The sixth annual Healing Appalachia festival, the world’s largest recovery-based music event, will light up Kentucky’s Country Music Highway on September 19-20th, at a mountaintop venue near Boyd County Fairgrounds in Ashland, Kentucky.
Headlined by Kentucky natives Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton, the two-day festival promises yet another soul-stirring blend of country, rock, funk, and Americana. Fans can expect epic rootsy performances from Molly Tuttle, Remi Wolf, Lukas Nelson, Blackberry Smoke, American Aquarium, The Infamous Stringdusters, Cole Chaney, Jesse Welles, Jonas Conner, Hill Country Devil, Corduroy Brown, The Montvales, Brad Goodall, Conrad Moore, Andy Frasco, Jeremy Short, and more. Tickets are available now at healingappalachia.org.
This year’s festival kicks off with a free Thursday night concert, setting the stage for a weekend of unforgettable music. A highlight is “Sauntersong,” intimate hike-in sets organized by Matt “Catfish” Williams, where attendees can enjoy acoustic performances tucked in the Appalachian hills. The “Camp Grindstone” recovery camp will also feature music therapy sessions, blending soulful sounds with healing vibes, curated by Margaret Moore. “We’re stoked to present top-shelf national acts and local talent, spreading the healing power of music,” said Dave Lavender, board president of Hope in the Hills.
Healing Appalachia, founded by Childers and WhizzbangBAM!, draws over 20,000 music lovers globally, fostering community while supporting recovery. Nearly 500 local recovery volunteers, many sharing their stories between sets, enhance the festival’s heartfelt atmosphere. The event’s $5 million economic boost supports Appalachia, with proceeds funding over 100 nonprofits. Since 2018, the festival has raised $1 million for recovery programs, with music as the heartbeat of its mission.
Held during National Recovery Month, Healing Appalachia combines world-class performances with purpose, offering Naloxone training and resources. For tickets and more information, visit healingappalachia.org.
