Headliners Include Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Infamous Stringdusters and Yonder Mountain String Band
2-Day Tickets for Inaugural Festival Are On Sale Now!
Headliners Include Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Infamous Stringdusters and Yonder Mountain String Band
2-Day Tickets for Inaugural Festival Are On Sale Now!
On October 8th and 9th, The Caverns will present its own festival, CaveFest, featuring a curated line-up including headliners Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Infamous Stringdusters, and Yonder Mountain String Band, plus artist-in-residence Lindsay Lou, on-site camping, cave tours, delicious food trucks, local vendors, and much more.
“Fall is an absolutely gorgeous time to visit Tennessee, and that’s why we picked early October for our first CaveFest,” says The Caverns owner Todd Mayo. “With the addition of our new campground and full capacity outdoor amphitheater combined with our caves, we’re excited to welcome guests for a 2-day festival experience that only The Caverns can deliver.”
Scheduled for a holiday weekend, the inaugural festival will take full advantage of what The Caverns has to offer above and below ground. Main performances will take place at The Caverns Amphitheater with its ample space for blankets, chairs and dancing and surrounding views of the majestic Cumberland Plateau. The Caverns world-famous underground concert hall will host cave yoga with Sarah Norris, movie matinee with The Goonies, an open cave jam for all (bring your instrument), and a late night jam hosted by Airshow each night.
CaveFest line-up includes: Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Infamous Stringdusters, Yonder Mountain String Band, Rising Appalachia, Jim Lauderdale, Kitchen Dwellers, The Lil Smokies, Sierra Hull, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Lindsay Lou, Larry Keel Experience, Volunteer String Band, Pressing Strings, Sicard Hollow, Kendall Street Company, Taylor Scott Band, Airshow, Wyatt Ellis & Friends, The Yellow Dandies, and Rock Creek Bluegrass.
In addition to Lindsay Lou’s performance slot with her full band, she will be staying at the festival and sitting in with other artists all weekend as the CaveFest “artist-in-residence.” The singer fRoots Magazine describes as "the most affectingly expressive singer since Amy Winehouse” will be creating memorable collaborations by popping on stage for surprise collaborations to create magic CaveFest moments.
2-day tickets for CaveFest, which include camping, start at $99 and are on sale now. Additionally, VIP 2-day tickets with camping and overnight packages are available. $1 from every CaveFest ticket will go to the Sewanee Mountain Grotto to support their cave conservation efforts.
Alternative to the Footpath - The footpath at The Caverns which connects the campground/parking area to the festival site is approximately 1200 feet and a magical part of The Caverns experience. The footpath winds through the woods with elevation changes. If you will have trouble making this walk, please reach out to us in advance (info@thecaverns.com) or ask a staff member on-site for assistance. We can provide a ride in one of our vehicles.
Amphitheater
Saturday, October 8th
10:00p - 11:30p CT
Amphitheater
Sunday, October 9th
10:00p - 11:30p CT
Amphitheater
Sunday, October 9th
8:00p - 9:30p CT
Amphitheater
Saturday, October 8th
8:00p - 9:30p CT
Amphitheater
Sunday, October 9th
6:15p - 7:30p CT
Amphitheater
Sunday, October 9th
4:45p - 5:45p CT
Amphitheater
Sunday, October 9th
3:30p - 4:15p CT
Amphitheater
Saturday, October 8th
2:15p - 3:00p CT
Amphitheater
Saturday, October 8th
3:30p - 4:15p CT
+ CaveFest artist-in-residence both days
Amphitheater
Sunday, October 9th
2:15p - 3:00p CT
Amphitheater
Saturday, October 8th
1:00p - 1:55p CT
Amphitheater
Sunday, October 9th
11:00a - 11:45p CT
Amphitheater
Sunday, October 9th
1:00p - 1:55p CT
Amphitheater
Sunday, October 9th
12:00p - 12:45p CT
Amphitheater
Saturday, October 8th
12:00p - 12:45p CT
Big Mouth Cave
Saturday, October 8th & Sunday, October 9th
12:00a - 2:30p CT
Airshow hosts the Late Night Jam each night. They'll be pickin' on Phish, Widespread Panic, Grateful Dead and more with special guests joining in. Limited capacity. Once the cave is full, we'll admit new guests on a one-out, one-in basis.
