The Banjo Extravaganza Festival returns to the Hagood Mill Historic Site on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19, 2025, promising a weekend filled with toe-tapping tunes, Appalachian heritage, and traditional artistry.

The festivities begin Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. with “Early Banjo History with Clifton Hicks.” Hicks, a well-known performer and historian, will guide attendees through the fascinating timeline of the banjo—from its West African and Caribbean roots to its emergence in 19th-century American music.

Saturday, July 19 – A Full Day of Music & Heritage

The festival continues Saturday with a stellar lineup of old-time musicians, all celebrating the rich legacy of the banjo. Gates open at 10:00 a.m., and performances will run throughout the day:

Saturday Music Schedule:

• 10:00 – 10:25 a.m.: Blaine Chappell
• 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.: Barrow Wheary
• 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.: Owen Grooms & Bob Buckingham
• noon – 12:45 p.m.: Murphy Campbell
• 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.: Clifton Hicks
• 1:50 – 2:50 p.m.: Carson Moore & Jesse Eads
• 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.: Dan Gellert

Admission on Saturday is $5.00 per person, which includes access to the Hagood Mill Historic Site and the Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site. Children ages nine and under are free, and there are no parking fees. All proceeds help offset operating costs at Hagood Mill.

Guests can also enjoy a quality artisan market, delicious offerings from food vendors, and a full slate of folk-life and traditional-arts demonstrations, including blacksmithing, chair caning, woodworking, pottery, quilting, spinning, looming, knitting, metalsmithing, leatherworking, and more. Visitors can meet the artists, ask questions, and even purchase handmade traditional crafts.

The working 1845 water-powered gristmill—a centerpiece of the historic site—will be running throughout the day. Freshly ground cornmeal and grits, cookbooks, and other mill-related products will be available for purchase.

Camping is available onsite – just $10 per person per night (ages 10+), $15 for both nights, and FREE for children ages nine and under.

So, pack up the car, bring a lawn chair or blanket, and come enjoy a weekend of music, history, and mountain culture.

The Hagood Mill Historic Site is located at 138 Hagood Mill Road in Pickens.