Scheduled from June 19 to June 21, at Quiet Oaks Campground in Cross Fork, Pa., the festival has become a beloved tradition for bluegrass enthusiasts throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

More than just a music festival, Smoked Country Jam in its 21st year, is an immersive experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of bluegrass music, from its traditional roots to its progressive branches.

Festival organizers, Ron and Teresa Kodish, thoughtfully bring together a lineup of national and regional performers, ensuring a diverse musical experience that highlights every branch of the bluegrass tree.

Attendees can expect to hear everything from classic, high-lonesome bluegrass sounds to innovative and progressive musical blends incorporating Americana, old-time and roots influences.

PHOTO PROVIDED Smoked Country Jam offers music workshops for those interested in learning.

With over 40 hours of live music spread across two stages — the Quiet Oaks Stage and the PA Wilds Stage — there’s a constant flow of captivating performances to enjoy.

The 2025 lineup boasts an impressive array of talent.

Damn Tall Buildings is an acclaimed national and international touring band, from Brooklyn, N.Y., known for soulful melodies, intricate instrumentation, and infectious energy. Their sound is described as “guerrilla roots” bluegrass, blending elements of swing, ragtime, jazz, and contemporary songwriting.

Other acclaimed touring artists include, Unspoken Tradition, a contemporary bluegrass band rooted in the vibrant musical landscape of Western North Carolina. Known for their original songwriting and dynamic performances, they blend traditional bluegrass instrumentation with modern influences, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh.

Dave Adkins & Mountain Soul delivers powerful, hard driving music rooted in Kentucky bluegrass traditions. Their dynamic performances and heartfelt vocals connect deeply with audiences, carrying the torch of first generation bluegrass.

PHOTO PROVIDED Smoked Country Jam features music on two stages.

Hailing from the heart of Floyd, Va., Mike Mitchell Band blends soulful vocals with intricate fiddle and guitar work, creating a “traditionally progressive” sound deeply rooted in the region’s rich bluegrass heritage. Their performances resonate with heartfelt storytelling and a genuine connection to their Appalachian home.

My Brother’s Keeper is a progressive bluegrass band from Cincinnati, Ohio that draws inspiration from rock, gospel, bluegrass and everything in between. Their shows feature four part family harmonies, soulful vocals, thoughtful original music and an infectious energy that appeals to fans of any genre.

Sixteen other outstanding Mid-Atlantic bands will complete the lineup, filling all the roots and the branches of the bluegrass tree.

Beyond the stellar musical performances, Smoked Country Jam fosters a strong sense of community and offers a wide range of activities for all ages.

A cornerstone of the festival is its 3-day Lupus Auction, a significant fundraising event benefiting the Lupus Foundation of America. This charitable event adds a meaningful dimension to the weekend, uniting attendees in support of a worthy cause. Those wishing to donate items to the auction may bring them to the festival to be added to each day’s listings.

Bluegrass jams will take place around campsites throughout the festival, with acoustic music and bluegrass harmonies heard from early morning to late night.

For those looking to sharpen their musical skills or simply learn more about the craft, the festival offers a schedule of engaging bluegrass workshops. These sessions provide an opportunity to interact with musicians, learn new techniques, and deepen their appreciation for the genre.

Not to be forgotten, young attendees are able to take part in a schedule of children’s activities, ensuring that the festival is a truly family-friendly event.

The vendor midway at Smoked Country Jam is another highlight, offering a diverse array of crafts, food, and merchandise. It’s a place to browse unique items, support local artisans, and refuel with delicious festival fare.

The festival also hosts the Pennsylvania Heritage Songwriting Contest, celebrating songs that highlight the state’s people, places, and history, further enriching the cultural experience.

The venue itself, Quiet Oaks Campground, contributes significantly to the festival’s charm.

This family-owned and operated campground provides a welcoming and picturesque setting for the event. With options for RV hookups, cabin rentals, and rustic tent camping, attendees can comfortably immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere.

Notably, the entire festival grounds, including cabins and campsites, are pet-friendly, making it possible for the whole family, furry members included, to enjoy the weekend. The festival organizers also emphasize a relaxed and accommodating environment, even allowing four-wheelers on the premises.

Information for attending the 2025 Smoked Country Jam is available through the festival website, www.smokedcountryjam.com.

Full festival adult tickets are priced at $85 if purchased in advance or $95 at the gate, with discounted rates for students and free admission for children under 12 with a paying adult. Single-day tickets for Friday or Saturday, as well as Friday/Saturday combination tickets, are also available. Single-day Thursday tickets are not available.

Gates open for full festival attendees at noon on Wednesday, June 18, and at 8 am Thursday through Saturday. While camping is permitted for full festival, Friday/Saturday combo and Saturday ticket holders, it is not allowed with single Friday tickets. Attendees who are field camping are advised to fill camper water tanks and bring water for camping needs, as water access on the grounds is not available. Hot showers are available to campers at no cost.

In keeping with the family-friendly and community-oriented spirit, the festival has a few common-sense guidelines. Glass bottles and beverage containers are discouraged and fireworks and luminaries are prohibited for safety reasons. Weapons are also not permitted on the festival grounds, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Drum circles and loud electronic music are also not allowed, maintaining the focus on the acoustic bluegrass sounds.

Smoked Country Jam 2025 promises to be another memorable installment of this revered bluegrass festival. With its exceptional lineup, diverse activities, and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the stunning Pennsylvania Wilds, it is an unmissable experience for bluegrass enthusiasts and anyone looking for a weekend of authentic music and community connection. Whether you’re a seasoned bluegrass veteran or a curious newcomer, Smoked Country Jam offers a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that is sure to leave you tapping your feet and wanting more.