop talent Jade Bird; up-and-coming guitarist and singer/songwriter Jackie Venson; funk-rockers Kalu & the Electric Joint; soul band Tomar & the FCs; “transcendental folk” band The Deer; and blues/soul singer Cari Hutson.

Memphis bluesman Cedric Burnside, grandson of North Mississippi icon R.L., will make his festival debut. Nashville will be represented by singer-songwriters Kelsey Waldon and Sierra Ferrell, contemporary folk band The Arcadian Wild and old-time boundary-pushers Hogslop String Band. Portland, Oregon is sending bluegrass-folk band Fruition; traditional bluegrassers The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys will travel from East Tennessee. Also appearing are Bay Area singer-songwriter Logan Ledger; Central Pennsylvania Americana/progressive rockers Cold Spring Union; North Carolina country-punkers Sarah Shook & the Disarmers; Arkansas musical comedians The Cleverlys; and Toronto folk singer Jeremie Albino.

Elijah Delgado, winner of the 2019 Youth Talent Competition, and the 2021 winner also will perform. Some artists also will appear Thursday or Sunday on the campground stage; Hubbard, Will Taylor & Strings Attached and House of Songs, with Suzanna Choffel, Carrie Rodriguez, Matt The Electrician & Graham Weber (Western Youth) artists will perform exclusively on that stage. The Zen City campground stage also will feature late-night performances Thursday through Saturday. Several artists will serenade platinum-pass holders during backstage cocktail hours Friday and Saturday.

Ticket prices range from $25 for Sunday only to $950 for all-inclusive platinum passes. Four-day general admission passes are $169 to $210. Pricing for camping, electrical and parking permits and other add-ons are detailed at oldsettlersmusicfest.org. 2020 ticket-holders unable to attend may use the site’s LYTE ticket-exchange service to sell or gift tickets to a 2021 attendee.  Old Settler’s Music Festival takes place 12 miles southeast of Lockhart (program GPSs for 1616 FM 3158, Dale, Texas 78716), under an hour from Austin or San Antonio and two hours from Houston. Directions and transportation options are detailed on our website.