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[Pictured Above: Leftover Salmon by John Ryan Lockman / Show Love Media]

Fresh off The Caverns’ summer Big Mouth Bluegrass Festival, here comes CaveFest hot on its trail to serve up another helping of sights and sounds to the jam-grass fans who converge at the subterranean “Greatest Show Under Earth” venue, and its accompanying outdoor amphitheater, located near the town of Pelham, Tennessee.

There’s crowds in them thar hills! On its 2022 debut, CaveFest sold out—with guests in attendance from every one of the lower 48 states. With the advantage of everything The Caverns has to offer both above and below ground, the amphitheater will be put to use hosting headlining performances this Oct. 6–8, providing views of the scenic Cumberland Plateau while the crystalized venue’s underground concert hall serves as a second stage hosting additional performances, open jam sessions and cave yoga.

The Infamous Stringdusters

“This whole festival, from the bands on the lineup to the audience to the vibe is such a perfect fit for us,” John Rodrigue, drummer and vocalist for the band Airshow said. “Not to mention we get to play the coolest, most unique venue in America over a long weekend. Excited doesn’t begin to describe how we feel, but we are certainly honored to get to do this again.”

The curated line-up for this year’s Fest features mandolin maestro Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Peter Rowan, The Travelin’ McCourys, Jim Lauderdale, Town Mountain, The Lil Smokies, Lindsay Lou, Sam Grisman Project, Jon Stickley Trio, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Larry Keel Experience, The HillBenders, Sicard Hollow, Big Richard, Fireside Collective, Airshow, Two Runner, Pert Near Sandstone, Pixie & The Partygrass Boys, Volunteer String Band, Off the Wagon, Three Tall Pines, Johnny Campbell Band, Big Daddy Love, Tree of Forgiveness (a tribute to John Prine), Hudost, and Wyatt Ellis & Friends.

The Hillbenders

“CaveFest was a dream come true last year, an ideal festival featuring favorite bands in the best autumn weather in the perfect place. Glad this dream is recurring and we’re excited to see the event grow to three days in 2023,” says The Caverns owner Todd Mayo.

Providing three underground late-night sets with a different take every evening (on one they’ll play originals, one is a dance party, and special guests will join the band at the other), Rodrigue’s Airshow crew members share with the Pulse how they’re ready to tackle their mountain men roles:

“It is truly an honor to be the late-night house band at CaveFest,” said Airshow mandolin player and vocalist Cody Chelius. “Getting to meet and play music in a cave with some of our heroes last year was already such an incredible experience. I can’t believe we get to do it again for three more nights!”

“From the otherworldly setting to the electric energy of the crowd, playing The Caverns was one of the most amazing musical experiences ever,” said bassist/vocalist Bill Baker.

Airshow guitarist/vocalist Steve Gallagher promises that “The late-night sets are going to be top notch. The sound and production at The Caverns are second to none. The daily lineups are stacked . . . and it’s a pleasure to round out each day underground with my Airshow brothers.”

The Caverns slogan is “Where the Destination Becomes a Journey” for good reason—CaveFest will also feature cave tours and subterranean adventures, providing guests with the opportunity to delve deep and discover what lies beneath the earth’s surface. The Caverns will present hour-long walking tours through the otherworldly Big Room Cave, where the history of the region, cave geology and mythology intertwine. Those seeking even more of an adrenaline rush can opt for an Adventure Cave Tour that will take them beyond “Tombstone Pass” to witness an underground river, soda straw formations, and other fascinating sights.

Lindsay Lou, dubbed by fans the “Queen of CaveFest” in the festival’s inaugural year (“She was everywhere!” commented Caverns marketing director Jeff Meltesen), will return to the hoopla as an artist-in-residence. As such, in addition to her own performance slot, Lou will be sitting in with others all weekend long to create memorable collaborations and magical CaveFest moments.

Three-day general admission tickets to CaveFest are $149 and include three-night camping (Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights) plus free access to shower trailers and climate-controlled bathrooms.

RV guests can add a $99 pass for an RV campsite (hook-ups not available). A variety of VIP packages are offered for those looking to upgrade their experience with assorted perks like a premium campsite location, access to a VIP viewing area, access to a VIP lounge tent with delicious local catering, complimentary refreshments and snacks, open bar service and much more.

The Caverns also offers on-site accommodations in its new climate-controlled Yurt Village and lodging packages which include a stay in nearby Monteagle and shuttle transportation to and from the venue.

CaveFest runs Oct. 6 through Oct. 8 at The Caverns, 555 Charlie Roberts Rd., Pelham, Tennessee. For more information, call 931-516-9724 or visit thecaverns.com.

Find tickets here. Or enter to win a pair of tickets to CaveFest 2023 here: