FloydFest25~Aurora Preview: Performances We Are Dying To See

FloydFest25~Aurora Preview: Performances We Are Dying To See

Liz Pappas
July 10, 2025

Are you FloydFest Family?  Are you FloydFest Curious? Most importantly, are you looking for an adventure in the magical mountains of Floyd County, Virginia?

You're in luck, because the fabled FloydFest25~Aurora returns July 23-27, 2025, celebrating an incredible 25-year legacy that few festivals can match.

In less than two weeks, hop on I-66 towards the Shenandoah Valley and take the picturesque I-81 beyond Roanoke to the whispering pines of Check for an experience as rare as it gets. The East Coast’s most enchanting mountain music gathering, it transforms the Blue Ridge into a swirling playground of color, sound, and connection. The festival sits in FestivalPark, a new 210-acre venue just off U.S. 221 in Floyd County. Literally in the clouds, this 360-degree immersive landscape becomes a midsummer portal into something wilder, kinder, and deeply alive — a place where your inner wild thing can finally run free.

 By day, it’s a technicolor wonderland where laughter spills down the hills, tie-dye and sunhats bob through grassy fields, and strangers become instant family over shared shade and stories. FloydFest feels like the world’s friendliest backyard BBQ stretched across miles of ridgelines, with all the glitz, glam, and grandeur of a commercial festival but the easy charm of dancing barefoot with neighbors. Seven stages rise from an enormous campground and bustling vendor village, rich with artisan markets and a deep commitment to sustainability.

When the sun dips and dusk gathers under the pines, FloydFest transforms. The earth itself hums, lanterns flicker awake, and the hills begin to pulse with rhythm. Twinkling tree canopies lean in over a wild rumpus as music floats up to meet the stars.  It is literally in the clouds. We come alive under those night skies, hearts racing, feet dusty, bodies moving in collective joy.

This year’s lineup is stacked with artists who will have you sprinting from stage to stage. The best part is you cannot make a wrong choice. Every act on the bill promises to blow your mind. Here are the artists we won’t be missing for anything.

For a complete list of artists and events at this year's edition of FloydFest, you can go ahead and explore the entire daily schedule and lineup.

#1 Daytime: Nat Myers 

Friday, 1:00-1:45 PM — Floyd Country Store

No artist has a story this year that pulls harder on my heart than Nat Myers. In March, cancer halted his tour. But feeling stronger, spirits up, prayers working, he’s back.

Nat’s Delta blues style is gritty and ghostly, rooted in fingerpicking that will rattle your ribcage. His unique sound makes you believe he's pulling songs out of the soil itself, which makes The Floyd Country Store’s humble porch stage the perfect setting to soak in his raw truth. If you only pick one set all weekend, this is it.

Get to Nat's Floyd Country Store Porch set early to snag the best seat in the house!

#1 Late Night: Maggie Rose

Thursday, 5:30-6:30 PM — Oasis; Sunday, 10:15-11:45 PM — Oasis (FloydFest Finale)

Maggie Rose, the Grammy-nominated powerhouse with soul-drenched vocals, returns to Floyd with her unbeatable stage presence that’s sure to leave you mesmerized (I know I was!)

Catch her first on Thursday for a sunlit performance that will crackle with raw honesty. Then don’t you dare miss her Sunday night FloydFest Finale. This is the crown jewel set, the last chance to dance barefoot with strangers and howl your heart out under the stars. Maggie is known for inviting local players and surprise guests on stage for the big finish, so expect sparkles, energy, and more pizazz than you deemed possible. Maggie’s festival close-out set is undoubtedly worth giving up a few hours of sleep; I can’t think of a better way to wrap up FloydFest than immersing yourself in Oasis Stage’s sweeping visuals with Maggie Rose’s knockout voice reverberating out of the half-dome and into the magical mountains.

Maggie Rose and her magical night set at FloydFest

Maggie Rose during her magical late night set at FloydFest


Soul, Rock, & Big Voices

  • Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast: Friday, 11:00 PM-12 AM — Oasis; Saturday, 5:45-6:45 PM — Canopy Grove; Buffalo Mountain Jam host, Saturday 11:30 PM-1:00 AM — Oasis
     Catch Caitlin Krisko and crew rattle the hills as she belts with enough ferocity to blow you away. Then, gear up for Saturday night's finale as Caitlin hosts Floyd’s wildest jam, pulling up surprise guests for an All-Star line up.

Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast at Oasis Stage last FloydFest.

  • The California Honeydrops: Wednesday, 10:30-11:45 PM — Oasis; Thursday, 4:30-5:30 PM — Main Stage
    Be sure to arrive on time, because the opening late night party belongs to these New Orleans-inspired soul kings; expect horns, howls, and a lawn full of dancing bodies. Anyone who's experienced them will tell you that the Honeydrop energy cannot be matched!

The California Honeydrops burn down the lawn at DelFest '25.


Roots & Bluesy Americana


  • The Wood Brothers Saturday, 7:00-8:30 PM — Main Stage
    Americana soul with playful harmonies that beg you to sway along. Their songs bloom live, swinging between unstoppable joy and tenderness. Prepare to find yourself grinning, singing, and dancing without even thinking.

The Wood Brothers had the crowd grooving at DelFest '25.

  • Jeremie Albino: Saturday, 2:00-3:15 PM — Main Stage
    New on the national scene, Jeremie Albino brings dusty folk-rock with a giant heart and an even bigger voice. Catch the next big roots star him while you’re still close enough to see his grin.
  • Buffalo Nichols Sunday, 12:45-1:30 PM — Higher Ground; 6:30-7:15 PM — Floyd Country Store
    This already renowned singer-songwriter plays an increasingly rare sound: modern blues with intricate guitar work and a voice that aches with truth. Tackling themes of struggle, identity, and resilience, Buffalo Nichols will break you open with raw authenticity and the most captivating rusty pipes.
  • The Last Revel Friday, 2:00-3:00 PM — Main Stage
    A string band steeped in campfire spirit, hollered harmonies and a foot-stomping pulse. They bottle up and overflow with raw roots joy and a rough edge that feels both timeless and fiercely alive.

The Last Revel brings their vibrant sound to the Main Stage Friday, July 25 at 2 PM.

  • DaShawn Hickman: Sunday, 2:45-3:30 PM — Floyd Country Store
    A 2025 Artist on the Rise, DaShawn's sacred steel lifts you right into gospel heaven. His solos are hallelujahs in metal and wire that will have you shaking your head saying "shewww".

Bluegrass & Jam

  • The Travelin’ McCourys Present The Grateful Ball Sunday, 3:30-4:30 PM — Main Stage
    Thought the Travelin' McCourys couldn't get any wilder? These bluegrass legends will send you to the next dimension with their spin on Grateful Dead classics. Wild improvisation, tight picking, and a new addition to the band (fiddle player Christian Ward) guarantees it to be an out of this world set.

Don't miss The Travelin' McCourys and The Grateful Ball with new bandmate Christian Ward on fiddle.

  • Big Richard Sunday, 1:30-2:30 PM — Main Stage
    Fresh off their latest album release, these four fierce women shred bluegrass with harmonies and personalities as sharp as barbed wire.
  • Brothers Comatose Saturday, 4:30-5:45 PM — Main Stage
     River raft crowd surfing? Mandolins smashed on knees? Whole band jams in the middle of the crowd? Their sets are legendary for a reason. And with FloydFest vet Addie Levy's recent enlistment to the family, you definitely need to hear the fresh sound of The Brothers (and Sister!) Comatose.
Brothers Comotose

The Brothers Comatose always bring the party, and it's one you do not want to miss!


Psychedelic Funk & Mischief

  • Isaac Hadden: Wednesday, 9:30-10:30 PM — VIP; Thursday, 6:15-7:15 PM — Floyd Country Store; Friday, 8:00-9:00 PM — Higher Ground
    Bask in the jam of another Floyd vet, Isaac Hadden, a young guitarist who fuses jazz, funk, and jam with mind-bending skill. Come witness the next funk legend in the making!

