[Poster courtesy of Megan Young]

By Jenell Taylor, Contributor 

For nineteen years, the Nelsonville Music Festival (NMF) has rocked Southeast Ohio with a revolving cast of musicians, never restricting itself to a single genre. It is a production hosted by Stuart’s Opera House, a non-profit historic theater and performing arts center. Since its construction in 1879, Stuart’s continues to support the arts through fundraising and volunteer work. Proceeds from the festival will be poured back into the opera house in order to ensure that they may continue their noble support of the Ohio arts and music scene.

Read more: Lobsterfest 2025 Q&A: Mourning Star

The three-day long festival takes place from June 20-22, opening at 9 a.m. and grooving steadily until its closure at 11:30 p.m. Located at the Snow Fork Event Center, NMF proudly hosts thousands of guests who gather in good spirits to celebrate life and music. 

This year, the festival is dedicating their celebration to the life and music of prolific folk musician, Micheal Hurley. Hurley played the NMF every year since 2008. He made massive waves in the folk music scene during the 1960s and 70s. His talent extended past the lyrical, as he was a multi-instrumentalist, cartoonist and painter. Hurley played his final NMF during last year’s gathering, before he passed on April 1 at the age of 83. 

Friday’s headlining acts include Alabama indie artist Waxahatchee, alt-country musician MJ Lenderman, rock band Dehd and the Columbus indie rock four-piece Natural Sway. Athens’ own electronic duo Weedghost will be kicking off the festival at 12:45 p.m. at the Creekside Stage. 

Day two welcomes Stuart’s Afterschool Music Program Bands, opening at 11 a.m. on Porch Stage, followed by its headliners, Charley Crockett, Watchouse and Esther Rose. Among these are several other artists gracing the stage, such as Two Runner, Low Cut Connie and Gardener.

The third and final day of the festival promises to keep up the energy with sets from Taj Mahal, Wished Bone, Pachyman, and many others. At 6 p.m., NMF will hold a tribute for Micheal Hurley, with those performers having yet to be announced.

The Nelsonville Music Festival has opened its gates and welcomed many beloved artists to Southeast Ohio throughout its 19 years of rocking for a cause. Headliners from last year’s festival included Thee Sacred Souls, Courtney Barnett, Killer Mike, and Amyl & The Sniffers. Previous years have seen sets from the likes of Alex G, Big Thief, Alvvays, Kurt Vile, Julia Jacklin, The Flaming Lips and Wilco. 

To add to its already eclectic and lively atmosphere, NMF holds additional activities for its festivalgoers: including yoga, birdwalking, hikes, and soundbaths. 

If you are interested in learning more about the festival or to purchase tickets, visit their site here.