This October, downtown Pikeville will once again come alive with the sights and sounds of The Mountain Grrl Experience, one of Kentucky’s best intimate music festivals as praised by the Lexington Herald Leader. Set for October 17–18, 2025, this two-day celebration is free to attend and blends music, art, workshops, and community spirit into an unforgettable event, all while raising funds for a vital cause.

A Festival with Purpose

The Mountain Grrl Experience isn’t just about the music—it’s a female-run festival dedicated to supporting organizations that provide services for victims of domestic violence in Appalachia. Since its founding, the event has raised over $7,000 in charitable donations to help women in need throughout the region. For 2025, proceeds will benefit the Pikeville Domestic Violence Coalition. All are welcome, with a spirit of inclusivity that ensures “zero exclusion.”

The festival’s mission also extends to empowering youth through music. In 2024, in partnership with Can’d Aid and the University of Pikeville, organizers took 20 ukuleles to Healing Appalachia, where attendees had the opportunity to decorate them. These instruments were later donated to a local after-school church program in Pikeville, giving youth a free opportunity to learn music and grow creatively.

Star-Studded Appalachian Lineup

This year’s Mountain Grrl Experience features an incredible lineup of talent, headlined by Kelsey Waldon. Other performers include:

• Coaltown Dixie
• Bek & the Starlight Revue
• Magnolia Boulevard
• Zoe Howard & Yellow Line
• Carla Gover
• Chelsea Nolan
• Jeri Katherine Howell
• Grace Rogers
• Mia Lequire
• Jessy Workman
• UPike Bluegrass Band
• UPike Rock Band
• Mountain Man Jam

Plus, don’t miss the Front Porch Panel: The Power of the Appalachian Woman, hosted at Booth Auditorium and sponsored by the University of Pikeville College of Arts and Sciences. This inspiring discussion will feature voices from across the region, sharing insights and stories that uplift Appalachian women.

More Than Music

Alongside live performances, attendees will enjoy:

• Workshops that inspire creativity and connection
• A curated Art Gallery showcasing Appalachian talent
• Artisan vendors with handcrafted goods and demonstrations

This unique blend of music, culture, and community makes The Mountain Grrl Experience unlike any other festival in Kentucky.

Plan Your Visit

The Mountain Grrl Experience takes place in Pikeville, Kentucky, October 17–18, 2025. Admission is free, so bring your friends, enjoy the performances, and celebrate Appalachian culture while supporting a vital cause.

Come for the festival, stay to explore Pikeville’s rich heritage, dining, and attractions. Visit the Pikeville-Pike County, KY Welcome Center during your trip to discover even more ways to experience the heart of the mountains. We are located in the Pikeville Flatiron Building, 685 Hambley Blvd. Pikeville, KY 41501. Accessible by side elevator, 3rd floor.

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