The gentle winds swirling through the trees at the Pine Grove Stage create an enchanting atmosphere at Pop's Farm, a place where love grows and jams bloom louder on six stages filled with energy and good vibes. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the beauty of creatively designed memorial gardens and take in the view of woven colorful tapestries while swinging in hammocks to a sweet symphony of live music. This "Mecca of Peace" serves as a mindful retreat, offering everything from massages to a wellness bar aimed at rejuvenating the mind and balancing one's chakra. More than just a place, Pop's Farm embodies a frequency and a great love affair born from the healing power of music.
Born from profound loss, Rooster Walk was created to honor the memory of childhood friends Edwin "the Rooster" Penn and Walker Shank. What began as a small gathering to fund a scholarship has blossomed into an eclectic, multi-day festival that celebrates life and showcases community. This sense of belonging extends to everyone--volunteers, staff, and festival-goers alike--making the farm a true home away from home. The festival's success is a labor of love supported by dedicated teams and essential services like the ADA support provided by 5 Points Music Sanctuary.
The journey of Rooster Walk 15 highlights a feast for the senses, featuring a dynamic lineup that spanned from the melodic strings of Trampled by Turtles to the funk-infused grooves of Lettuce. Patrons experienced the soulful sounds of Keller Williams and the "face-melting" cosmic country of Daniel Donato, alongside comedic interactions from Little Stranger, including a memorable lakeside paddle boat entrance. The weekend was further enriched by funky surprises from Ghost-Note and Sneezy, as well as a nostalgic "Neil Yarng" tribute set by Yarn that celebrated the musical history of Neil Young. A standout moment of pure creative energy occurred during Guitarmageddon: Isaac & Kyser Destroy the World, featuring the technical wizardry of Isaac Hadden alongside Kyser George of ShadowGrass.
Looking ahead to Rooster Walk 16 on May 21-24, the tradition of musical excellence continues with a lineup featuring headliners St. Paul & The Broken Bones, MOE., and the return of Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country. The stage will also host fan favorites such as Kitchen Dwellers, Eggy, and The Mountain Grass Unit, alongside eclectic acts like Maggie Rose, Dumpstaphunk, and John Brown's Body. With a massive collective of Artists at Large, including Josh Shilling, Jeff Sipe, and the formidable duo of Isaac Hadden and Kyser George, returning to showcase their incredible range, the upcoming festival promises to be another extraordinary chapter at Pop's Farm.
There is no need to peck around any further; now is the time to secure your spot for this unparalleled experience. Tickets for the 2026 festival, as well as the regional "Rives on the Road" concert series, are available for purchase at roosterwalk.com.
Words by Tiff Greene
Photos by Jerry Friend
