If you love music that doesn’t fit neatly into a box, then Muddy Roots Music Festival in Cookeville, TN, should be at the top of your festival bucket list. Every year, this grassroots event brings together the best in outlaw country, punk rock, folk, metal, and everything in between for a weekend of pure, unfiltered musical mayhem. We had the privilege of covering last year’s festival, and let us tell you—it was a wild ride. If you missed out, don’t make that mistake again. Here’s why you should grab your tickets for this year’s event ASAP!
A Festival With Roots (Muddy Ones, Of Course)
Muddy Roots isn’t your typical mainstream festival. It was born out of a love for independent, underground, and genre-blending music. Since its inception in 2010, it’s grown into a sanctuary for music lovers who crave something raw, real, and rebellious. Held on a sprawling farm in Tennessee, this festival strips away the corporate gloss and brings music back to its roots—quite literally. Camping, late-night jam sessions, and a welcoming community make it feel more like a massive family reunion (if your family consists of outlaws, punks, and rock ‘n’ rollers).
2024 Highlights – The Acts That Blew Our Minds
Last year’s lineup was stacked, and picking just a few highlights is a crime—but if we must, here are some of the acts that left us speechless:
1. All Them Witches
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, All Them Witches made their debut at Muddy Roots 2024, delivering a mesmerizing blend of blues, psychedelic, and classic rock. Their set was a sonic journey, weaving hypnotic rhythms with powerful crescendos that captivated the audience from start to finish. The band’s dynamic performance showcased their musical prowess and left fans eagerly anticipating their next appearance.
2. Gogol Bordello
Known for their high-energy “gypsy punk” style, Gogol Bordello brought an electrifying atmosphere to the festival. Their fusion of punk, cabaret, and Eastern European influences had the crowd dancing and singing along throughout their set. Frontman Eugene Hütz’s charismatic presence and the band’s infectious energy made their performance a festival highlight, leaving attendees exhilarated and craving more.
3. High on Fire
Closing out the festival with a thunderous performance, High on Fire delivered their signature brand of heavy metal with relentless intensity. Fresh off their spring tour supporting their album “Cometh the Storm,” the band’s crushing riffs and pounding rhythms resonated through the festival grounds, providing a powerful finale to an unforgettable weekend. Their set not only showcased their latest material but also solidified their reputation as metal titans.
2025: Bigger, Louder, and Even More Muddy
This year’s lineup promises to keep that same chaotic energy, with a mix of returning favorites and fresh faces. While the full lineup is still rolling out, you can bet it’ll be packed with heavy hitters and underground legends. And let’s be real—Muddy Roots is about more than just the bands. It’s about the experience. The camaraderie. The late-night campsite jams. The feeling that, for one weekend, nothing else matters except good music and good people.
Don’t Just Hear About It—BE THERE!
Tickets are already on sale, and if past years are anything to go by, you don’t want to wait until the last minute. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Muddy Roots veteran, this is the kind of festival that stays with you long after the last note fades.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your tent, grab your boots, and let’s get muddy. Get your tickets now at MRMF and we’ll see you in the pit!