Isaac Hadden Organ Trio playing Higher Ground at FloydFest '24

  • LaMP Thursday, 11:00-11:55 PM — Higher Ground; Friday, 8:00-9:00 PM — Oasis
    Fans of Lettuce, Trey Anastasio Band, and Moe. won't want to miss these jams. This is funk’s happy place: unpredictable, smooth, and interdimensional.
  • Bella’s Bartok Thursday, 8:00-9:00 PM — Higher Ground; Sunday 9:30-11:00 PM — Higher Ground
    Gothic carnival meets circus-punk. Horns, face paint, waltzes gone mad — it’s Dali on the dance floor.
Bella's Bartok

Bella's Bartok

  • Big Something: Friday, 12:45-2:00 AM — Oasis (late night)
    Midnight jams that stretch into the next dimension. The ultimate Floyd late-night soundtrack.
  • Tan & Sober Gentlemen Wednesday, 6:45-7:45 PM — Oasis; Thursday, 10:30-11:55 PM — Canopy Grove
    They call it Celtic punk-grass: rowdy, sweat-drenched, made for dancing with strangers.
  • The Free Label Sunday, 12:15-1:45 AM — Canopy Grove (late night)
    Canadian funk-pop party starters.; expect slick bass lines, bright horns, and an irresistibly cocky strut.
  • Tan & Sober Gentlemen Wednesday, 6:45-7:45 PM — Oasis; Thursday, 10:30-11:55 PM — Canopy Grove
    They call it Celtic punk-grass: rowdy, sweat-drenched, made for dancing with strangers.
  • The Free Label Sunday, 12:15-1:45 AM — Canopy Grove (late night)
    Canadian funk-pop party starters.; expect slick bass lines, bright horns, and an irresistibly cocky strut.
  • Hans Williams Sunday, 2:30-3:30 PM — Canopy Grove
    Confessional indie-folk that blooms into cathartic anthems; take a seat under the trees and soak it in.
  • Ranford Almond Wednesday, 7:45-8:45 PM — Higher Ground; Thursday, 4:15-5:15 PM — Canopy Grove; Friday, 11:00-11:45 AM — Floyd Country Porch
    FloydFest '24's Artist on the Rise Runner Up, Ranford Almond returns to FloydFest for 3 boot stompin' sets! You can anticipate blends of raspy, soul-soaked vocals with Appalachian guitar that nods to Prine and Van Zandt. But don't sit back just yet, because this band knows how to rock!

Boot Scootin' Country Folk

  • Lua Flora Thursday, 11:15 AM-Noon — Canopy Grove; Friday, 1:15-2:00 PM — Oasis
    Breezy indie-folk with a coastal glow, Lua Flora is DC Music Review's official pick for the FloydFest '25 On-The-Rise Winner. We're predicting it now — while throwing salt over our shoulders, of course.
  • Chaparelle Friday, 3:00-4:00 PM — Higher Ground
    This country-western duo mixes dreamy Texas charm with a punchy Austin attitude that will have you two-stepping from the very first note.
  • Miss Tess Saturday, 6:00-6:45 PM — Floyd Country Store
    Retro swing with modern sass. It’s like if your favorite old record player sprouted legs and winked.
  • Theo Lawrence Sunday, 4:30-5:30 PM — Oasis
    French-Americana with a smoky croon. It’s like if Roy Orbison met swampy blues — lush, vintage, unforgettable.
  • Dom Flemons Friday, 3:00-3:45 PM — Floyd Country Store
    This American Songster will teach, entertain, and drop banjo runs that make your heart jump.
  • Sam Morrow Thursday, 5:30-6:30 PM —Higher Ground
    Gritty, bar-stained country that nods to Waylon and Sturgill — first-night whiskey music.

Can’t Miss Cheat Sheet

✅ Wednesday

  • Ranford Almond 7:45-8:45 (Higher Ground)
  • Isaac Hadden 9:30-10:30 (VIP)
  • The California Honeydrops 10:30-11:45 (Oasis)

✅ Thursday
  • Lua Flora 11:15-Noon (Canopy Grove)
  • Ranford Almond 4:15-5:15 (Canopy Grove)
  • The California Honeydrops 4:30-5:30 (Main)
  • Sam Morrow 5:30-6:30 (Higher Ground)
  • Maggie Rose 5:30-6:30 (Oasis)
  • Isaac Hadden 6:15-7:15 (Canopy Grove)
  • Bella’s Bartok 8:00-9:00 (Higher Ground)
  • LaMP 11:00-11:55 (Higher Ground)
  • Tan & Sober Gentlemen 10:30-11:55 (Canopy Grove)

