Mountain Music Gatherin’

The Fraley Mountain Music Gatherin’, whose rich history and culture began 35 years ago, is a traditional music event using instruments such as the dulcimer, fiddle, and guitar to tell stories about life long ago along the foothills of eastern Kentucky.

Held annually the week after Labor Day at Carter Caves State Resort Park—this year’s festival runs September 9-13—stop by for the Wednesday night free performance at the campground.

Fraley festival performers come on stage to perform either three songs or 15 minutes. So in one concert night, a visitor might see up to 16-20 different bands perform. There are jam sessions in the parking lots, around the lodge, and in the campground.

Performers come to the event from all over the eastern United States to play old-time music. On Thursday there is an open-stage concert in the amphitheater. Friday includes open stage, banjo gathering, and dulcimer gathering, and there will be a Friday night concert in the amphitheater. Saturday afternoon includes open stage, ballads, storytelling, fiddle gathering, and guitar gathering, with a Saturday evening concert in the amphitheater. Sunday morning offers up a musical gathering in the campground.

Concert fees range from $4-$10. A $25 weekend festival pass is available, which admits you to all the concerts and jam sessions.

Carter Caves State Resort Park is located at 344 Caveland Drive, Olive Hill. For more information, go online to www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/cc or call (606) 286-4411.