Beneath the Spanish moss and starlit sky, something transformative happens every year in the Spring at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. The music never stops, the memories keep growing, the Suwannee family just keeps getting bigger, and we invite you to come be a part of it! We’re about to gear up for the return of Suwannee Spring Reunion! This long-anticipated gathering is a favorite among seasoned festival-goers and an exciting introduction for newcomers eager for a new experience. From March 20th- 23rd, 2025, we will gather for a music festival experience that will leave our spirits revived and refreshed. This festival and its sister festival, Suwannee Roots Revival, have taken place at this gorgeous venue for several years, and the upcoming festival will inspire more stories that we will carry with us for years to come. So, if you need to set your soul free and escape to one of the most beautiful places in Florida while enjoying a rich camping experience for the first time, or if you are looking for a new festival to add to your calendar, Suwannee Spring Reunion will be the event you will be sharing many stories from for years to come.
This festival is featuring a crème de la crème lineup this year, including Sam Bush, The Infamous Stringdusters, Donna The Buffalo, Kitchen Dwellers, Peter Rowan, Larry Keel’s Electric LarryLand, Jim Lauderdale, Verlon Thompson, Nikki Talley Band, The Ain’t Sisters, and more! I am especially excited to see fiddle extraordinaire John Mailander return as the artist at large. In previous years, it has been such a delight to see Mailander’s personality shine through while performing with nearly everyone on previous festival lineups. He has an energy that radiates goodness, and his performances create intense moments like the time he seamlessly joined Verlon Thompson on stage, elevating their set into an unforgettable collaboration. Another addition I am looking forward to catching is Scythian! If you attended festivals produced by current festival director Beth Judy in the early 2000s, you will definitely remember this group. If you haven’t seen them before, then get ready! Scythian has a long history of blending folk and rock, and I promise you that you won’t be able to hold still during their set. It has been a significant number of years since they played at this family of festivals, and I am here for it. I am also excited to see the return of Nikki Talley with a full band! Once, many years ago, I was camping down Hippie Road when I heard a beautiful voice singing an Appalachian ballad through the live oaks. I knew at that moment I had to find it; little did I know the voice was Nikki’s, drawing me to her campsite like a moth to a flame. Last year, Nikki and her guitarist husband Jason welcomed a full band, which took their set to a new level, and it will be exciting to see what is in store this time.
One of the greatest qualities of Suwannee Spring Reunion is that there are multiple stages for you to enjoy. The Amphitheater Stage serves as the main stage where most of the music starts and ends the day, but there is also the Dance Stage, the Porch Stage, the Music Hall Stage, and most importantly, The Music Farmers Stage. If you love engaging, hands-on workshops led by talented musicians and seasoned professionals, then this will be the place for you. So, if you’re looking to master finger-picking techniques, hone your songwriting skills, or expand your knowledge in folk and bluegrass traditions, these interactive sessions offer a chance to learn from some of the best in the music industry. If you’ve always wanted to learn fancy finger-picking, I suggest you visit Roy Bookbinder, a Florida treasure through and through. Aspiring songwriters, you should attend the songwriting workshop with Elizabeth Fravel and Rachel Hillman, two of Tallahassee’s strongest community leaders, who will have you writing songs in no time. For all the Jerry Garcia and David Grisman fans, you don’t want to miss the Grateful Dawg Tribute with Billy Gillmore and Micky Abraham. These two have a shared love of the Grateful Dawg music collection, and their set is a fabulous celebration of the legacy Garcia and Grisman are leaving behind.
All of the stages have their own flavor and personality, but perhaps the most unique for a music festival is The Music Hall Stage. This indoor stage is inside the SOS Cafe, which is a perfect retreat when the temperatures rise during mid-day or, shall I dare say it, if it rains! This spot is a great place to enjoy intimate performances in comfortable plastic chairs, sip a cool cocktail from their full-service bar, and indulge in tasty bar food like burgers, wings, and french fries! This is also where you will find clean restrooms, and it’s a great place to stop, rest, and enjoy people-watching.
