The American Mule and Music Association and Uncle Dave Macon Days will team up for a 2023 event known as the American Mule & Bluegrass Festival to be held Sept. 28 through Oct. 1 at the Cooper Steel Arena, 721 Whithorn St. in Shelbyville, on the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration grounds.

Gloria Christy, president of the Uncle Dave Macon Days organization, explains the partnership. “The organizers of Uncle Dave Macon Days are committed to enhancing the value of this wonderful event, American Mule and Music Festival, which has already become a popular experience in Middle Tennessee.”

Organizers of Uncle Dave Macon Days will blend 45 years of experience in preservation of roots music and the rural culture of Middle Tennessee with the similar mission of the American Mules and Music Association.

“We are teaming up with Uncle Dave Macon Days to enhance the festival experience by educating the public about old-time traditions in a fun way,” said Marty Gordon, director of American Mules and Music. “As we embrace the future, together we will provide the old way of life of American-made music, mules and homestead skills.”

Organizers expect the festival to combine music, dance, arts, crafts and, of course, mules. For more information, visit americanmuleandbluegrassfestival.com and uncledavemacondays.com.