Big Mouth Cave
Saturday, October 8th
5:30p - 6:15p CT
Big Mouth Cave
Saturday, October 8th
4:15p - 5:00p CT
Big Mouth Cave
Saturday, October 8th
3:00p - 4:45p CT
A trip to The Caverns is not complete without a cave tour! Cave tour tickets of the Big Room Cave can be bought in advance here. Walk up tickets may also be purchased based on availability. During the festival, tours run on the hour every hour from 11:00a - 5:00p CT on Saturday and 9:00a - 5:00p CT on Sunday. Tours are first come, first served. Cave tours can also be taken on Friday, 10/7 before the festival officially begins or Monday before you head home, we'll will be open from 9:00a - 5:00p CT. The last tour leaves at 5:00p CT each day. Please arrive ten minutes before your desired tour time and have your cave tour ticket with you. If you purchased a VIP ticket, you will receive your cave tour tickets at check in and can take a tour at any of the times listed above. You don't want to miss Big Room Cave—it's a must-see!
Under Tennessee Law, an adventure tourism professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in adventure tourism activities resulting from the inherent risks of such activities, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, title 11, chapter 11. The State of Tennessee is held harmless for any act of approval of an adventure tourism business. State approval is limited to determining eligibility for tax credits only.
Have you ever wanted to do a downward dog underground? Well now's your chance! Join us at CaveFest on Sunday, October 9th at 9a CT for Cave Yoga with Nashville yoga instructor Sarah Norris!
With two decades of experience teaching yoga, Sarah will lead us through a relaxing flow. The perfect zen preparation to get your body and mind ready for another day jam-packed with great music. This class is BYOM - bring your own mat.
Cave Yoga with Sarah Norris is included with your CaveFest tickets.
On Sunday, October 9th at 1p CT, grab some food truck eats and join us in the cave for our favorite movie—The Goonies!
The Goonies is an old-fashioned yarn about a band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way.
The Goonies screening is included with your CaveFest tickets.
Are you ready to get out there and jam in a friendly and fun environment? Join us underground for our Open Cave Jam each day at CaveFest.
Open Cave Jam is included with your CaveFest tickets. Just bring your instrument!
Airshow will be hosting underground late night sets with special guests each night of CaveFest from midnight until 2:30a CT in Big Mouth Cave. Expect a heavy dose of Phish songs on October 8th, and on October 9th the songs of Widespread Panic. Never one to color inside the lines, Grateful Dead songs and other surprises will be popping up in their sets too.
Airshow Underground Late Night is included with your CaveFest tickets. Limited capacity. Once the cave is full, we'll admit new guests on a one-out, one-in basis.
LOCATION INFO
Venue is 90 minutes from Nashville, TN, 60 minutes from Chattanooga, TN, and less than three hours from Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL and Knoxville, TN. Located in Grundy County, Tennessee, The Caverns is a world-renowned destination for underground live music
The Caverns is in the Central Time Zone.
Closest airports:
1hr 20min from Nashville, TN - BNA airport
1hr from Chattanooga, TN Airport
1hr 30min from Huntsville, AL Airport
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Outdoor Temperature:
~75-65 avg. degrees F during the day
~55-45 avg. degrees F at night — early weather forecasts for CaveFest are calling for colder temps at night
Sunrise: 6:44a CT
Sunset: 6:18p CT
Chance of precipitation: Moderate to low - all events are rain or shine. Please bring rain gear in case a storm passes. Weather is subject to change. Please check local forecasts and watch your email and the venue’s social media for any needed updates. Strong thunderstorms are always a possibility in Tennessee. Please make sure all items and tents are secured to the ground.
The sun can be strong and there are limited shade options in camping areas. Please plan ahead and bring sun protection for you and your friends. Temperatures can drop at night in the fall, please watch the weather and plan accordingly.
Look out for each other and stay cool The Caverns underground temperature remains 59 degrees year-round with 91% humidity. The cave feels cool when it's hot outside and warm on cold weather days.
The Caverns is an outdoor venue. Please be prepared by wearing proper footwear. The ground is uneven in many places and athletic/outdoor shoes are recommended. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times. Please stay on footpaths at all times and look out for each other. There are snakes, ticks and other potential natural concerns, please be aware of your surroundings and watch out for each other at all times.
Let event staff know if you have encountered anything out of the ordinary.
GENERAL EVENT TIMES
Friday, October 7th - campground access only, no venue access
Saturday, October 8th
1:00p - 11:30p CT - VIP Lounge open in the amphitheater
2:00p CT - Big Mouth Cave doors open
Sunday, October 9th
Monday, October 10th
Please Note, The Caverns is in the Central Time Zone! The venue sits on the edge of the time zone, so your phones or GPS-synced clocks may change back and forth. We recommend hard-setting them to the Central Time Zone. Either way, please keep this important note in mind!
ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN AT THE CAVERNS
All patrons will enter the venue through the Main Entrance and go through the check-in tent to receive your festival wristbands. Have your tickets saved to your phone or printed and ready to show. If you will not be camping, please let the staff know so they can direct you to the Day Parking lot.
Check-In Will Be Open:
Friday, October 7th - campground access only, no venue access
Saturday, October 8th
Sunday, October 9th
Please note:
GA CAMPING INFORMATION
GA Camping Check-In Times:
Please note:
Anyone with a large vehicle space will be parked in a separate area upon arrival.
VIP CAMPING INFORMATION
VIP Camping Check-In times:
VIP Camping packages will receive the following:
Early Access to the campgrounds starting at 4:30p CT Friday, October 7th. VIP campers will have access to the campgrounds for approximately 90 minutes prior to GA campers to pick out camping locations. No saving places for others are allowed. First come, first served on camping locations. No venue access on Friday, only campground access.
Exclusive access to the onsite private VIP tent Saturday & Sunday (1:00p -11:30p CT daily)
Lounge includes complimentary snacks, and soft drinks in a great location to hang out - only one drink/snack per person can leave the VIP area.
VIP Open Bar & Appetizers will be served from 4:00p - 6:00p CT each day. Enjoy free drinks and delicious food options. A valid ID is required to receive alcohol. Only one drink/snack per person can leave the VIP area per patron.
VIP wristbands must be shown to access the VIP tent (lanyards will not provide access)
Two (2) meal vouchers per person for the weekend to be used at any food truck onsite.
Four (4) drink vouchers per person for the weekend to be used for any water, soft drink or alcoholic beverage from any of The Caverns official bar locations. Two (2) passes will be issued for each day, passes must be used for the day issued.
A CaveFest merchandise package that includes: One (1) Cavefest collectable poster per package purchased, One (1) CaveFest t-shirt per person, One (1) CaveFest VIP lanyard per person and One (1) CaveFest sticker per package.
One cave tour ticket for a guided tour of The Caverns Big Room Cave
Tours run on the hour every hour from 11:00a - 5:00p CT on Saturday and 9:00a - 5:00p CT on Sunday - tours are first come first serve. Please arrive ten minutes before your desired tour time and have your cave tour ticket with you.
An onsite representative to help with your needs (available in the VIP tent during open hours)
Please note:
Camping & Parking Lot re-entry until 9:00p CT only. For everyone's safety please do not drive in/out of parking lots once set up unless for an emergency.
Camping spaces are 20’ x 20’ spots that are big enough for one car + 1-2 tents/hang area. Camping sites will be marked with spray paint on the ground to delineate your area. You must arrive with everyone you want to camp with at the same time. You are not allowed to save camping spaces, campsites are first come - first serve.
Please do not arrive before the gate time listed above. There will be no idle parking outside of the venue prior to the gates opening.
All camping sites are primitive - porta potties will be onsite.
All patrons must depart the site by 11:00a CT on Monday, October 10th.
VIP STAY & CAVE HOTEL PACKAGE INFORMATION
VIP Stay & Cave Hotel packages purchased will receive the following:
Access to the onsite private VIP tent Saturday & Sunday (1:00p -11:30p CT daily)
Lounge includes complimentary snacks, soft drinks in a great location to hang out - only one drink/snack per person can leave the VIP area at a time.
VIP Open Bar & Appetizers will be served from 4:00p - 6:00p CT each day. Enjoy free drinks and delicious food options. Valid ID is required to receive alcohol. Only one drink/snack per person can leave the VIP area per patron.
VIP wristbands must be shown to access the VIP tent (lanyards will not provide access)
Two (2) meal vouchers per person for the weekend to be used at any food truck onsite. One (1) pass will be issued for each day person, passes must be used for the day issued.
Four (4) drink vouchers per person for the weekend to be used for any water, soft drink or alcoholic beverage from any Caverns official bar location. Two (2) passes will be issued for each day per person, passes must be used for the day issued.
A CaveFest merchandise package that includes: One (1) Cavefest collectable poster per package purchased, One (1) CaveFest tshirt per person (two t-shirts), One (1) CaveFest VIP lanyard per person (2 lanyards) and One (1) CaveFest sticker per package.
One cave tour ticket for a guided tour of The Caverns Big Room Cave
Tours run on the hour every hour from 11:00a - 5:00p CT on Saturday and 9:00a - 5:00p CT on Sunday - tours are first come, first served. Please arrive ten minutes before your desired tour time and have your cave tour ticket with you.