✅ Friday
  • Ranford Almond 11:00-11:45 (Floyd Country Store)
  • Nat Meyers 1:00-1:45 (Floyd Country Store)
  • Lua Flora 1:15-2:00 (Oasis)
  • The Last Revel 2:00-3:00 (Main Stage)
  • Mackenzie Roark 2:00-3:00 (Canopy Grove)
  • Chaparelle 3:00-4:00 (Higher Ground)
  • Dom Flemons 3:00-3:45 (Floyd Country Store)
  • LaMP 8:00-9:00 (Oasis)
  • Isaac Hadden 8:00-9:00 (Higher Ground)
  • Caitlin Krisko 11:00-Midnight (Oasis)
  • Big Something 12:45-2:00 AM (Oasis)

✅ Saturday
  • Jeremie Albino 2:00-3:15 (Main)
  • Brothers Comatose 4:30-5:45 (Main)
  • Caitlin Krisko 5:45-6:45 (Canopy Grove)
  • Miss Tess 6:00-6:45 (Floyd Country Store)
  • The Wood Brothers 7:00-8:30 (Main)
  • The Free Label 12:15-1:45AM  (Canopy Grove)
  • Buffalo Mountain Jam hosted by Caitlin Krisko 11:30-1:00 AM (Oasis)

✅ Sunday
  • Big Richard 1:30-2:30 (Main)
  • Buffalo Nichols 12:45-1:30 (Higher Ground)
  • Hans Williams 2:30-3:30 (Oasis)
  • DaShawn Hickman 2:45-3:30 (Floyd Country Store)
  • The Travelin’ McCourys 3:30-4:30 (Main)
  • Theo Lawrence 4:30-5:30 (Oasis)
  • Buffalo Nichols 6:30-7:15 (Floyd Country Store)
  • Bella’s Bartok 9:30-11:00 (Higher Ground)
  • Maggie Rose Finale 10:15-11:45 (Oasis)

If you haven't already done so, go ahead and download the FloydFest app on your phone.  Why not have the daily schedule, map, and just about everything else in the palm of your hand!  That's right, FloydFest has an iPhone and Google Play Festival App available for download now.  Click on the image below that matches your phone flavor.

Download it on the Apple Store
Google Play

If you are unfamiliar with some of the bands we listed, why don't you listen to the official FloydFest Spotify Playlist and get your groove on to one (or all) of the bands we listed.

So what are you waiting for?  Tick-tock!  FloydFest 2025 is on the distant but beautiful horizon! It it always darkest before the dawn, and we need to hold our FloydFest Family close and dear.

Read our review of last year's edition of FloydFest - the FloydFest FOMO is REAL!   Is it as good as you remember? Is it as good as everyone has told you?  The answer to both questions is - ABSOLUTELY!


FloydFest 24 ~ Horizon: Where The Wild Rumpus Continues And Never Ends
FlodyFest made a triumphant and much-anticipated return to the music festival calendar this year with FloydFest 24~Horizon. Last year, due[...]

Don't let this magical and unforgettable festival slip away from you!  Music, Magic, and Mountains await us all.

The FloydFest 25 Countdown Is On!

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Performance Details

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Wednesday, July 23, 2024 - 10 AM

to

Sunday, July 27, 2024


Check the link below for ticket options.

Get them before FloydFest 2025 is sold out!  This festival always sells out!


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To learn more about FloydFest, please see the following web resources:

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About the author

Liz Pappas

Liz Pappas, more commonly known as Barley Moon, is a live music photographer living in Baltimore. When introduced to the wildly talented local music scene in 2022, she immediately grew a deep passion for promoting Baltimore bands. Since finding her passion for photography, she has joined media teams for festivals such as DelFest, Charm City Bluegrass, and Hot August Music Festival. While she loves knocking elbows in the pit, on any given night, you can find her making her local bands sparkle at Fed Hill's most popular venue, The 8x10.


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