October 23-24, 2026

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. 

Bluegrass Music Added for 2026

Mulberry Jam

Mulberry Jam is a five-piece band, out of the Memphis area, that plays period songs of the past with traditional instruments and arrangements of the string dance performers of the 19th and early 20th century. 

Ralston Station

Ralston Station (formerly Ryman Shadows) is a Martin, Tennessee bluegrass band that has enjoyed playing traditional music for over two decades. The band has been featured two years in a row at the Soybean Festival and has also performed around the community, including Discovery Park and local churches.  The band performs both instrumental and vocal sets and has been televised on WJLT’s Gospel Showcase.  The instrumental lineup currently includes founding members Terry Lewis (mandolin), Ken Robinson (fiddle) and Larry Holder (banjo), along with James Burdette and Richard Gallagher (guitars), Willie Mo Perry and Deb Burdette (fiddles), Jim Moseley (mandolin), Terry Gish (banjo) and Lee Moses (bass). 

The Kody Norris Show

The Kody Norris Show combines a retro look with a modern bluegrass sound, earning a growing fan base and industry recognition. The group’s latest album, “Highfalutin Hillbilly,” highlights its blend of tradition and innovation. With strong roots in classic country and bluegrass, the band continues to expand its reach through national performances and touring.

The Tennessee Tradition Band

The Tennessee Tradition Band is West TN based Modern Traditional Bluegrass Band featuring sounds of traditional bluegrass, country and gospel music. Join us for a show filled with amazing musicianship, rich harmony and down home entertainment.

Special Programming

Special programming on Saturday includes a presentation by Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams on his book, “Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis,” highlighting the life and legacy of early Memphis founder Marcus Winchester.

Marcus Winchester was present at the signing of the Treaty of 1818 and was sent to Memphis at Andrew Jackson’s request. He then devoted his life to transforming the small settlement on the fourth Chickasaw bluff into a thriving center of transportation, commerce and industry that became Memphis. Despite his significant contributions, Winchester and his family faced relentless attacks because his wife, Amarante Loiselle, was a free woman of color during a time when the debate over slavery was becoming increasingly polarized — and deadly. This meticulously researched biography unearths the fascinating story of Marcus Winchester while bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of some of West Tennessee’s earliest residents.

Demonstrators, Reenactors and Vendors

Want to be part of this event? Whether you’re interested in becoming a vendor or participating as a living historian, reenactor or demonstrator we’d love to have you! Click the button below to sign up.

This festival is part of Discovery Park of America’s ongoing heritage programming, designed to preserve and share the traditions, music and stories of the region. New this year, live bluegrass music will fill the outdoor stage all weekend, adding an energetic and authentic soundtrack to the experience.

This event is free with Discovery Park admission or membership. Free admission is available for members of the Jackson Purchase Historical Society.

The 2026 David Crockett Homestead and Bluegrass Festival is sponsored by Thompson CAT Machinery and Union City Eye Care, PC.