An onsite representative to help with your needs (available in the VIP tent during posted hours)
Please note:
Hotel Check-in begins at 11:00a CT on Saturday - a VIP liaison will be positioned in the lobby of the hotel from 10:00a - 5:00p CT on Saturday, October 8th to assist with your check-in and answer any questions you might have. Your liaison will check you in and have all your package items for you waiting in the lobby of the hotel including your event wristband & cave tour tickets. If you’re planning to arrive after 5:00p CT on Saturday, October 8th please email christy@thecaverns.com to coordinate check-in & package pickup.
On Sunday, October 9th a VIP liaison will be in the hotel lobby from 10:00a - 3:00p CT to answer any questions you might have about the event, the shuttle times, things to do in the area, etc.
Hotel VIP Package patrons will have access to a bus shuttle from the hotel to the venue on the time schedules below each day. Shuttles are first come first served and will leave promptly at the times listed below. Only VIP Stay & Cave Hotel packages are allowed onto the shuttles. Please meet the shuttle outside of the hotel lobby to go to The Caverns and outside of the Gift Shop at The Caverns to go back to the hotel.
If you cannot make any of the shuttle times below VIP patrons may drive their own vehicles. Please let your VIP liaison know if you choose to drive yourself. Please note there are little to no rideshare options locally so please do not miss the shuttle.
Only hotel patrons are allowed to ride the shuttles. No other patrons will be permitted on the shuttles.
Stay & Cave Shuttle Service: Saturday, October 8
Depart Hotel to The Caverns:
12:30p, 2:00p, 4:00p, 11:30p, 1:00a CT
Depart The Caverns to Hotel:
1:15p, 3:00p, 10:30p, 12:00a, 2:45a CT
Stay & Cave Shuttle Service: Sunday, October 9
Depart Hotel to Venue:
12:30p, 2:00p, 4:00p, 11:30p, 1:00a CT
Depart Venue to Hotel:
1:15p, 3:00p, 10:30p, 12:00a, 2:45a CT
NEED CAMPING GEAR & MORE? DANCIN' DAVE'S HAS YOU COVERED!
The Caverns is excited to have Dancin' Dave's Festival Camping at CaveFest. They've been making festival goers happy since 1998 by providing everything from tents equipped with cots to canopies with stoves and coffee presses! They'll arrive early and take care of setting up your camp for you, so all you have to do is show up and get down! Learn more and reserve your Dancin' Dave's campsite set up today.
CONCESSIONS & HYDRATION
Outside food and beverages are allowed in the camping and day parking areas—tailgating welcome. No outside food and beverages allowed past the footpath and in the venue / amphitheater / cave / festival area. No glass is allowed on the property.
Water - Free, fresh water will be available near the food trucks in campground for your campsites. There will also be a free water refill station inside the cave music venue. Empty bottles under 64oz are allowed in the venue / amphitheater / cave / festival site. No camel bag backpacks. The water inside the cave music venue bathrooms is not potable water, please do not drink the water from the tap in the venue.
We will also have RAIN pure mountain spring canned water for sale in the campgrounds at the concessions tent when open and at all concession locations. Be sure to stay hydrated!
Concessions - The Caverns Tavern will be available at multiple spots throughout the festival. Please note that alcohol cannot be sold after 3:00a CT. Concessions include beer, wine, canned cocktails, soft drinks, water and snacks. Hours are subject to change.
Drink Menu
FOOD VENDORS
Please see vendors onsite for hours and menus. Only official, approved event vending will be allowed. No other sales will be allowed.
CAMPGROUND FOOD VENDORS
AMPHITHEATER FOOD VENDORS
GENERAL STORE & ICE AVAILABLE ONSITE
Bagged ice will be sold in the campground at the concessions & general store. They will be open from 12:00p - 8:00p CT approximately daily. Please plan to buy your ice and supplies during these times.
CAVEFEST MERCH
Take a piece of the first ever CaveFest home with you! We’ll have commemorative hoodies, t-shirts, posters and stickers available for purchase, but remember the only place to buy CaveFest merch will be at The Caverns during the festival, so stock up before you head home!
THE CAVERNS GIFT SHOP
The Caverns Gift Shop is located onsite and will be open from 11:00a - 6:00p CT on Saturday and 9:00a - 6:00p CT. Venue merchandise, patches, gems, books, jewelry, magnets, stickers and much more are available.
CRAFT VENDORS IN THE CAMPGROUND
Only official, approved event vending will be allowed. No other sales will be allowed.
GENERAL RULES & GUIDELINES
Prohibited Items in Camping Area - These items will be confiscated if found and may not be returned
Weapons of any kind, including but not limited to:
Firearms (with or without permit)
Pocket Knives, multi-tools, or knives of any size
Pepper Spray or Mace
No glass or glass containers of any kind
Illegal substances
Fireworks or flares flying prayer papers, or explosives
No oversized grills, smokers, BBQ pits, etc
No large open campfires. Please see “Fire” section listed below
Illicit goods or illegal substances
Laser pointers
Professional camera equipment or flash photography.
