CaveFest Loads 2026 Lineup With Tributes To John Prine, Bob Weir, Phish & More

By Scott Bernstein Mar 23, 2026 • 1:46 pm PDT

The Caverns will host the fifth annual CaveFest over Columbus Day Weekend, October 10 – 11, 2026. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings and Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Project lead the diverse 2026 lineup for the two-day festival in Grundy County, Tennessee.

CaveFest 2026 will also feature performances by Rising Appalachia, Keller & the Keels, Tree Of Forgiveness Band, Carlene Carter, Elizabeth Cook, Dom Flemons, Jim Lauderdale, Ashley Monroe, Lindsay Lou, Fruition, Scott Miller and the Commonwealth, Airshow, Uncle B’s Damned Ole Opry, Slay & Stinson, HuDost, Modern Biology, Three Tall Pines and The Flea Market Hustlers.

The lineup is heavy on tributes. The centerpiece is a John Prine 80th Birthday Celebration featuring The Tree Of Forgiveness Band and friends. Additionally, Peter Rowan and Sam Grisman Project will honor Old & In The Way, Lindsay Lou will perform Sublime’s self-titled 1996 album, Airshow will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Phish’s Billy Breathes album and pay tribute to the late Bob Weir, Uncle B’s Damned Ole Opry will perform The Beatles’ Revolver and Slay & Stinson will offer a take on Hot Rize’s Hot Rize.

Lindsay Lou will also serve as the event’s Artist-In-Residence. Furthermore, CaveFest will host The Bristol Sessions 100th Anniversary Celebration in tribute to the recordings widely known as the “big bang” of country music. Carlene Carter, granddaughter of Mother Maybelle, will be joined by Elizabeth Cook, Dom Flemons, Jim Lauderdale and Ashley Monroe for the set.

Sets will take place both above and below ground with on-site camping available as well as glamping packages, an open underground jam session, cave tours, food trucks, local craft vendors, workshops, kids’ activities, surprise performances and more. Those arriving early can enjoy the separately-ticketed CaveFest Kick-Off Party on Friday, October 9 featuring Lindsay Lou and Slap Dragon.

Click below for additional details and tickets.