Tennessee Fall Homecoming - Preview

The Tennessee Fall Homecoming will run this year at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, TN from October 7 - 9, 2016. This celebration of Appalachian culture, life, history, and, most especially, music draws tourists as well as old-time and bluegrass fans from around the world to this picturesque, somewhat quirky, and most enjoyable museum and festival. The Homecoming is an extravaganza of the glorification of simple, mountain life, the people who come from this region, and the music that originated here and has spread nearly everywhere.

The Lineup

http://museumofappalachia.org/events/tennessee-fall-homecoming-2015/newsroom

Partial Lineup

The lineup for Tennessee Fall Homecoming is huge. Bluegrass headliners and top bands are listed above, but the list is too long to capture in a screen shot, while constantly having new acts added. I've just learned, for instance, the Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time have just been added to the lineup. Meanwhile, it should be noted that two Bluegrass Hall of Fame members shown on the lineup poster have died since it was posted: Ralph Stanley & Melvin Goins. Most of the major acts perform on the main stage, and many appear on one or more other stages scattered around the grounds. Be sure to pick of a detailed schedule at the gate when you arrive at the Museum. Place a seat in front of the main stage and then enjoy wandering the extensive grounds. 

Museum of Appalachia Founder

John Rice Irwin

John Rice Irwin spent over fifty years assembling regional buildings and memorabilia which are on display in the living museum that is The Museum of Appalachia, a non-profit museum which is partly supported by proceeds from this event. When you visit the Museum, particularly during the Tennessee Fall Homecoming, you'll find interpreters, musicians, and working displays spread around the grounds. During the Homecoming, the displays are supplemented with many local craftspeople displaying and selling their wares and food vendors offering regional food. Don't miss the fruit cobblers cooked on stacked cast iron dutch ovens and served hot with vanilla ice cream. There's nothing better!

Cobblers Cooking - Cherry, Peach, Apple, Blueberry

David Holt & Josh Goforth

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Steve Gulley & New Pinnacle

Leroy Troy

Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice

Phil Leadbetter

The Details: You can buy advanced tickets until September 21 by ordering them online here. You can purchase tickets online, by phone at (865) 494-7680 or at the gate.

Accommodations: There is no camping on the site, but the Fox Inn Campground is located a couple of miles from the gate, and there's a nearby KOA as well as a Tennessee State Park. There are four motels at Exit 122 of I-75, near the museum. As you drive closer to Knoxville, there's a wide variety of additional accommodations. We camp at the Dumplin Valley Farm RV Park, about a thirty-five mile drive from The Museum of Appalachia, which works out fine for us, since the music ends before dark. Here's a pdf list of Local Accommodations provided by the Museum.

Sammy Shelor - Lonesome River Band

Tickets: You can order tickets or obtain additional ticketing information online here until September 21. You can also buy tickets upon arrival at the gate or by phone at (865) 494-7680. The Tennessee Fall Homecoming runs from October 7-9, 2016.

How to Get to the Museum of Appalachia

Click on this Map, then put your location in the Space O

for Specific Directions

With five stages presenting performers from opening until dusk, the Tennessee Fall Homecoming offers a taste of a life that has nearly disappeared with the modernization of rural life and the increasing spread of urbanization. Take a couple of days to return to a nostalgic time when life was simpler and the joys of home, the farm, and local churches both challenged those seeking to make a better life and provided a musical culture that has spread across the nation and the world. The music, historical buildings, crafts and exhibits take visitors back to many of America's roots. The setting is rural and quaint. The interesting and authentic exhibits provide insight into life over a broad spectrum of American rural life. Come for the whole three days, of spend at least one or two soaking it up. If you see one of us, stop us to say "Hey!"