Hillberry: The Harvest Moon Festival 2025 – 10 Years of Tradition

The monumental Hillberry Bluegrass festival recently reached a milestone decade year, offering a five-day bluegrass festival at The Farm, just a few miles outside of historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Each year's atmosphere creates a unique persona of welcome, relaxation, and the indulgent appreciation of a grassroots movement that has been entertaining audiences for years.

'Happy Hillberry' was uttered on multiple occasions. It was almost as if this five-day bluegrass festival, with loyal concertgoers, campers, craft distributors, vendors, and newcomers, had morphed into a nationally recognized holiday. 

Jon Walker, Deadhead Productions Manager and The Farm Campground Events owner, said this of Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival 2025:

"We have produced 33 music festivals over the past 14 years. This year, I feel like we finally accomplished what we set out to do. The community came together and supported us on our 10-year anniversary of the Hillberry Music Festival. It was the highest attendance to date, yet the smoothest run event we have ever produced. We had some of the nicest people on the planet who traveled long distances to be here. We work hard to provide great production and great staff, but the people are truly what make our event special. The energy, gratitude, and love expressed by our attendees are what continue to push us forward. We are proud that we built this organically and that our intentions are driven by our love of music. We are beyond grateful to our community for their years of support in helping us build something so special that is the Hillberry Music Festival."

The Farm is a large plot of rolling hills and autumn-changing trees that serves as a host for many local and far-reaching roots musicians, not to mention the hundreds of fans who show up, year after year, to enjoy their favorite bands and taste new and rising future bluegrass artists. 

Hillberry 2025: The Harvest Moon Festival is a family-friendly event catering to all ages, from the youngest to the oldest, offering something special for everyone at this fall outdoor music lover's paradise in the heart of the Ozarks. While evening is when the heavy-hitting bands and solo artists put on their grand shows, daytime at Hillberry is full of a wide array of entertainment all its own.

From human wheelbarrow races in the circus-striped media tent to multiple afternoon parades led by children of all ages, there is never a dull moment at this bluegrass oasis in the hills.

Jon Walker of Deadhead Productions and owner of The Farm Campground and Events at 1 Blue Heron Lane in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, invited his soon-to-be 85-year-old mother to the Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival this year.

"This was her first music festival. I have always tried to explain what I do, but I felt that she needed to see it with her own eyes, because it's hard to describe to someone what a festival is all about. She loved it!" shared Walker.

On the other end of the age spectrum, proving that Hillberry has something to offer for every age, Adams Collins, Arkansauce banjo player, gave a touching shout-out to his four-month-old daughter, who also experienced her first Hillberry. You gotta start 'em young! (Something tells me, with her dad's mad string pickin' and vocal skills, this will not be his daughter's last Hillberry. She may even take center stage in the next few years, giving her ole man a run for his money).

Tom Anderson, the stand-up bass player for Arkansauce, wished his wife, Holly, a Happy 10th anniversary while performing live in front of hundreds. Arkansauce is familiar with Hillberry, having performed at the festival since its inception. A local band from Fayetteville, Arkansas, these four bandmates, now with a complete brass and percussion section, have really put the state of Arkansas on the map as a bluegrass hot spot. The band is scheduled to record a new album in Nashville, Tennessee, in the near future.  

Presented by Railroad Earth and Deadhead Productions, the intent behind this five-day annual festival is to provide a warm and welcoming environment for bluegrass music lovers to 'get away from it all' and experience tried and true favorites, as well as newly discovered talent. This year's lineup included such artists as Railroad Earth, Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, Yonder Mountain String Band, Arkansauce, Crescent City Combo, The Steppers, Taylor Smith, and many more. (See full lineup here: https://hillberryfestival.com/#lineup).

If roughing it for five days isn't your thing, there are many other ways to experience Hillberry. From basic tent camping to the glamping experience of an RV, a mini home on wheels, some festival goers pick a day or two and choose to stay in historic and romantic Eureka Springs. Some come and go to the festival at their leisure, based on the year's lineup of performances.

Each year, there are the fan-favorite familiar vendors, with a sprinkling of new artisans proudly selling their wares, making the festival a prime locale for those who love handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, and everything from leather accessories to custom-made pottery. The festival offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an extensive array of food and beverage trucks to suit every fanciful palate. Many choose to bring their own food and tailgate with friends and family while enjoying the atmospheric backdrop of popular pickin' and grinnin' in the distance.

The merchandise tents are always available with each band, artist, or general Hillberry attire. This year's showcase was a large knit throw with the Hillberry insignia and lineup printed on the front. A true work of art, and a valuable keepsake for those cool fall evenings when the music knows no time limit. In addition to shopping, Hillberry offers daily craft workshops, refreshing showers, and a wide array of breakout sessions to cater to the diverse interests of its bluegrass-loving crowd.

Deadhead Productions, named after the iconic rock band, The Grateful Dead, shared that the current state of affairs in our society feels heavy. They aim to create a relaxing and entertaining space that fosters solitude and freedom of expression. A place where guests can truly escape the hustle, bustle, and everyday stress of life to enjoy a beautiful natural backdrop accompanied by the soothing sounds of music, along with the fast-paced, melodic, toe-tapping and full-on dancing to the beat of each individual drum. 

Plans for a festival of this magnitude are made months in advance. The promoters and management team are already looking forward to the 11th annual Hillberry in October 2026. You can find the lineup and ticket information here:https://hillberryfestival.com/.

Fully describing this yearly fall music festival in the heart of the Ozarks is a monumental task. You must personally experience it to truly appreciate the chill vibe, friendly atmosphere, and enjoyable music performed each year.