Imagine a festival that offers all of the bands, vendors, activities, and comforts you’re hoping for—without the long lines, overpriced drinks, or grimy portojohns that can ruin a weekend.
Imagine a festival that feels warm and genuine, one that’s thoughtfully organized and intentionally sized so your time, access, and enjoyment come first. A festival that’s affordably priced and sustainably growing each year, attracting a loyal, music-loving community that shows up for all the right reasons.
Now stop imagining and start planning your trip to Rooster Walk 16.
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 16th annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival returns May 21–24 (Memorial Day weekend) near Martinsville, VA. Over four days, approximately 50 bands representing a wide mix of genres will perform more than 90 sets at Pop’s Farm, a pristine 150-acre outdoor venue located about 2.5 hours from Charlottesville and less than an hour from Roanoke, Danville, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem.
Attending Rooster Walk in any capacity is rewarding, whether as a General Admission guest, performer, volunteer, or vendor. Rooster Walk was even voted Best Music Festival in the 2026 Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine reader contest. But experiencing the event as a VIP patron offers something truly special. A VIP pass elevates the weekend into a boutique festival experience that’s comfortable, relaxed, and consistently praised by returning guests. And the track record speaks for itself: VIP tickets have sold out in advance for more than a decade straight.
This year’s lineup is stacked from top to bottom. Headlining acts include St. Paul & The Broken Bones, moe., and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. They’re joined by an outstanding mix of artists such as Kitchen Dwellers, Keller Williams, Mountain Grass Unit, Eggy, Maggie Rose, Dumpstaphunk, John Brown’s Body, Shadowgrass, Clay Street Unit, Yarn, Holy Roller, Dizgo, Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, Tan & Sober Gentlemen, and many more.
Rooster Walk also brings back one of its most beloved traditions: the daily performance by the Rooster Walk House Band, a unique collaboration of the festival’s “artists at large.” This year’s lineup includes Josh Shilling (keys), Jeff Sipe (drums), Caitlin Krisko (vocals), Isaac Hadden (guitar), Florencia Rusinol (vocals), Wallace Mullinax (guitar), Sam on Sax (saxophone), and Jake Dempsey (bass). Their sets blend improvisation, creativity, and unexpected pairings you won’t hear anywhere else.
For VIP and Full Strut VIP patrons, the festival experience centers around a premium, VIP-only peninsula on the shore of Pop’s Pond. This hospitality area features a full bar, a private stage, free continental breakfast each morning, complimentary family-style meals, late-night snacks, and a daily “Free Pours at 4 pm” Happy Hour. Guests can also enjoy games, activities, and contests throughout the weekend.
Full Strut VIP patrons receive an extra layer of relaxation: exclusive access to Full Strut Island, reachable by bridge. The island’s Tiki Bar serves complimentary drinks, and the staff offers free pontoon boat rides all weekend.
Beyond the VIP area, Rooster Walk’s on-site experience shines just as brightly. Much of the camping sits beneath mature hardwood forests, providing comfortable, shaded spaces. With six stages, a vibrant Children’s Area, and an impressive lineup of food, craft, art, beer, and wine vendors, there’s something to explore at every turn.
The festival offers both multi-day and single-day tickets, and for guests who prefer not to camp, a free shuttle runs continuously to partnering hotels. Children 12 and younger attend free with a paying adult.
Rooster Walk Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting music, arts, and education in Martinsville–Henry County, VA. The festival honors the memory of childhood friends Edwin “the Rooster” Penn and Walker Shank. A portion of all proceeds supports an endowment scholarship for Martinsville High School students and a Band Instrument Program for local public schools. To date, Rooster Walk Inc. has donated more than $375,000 to regional charities.
For tickets, lineup details, and more information, visit RoosterWalk.com.
Music may anchor the weekend, but Rooster Walk’s setting invites plenty of ways to move, stretch, and explore between sets. Start the morning with guided yoga in the Pine Grove, or lace up your shoes for guided hikes that wind through Pop’s Farm. Wellness opportunities offer a refreshing reset, while disc golf and casual field games keep things playful throughout the day. Or, enjoy quiet moments on the water on pedal boats or a guided fly-fishing tour. It’s all part of the festival’s easygoing rhythm.