Rolling Texas Hill Country landscapes, fields dotted with bluebonnets, and towering oak trees will again set the stage for the 38th Annual Old Settler’s Music Festival, which has announced the first phase of its 2025 lineup and daily schedule. 

The four-day roots music celebration will take place April 24-27 at the festival’s dedicated 145-acre ranch in Dale, located about 45 minutes south of Austin and just outside the barbecue capital of Lockhart.

Old Settler’s Music Festival is recognized for contributing to Central Texas culture. It is among the significant events that help the region maintain its reputation as the world’s live music capital.

This year’s lineup includes an exciting mix of bluegrass, Americana, folk, and roots music favorites. Headliners include the atmospheric folk duo Watchhouse, high-energy Americana trio The Devil Makes Three, Grammy-winning bluegrass ensemble The Travelin’ McCourys, and celebrated mandolinist and songwriter Sierra Hull. These headliners will perform alongside a robust regional favorites and emerging artists lineup, creating a weekend of diverse performances and spontaneous musical magic.

The festival officially begins on Wednesday, April 23, with an early evening open mic on the second stage. Local musicians and festivalgoers are invited to share their songs under the Texas sunset. Sister Sadie and Wild Child will round out the night, offering soulful harmonies and indie-folk vibes that will drift over campfires and gathering circles.

Thursday afternoon, we will see performances by Katie Shore, known for her fiddle work and vocals with Asleep at the Wheel, followed by local favorites Steel Betty and the Latin-flavored Del Castillo Trio. As evening descends, The Travelin’ McCourys will take the main stage with their high-energy bluegrass show, blending traditional sound with contemporary edge. The night will close with a highly anticipated performance from Watchhouse, whose thoughtful lyrics and acoustic melodies are set to fill the night air.

Friday brings a packed lineup starting at midday with Harvest Thieves, followed by Grace Rowland of The Deer and singer-songwriter Jeff Plankenhorn. The Del Castillo Trio will return for an afternoon set, followed by sunset performances from Fennario Flats and Grace Rowland on the second stage. The evening will culminate in a second set from Watchhouse, while Fennario Flats will continue the music late into the night on the secondary stage.

On Saturday, families and friends will gather under shaded tents and lawn chairs for daytime performances from Shred Lasso, Jack Barksdale, and the Tim O’Brien Band. As the sun sets, the Heartless Bastards and Yonder Mountain String Band will light up the main stage. The Devil Makes Three will headline the evening with a raucous, foot-stomping set that invites dancing under the stars. Late-night festivalgoers can wander to the second stage for an intimate closing set from Jack Barksdale, bringing the night to a close with acoustic storytelling and Texas charm.

Sunday morning will begin with the Youth Talent Competition at 10 a.m., giving young musicians a platform to perform and connect with professional artists. The Tray Wellington Band and Darrell Scott will continue the day’s music, leading to a festival-closing main stage performance from Sierra Hull from 3:30-5 p.m. On the second stage, The Owens Brothers will deliver multiple performances throughout the afternoon, keeping the energy alive for those lingering under the shade with lawn blankets and picnics.

In addition to music, the festival offers a wide range of amenities. Shaded tent camping, car camping, and RV sites with or without power hookups are available, as well as nearby hotels and Airbnbs in Lockhart for those seeking more traditional accommodations. Festival grounds will host food trucks serving local Texas barbecue, craft vendors with handmade goods, and spaces dedicated to children’s activities and family-friendly fun.

The second stage will also feature a lineup of music workshops and open mic opportunities, offering educational moments for budding musicians and casual jammers alike. Spontaneous picking circles will emerge throughout the weekend, with musicians of all levels coming together around campfires and picnic tables.

Founded in 1987 as a small, one-day bluegrass gathering, Old Settler’s has evolved into one of the country’s most respected roots music events, drawing national attention. Past performers include Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Béla Fleck, Los Lobos, The War and Treaty, Alison Krauss, and Texas favorites like Shakey Graves, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Shinyribs.

Early bird passes are currently available for purchase, with single-day tickets expected to go on sale as the event approaches. Complete schedules, camping details, and additional information can be found online. 

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Cover photo courtesy Old Settler’s Music Festival

Alex Perryman is the Digital Media Intern for Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She is a senior journalism student at Texas A&M University. In her free time she loves running and spending time with her friends, family and her two dogs.