September 22 - 25 will mark the annual Upperco Music Festival held at the grounds of the Upperco Volunteer Fire Company. Formally the Arcadia Bluegrass Festival, this is the 38th year as a fundraiser for the Upperco Volunteer Fire Department. The festival brings world-class hard-driving bluegrass talent to the area with fourteen bands ranging from premier international touring groups to local favorites.

Headlining acts include Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, a multi-Grammy nominated and multi-IBMA awarded group, complete with international touring street cred. The band is one of the preeminent bluegrass bands in the country having played on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to headlining major music festivals. Seth Mulder and Midnight Run is a chart topping, hard-driving bluegrass band. This hot band from the Smoky mountains is in high demand and has one the busiest schedules in bluegrass.
Other acts include Big Country Bluegrass, The Baker Family, Remington Ryde, Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, Country Current (Bluegrass Navy Band), Blue Stone, Old Town Flood and more.

The roster of bands is impressive, but organizers emphasize that the stage shows are just part of the experience. The festival is known for great camping, craft beer, vendors, band competition, jamming, instrumental/vocal workshops, silent auction, food, and very reasonable ticket prices.

The event kicks off Wednesday at 5 pm with a bluegrass jam and band competition and continues through Saturday evening with stage shows and workshops. A special Bluegrass for Breakfast show will be held Saturday morning at 9 am.

Event times are Wednesday 5 pm – 9:30, Thursday 11 am – 8:50 pm, Friday 11 am – 8:50 pm, Saturday 9 am – 8:50 pm.

Day and weekend passes available for $5 - $70. Junior weekend passes for kids 12 – 15 years available for $35. Camping passes for $10 - $20.