I have attended music festivals at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park since the early nineties, and I am here to say that few can compete with the beauty and amenities of this park and the feeling that no matter how long I am gone, whenever I return, I am home at last. This place is so much more than a music venue to me; I believe it is one of my spiritual homes. I remember one particular night, standing beneath the Spanish moss as the sounds of a late-night jam session floated through the trees. The firelight flickered on familiar faces, and for a moment, time stood still—just music, laughter, and the feeling of belonging. It’s moments like these that keep calling me back, reminding me that no matter how far I roam, Suwannee will always be home. It is the place that my heart longs for in times of darkness and when I’m reflecting on good times with friends. One of the reasons Suwannee Spring Reunion stands out among festivals is because of the camping experience that accompanies it. The park spans several hundred acres, and there is truly a dream campsite for everyone. Whether you prefer quiet camping down River Road or a more social scene, there’s a spot for you.
Suwannee Spring Reunion is different from a lot of festivals because of the way it values all musicians. Not just the ones performing on stage. One of the greatest qualities of this festival is that there has been a perpetual and strong jam culture flowing throughout the performers and the general attendees. So, if you’re a musician, bring your acoustic instrument and prepare to have a lovely time! There are two open campsites Slopryland, hosted by Sloppy Joe, and The Bill Monroe Tent hosted by QuarterMoon, that welcome musicians of any skill level to come by and pick a tune at just about any time. You can find both of these campsites on the Festival Map or just follow the sound of people having fun, and you’ll likely find yourself in good company. No matter what you’re playing ability is, the folks are welcoming, supportive, and kind. You’ll see throughout the campground that the Suwannee family is deeply rooted in love, acceptance, and community. So don’t be afraid to dust off your instrument and share a song. In fact, many long-time festival attendees will say that the music that happens in the campsites after the stage shows is just as powerful as the sets seen on stage, with the added intimacy of standing close to your friends next to a warm fire and watching the moon rise after a night of adventure.
If you love the quest for handmade treasures, you’ll love the vendor row at Suwannee Spring Reunion. There’s always an excellent variety of handmade art pieces, clothing, trinkets, hats, and more. If you’re like me and you spend most of your day at the stages, you are bound to work up an appetite! Having fun is a lot of hard work, so why not reward yourself with a treat from the food vendors? In recent years, I have seen everything from smoothies, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, and even flash-fried Brussels sprouts! The food vendors honestly have something for everyone.
Forget your deodorant, and you’re on your second day of camping? Have your camping buddies moved to the other side of the fire? It might be time to visit the general store. It is located near the Music hall and they have nearly everything you might have forgotten at home. They also carry a pretty impressive selection of cold beers, they always seem to have plenty of lighters, and I have even purchased a replacement penny whistle there a time or two. So, in a way, the general store is the festival hero. Make sure you check it out.
Suwannee Spring Reunion
Suwannee Spring Reunion is produced by some of the most heartfelt and devoted people on the planet. Festival Director Beth Judy and her team have dedicated years of their lives to creating events that bring music lovers together for good times and for what Beth refers to as “Community Plus”. Those who have a history with the event will tell you that it is like being part of one large, growing family. No matter what is happening in the world, we manage to come together under the live oaks, bask in the sunshine, and dance to the music.
There are many festivals to choose from this season, but I promise you this one is different. Suwannee Spring Reunion forges an experience all its own. It has a deep story full of unforgettable characters that you can be part of. So if you’re thinking of going to your first festival, or maybe you haven’t attended a festival in many years, Suwannee Spring Reunion should definitely be considered. This is an event that will give you a feeling of escape, but it will also give you a chance to slow down, really listen to fantastic music, and be present in a community that loves creativity, music, and art. This is your chance to break your routine, pack your essentials, and revive yourself in nature. Why not do it? I promise you won’t regret the experience ahead. More festival information and tickets are available at www.SuwanneeSpringReunion.com. So put on your dancing shoes, mark your calendars, and I will see you down on the Suwannee River for Suwannee Spring Reunion 2025.
