Harvest Mountain Music festival will once again be taking place on Mulberry Mountain in the serene Arkansas Ozark Mountains October 14 – 16. If you are someone who enjoys bluegrass, improvisation, blues, country, or rock then this is a festival for you. Artists this year will include Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, Keller Williams and the Keels, Martin Sexton, and many more.
Along with the shows, the area around Mulberry Mountain offers a multitude of other activities, ranging from disc golf, hiking, and fishing. Kayak rentals are also an option provided by the local store, Turner Bend. Tickets are on sale for $119. These tickets also include camping for the entire three days of the festival, which is as any festival lover knows, is a bargain. Many other festivals similar to Harvest charge on average $100 for 3-4 days of camping. Thankfully, Harvest is taking place much later in the year than usual, October vs. the usual August, so the worry over the unbearable heat will not be an issue. Average temperatures at this time of the year range from highs in the 80’s to lows in the 60’s, which will make for fantastic camping weather. Another perk to the festival being during the fall will be the amazing foliage. The changing of the leaves in the Ozark Mountains is beautiful and is amazing to witness.
As with any festival, come prepared. Don’t assume that the weather will ideal. Even though the temperatures are usually very pleasant during this time of the year, sitting outside in the sun all day is still not something that most people want to do. A smart thing will be, of course, to bring a canopy. While you may not be at your campsite for the vast majority of the weekend, a canopy will still provide a shady place that you can come back to for a while and relax. It will also be even more convenient if rain becomes an issue. Also, bring your own food and drinks. There will be vendors, but their prices are often a lot more than what you will pay going to the grocery store the day before the festival. Finally, while there is technically cell phone service on top of the mountain, it is very unreliable. Go ahead and bring your cell phone, but if it doesn’t get any service, don’t be surprised. The service is especially spotty when so many people are trying to use their cell phones at the same time.
Harvest Fest is guaranteed to be a good time this year, especially with such an amazing lineup thus far. If possible, buy your tickets soon, before prices increase and get a deal on three days of non-stop musical enjoyment, camping, and many other outdoor activities. And, who can deny that the scenery on and around Mulberry Mountain is anything but perfect? Overall, Harvest Fest is guaranteed to be a good time and is a must for anyone who loves attending festivals and listening to a range of music, including blues, rock, and bluegrass.
