2026 David Crockett Homestead and Bluegrass Festival

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Experience the Sounds, Skills and Stories of Early Settlers

This two-day celebration invites guests to explore traditional crafts, homesteading practices and bluegrass music while gaining a deeper appreciation for the everyday lives of early American settlers.

Guests will enjoy educational demonstrations, hands-on learning experiences and live performances throughout the festival. Explore a lively marketplace featuring talented artisans offering handcrafted goods, watch skilled craftspeople at work and take part in a community bluegrass jam.

Join us for an unforgettable journey back in time as we explore the lives of David Crockett and other early settlers of West Tennessee. This year, we’re thrilled to announce an expanded celebration with our two-day homestead and bluegrass festival.

This event is included with Discovery Park admission or membership.

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What to Expect:

Historical Demonstrations:

Watch skilled craftspeople showcase traditional frontier skills.

Experience hands-on educational activities

Live Music:

Enjoy the sounds of live bluegrass music that will set the perfect atmosphere for the festival.

Those interested in participating in the “Jam Session” led by Mulberry Jam can receive free admission when bringing an instrument.

Marketplace:

Browse through a vibrant marketplace filled with talented artisans offering unique handcrafted goods.

Eats-n-Treats:

Enjoy homemade beef stew and cornbread, available for purchase, the ideal treat on a cool fall afternoon.

Living Historians:

J.C. Stahlman’s Living History Group presents engaging historical interpretations representing the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, Pioneer Life, the Early Republic, David Crockett’s Alamo, the Civil War and World War II. Each encampment offers an authentic look into the daily lives, tools and stories of those who shaped our nation’s past. These living historians will be on site Friday and Saturday in The Settlement from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Animal Encounters:

Discovery Park’s Wildlife Department will host touch table/talks and fur demonstrations (Friday and Saturday)

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Schedule of Events

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Friday, October 23

Friday kicks off the festival with a day of history, storytelling and music. Explore The Settlement with vendors, reenactors, blacksmiths and demonstrations, encounter wildlife through the Land Between the Lakes program and enjoy live bluegrass performances.

Friday also features American storytelling and the launch party for Moments They Made: The Photography of Nonie and Verne Sabin.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Land Between the Lakes Woodlands Nature Station outreach | The Settlement

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Vendors, reenactors, mobile blacksmiths and demonstrations | The Settlement

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Dead Tree Desperados and TRABA blacksmiths | Mill Ridge

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Pumpkin Village activities | The Settlement

11 a.m. -12 p.m. | Ralston Station | Tool Barn Pavilion

11-11:30 a.m. | Reenactor demonstration: Firing & weapons| The Settlement

12-1 p.m. | American storytelling program | Wade Cabin

12:30-1 p.m. | Reenactor demonstration: Camp Life | The Settlement

1-2 p.m. | Kurt Stephenson | Tool Barn Pavilion

2-3 p.m. | Community Jam Session | Tool Barn Pavilion

3-3:30 p.m. | Reenactor demonstration: Fishing, firing and weapons | The Settlement

3:30-5 p.m. | Launch Party for “Moments They Made: The Photography of Nonie and Verne Sabin” | Reelfoot Room and Upper Military Gallery

3:30-5 p.m. | Jargon | Military Gallery

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Saturday, October 24

Saturday brings a lively lineup of bluegrass, history and hands-on experiences for all ages. Visit The Settlement to see reenactors, vendors, blacksmiths and demonstrations, enjoy Pumpkin Village activities and hear performances ranging from traditional bluegrass to The Kody Norris Show.

Special programming includes “David Crockett’s Farewell,” a presentation by Discovery Park CEO, Scott Williams, as well as David Crockett’s rally to fight Texas at the Alamo.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Vendors, reenactors, mobile blacksmiths and demonstrations | The Settlement

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Dead Tree Desperados and TRABA blacksmiths | Mill Ridge

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Pumpkin Village activities | The Settlement

11-11:30 a.m. | Bear photos with reenactors | Discovery Park Entrance

11-11:30 a.m. | Presentation: David Crockett’s Farewell with Discovery Park CEO and author Scott Williams | Reelfoot Room

11-11:30 a.m. | Ralston Station | Great Lawn

11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Interactive Train Robbery #1 | Train Depot

11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Soggy…

Community event in Union City, Obion County, TN 38261.