Audio or video recording devices
Noise making devices
No PA systems or speakers that can be heard outside of your own campsite
Pets, other than service animals; does not include comfort animals
No unauthorized vending
No gas/fuel cans of any kind (with the exception of small propane containers for camp stoves listed above)
No kegs
No drones
No golf clubs
No hammers
No unauthorized merchandise
No helium or nitrous tanks
No bicycles, skateboards, or scooters
No one wheelers
No threatening signs or apparel
Anything else security deems inappropriate or unsafe
Prohibited Items in the Venue Area
No outside alcohol, food, or beverage.
No Poster Tubes (unless purchased onsite)
No laser pointers
Bags, including backpacks, briefcases, luggage or duffle bags. Clear bags that do not exceed 12”x12”x6" are allowed. Small clutches 4.5" x 6.5" are allowed (clear not required).
No audio recording equipment/professional cameras/video equipment
No glass or glass containers of any kind
No knives of any kind
No backpacks
No picnic baskets
No tents
No bicycles, skateboards, or scooters
No wagons, strollers, or carts
No One Wheelers
No hula hoops
No frisbees
No large markers, paint pens, or spray paint
No unauthorized soliciting, advertising, handbills, posters, product sampling, giveaways, etc.
No threatening signs or apparel
Generators - Generators are allowed, but we encourage quiet generators. If you have a loud one you may be asked to turn it off during quiet hours.
Grills - Gas Grills are permitted in The Caverns campground. Oversize grills, BBQ Pits, fire pits and other large cooking elements are not allowed. A “backyard gas grill” and below is a good rule of thumb for considering your size. Please do not bring charcoal grills, wood, fire pits, any type of fuel. Propane tanks restricted to 20lbs and under only, no larger sizes will be permitted. All of these items will be confiscated at the gates and will not be returned.
Fires - Open Fires are permitted at the Campsite within reason. You may not have a fire on the ground. You will need to bring your own above ground fire ring or grill to have a fire. Please do not start a fire before your show begins or when you're planning to leave. All fires must be attended to constantly. If you do start a fire before your event, it must be completely extinguished when leaving the campground. No leaving lit fires unattended for any reason. The Caverns staff reserves the right to ask any patron to extinguish their fire(s) at any time.
Respectful Noise Levels - The Caverns institutes Quiet Hours beginning at 11:00p CT each night. After this time, we ask that you keep noise levels to a respectful minimum that cannot travel beyond your campsite. Amplified sound/audio is not permitted after this time. We appreciate you helping us maintain a respectful experience for the local residents!
Cameras - Professional cameras and all cameras with detachable lenses will not be allowed inside the venue . Please feel free to bring small point and shoot cameras, including GoPro cameras.
Coolers - Coolers and any outside food or drinks are not allowed in the amphitheater or cave venues. Please leave all drinks and coolers at your campsite and car. You are allowed to have your own food and drinks in the parking lot and campgrounds. No glass allowed.
Smoking - Smoking is not allowed onsite except in designated, marked areas. Smoking is never allowed under the roof of any of our caves.
Covid-19 Protocol - We recommend you come prepared with your personal Covid-19 PPE that matches your comfort level. Please refer to info on Covid safety or the CDC or other qualified information.
SECURITY SCREENING
Please be aware and prepared that all vehicles, personal belongings, bags, cooler and all personal items will be subject to search upon arrival and at any time at the discretion of the event organizers and security. All items listed in the Prohibited Items list below as well as all/any illegal items are not permitted in the campgrounds, performance area, parking areas or the venue. No glass is permitted onsite. No weapons of any kind are permitted, including pocket knives. All patrons will be screened every time they enter the venue property from camping. All cars are subject to search upon arrival at check in.
Upon arrival please pop your trunk and show security coolers. Please be aware that you will be screened for weapons every time you enter the festival grounds. Please empty all of your pockets and show security any metal you have on to speed up the process.
CHAIRS & BLANKETS
Amphitheater - Seating in the concert areas is first come, first served. When the gate open up on Saturday at 11:00a CT patrons are allowed to bring in their own blankets, chairs and small tarps. Please be considerate of people with lower chairs than yours. Chairs higher than 36” will not be allowed anywhere in front of the sound booth.
If you leave the concert venue for a long period of time, someone might use your chairs/blankets. Please be respectful of each other and each other’s property. Anyone using someone else’s chair must give it back when the owner returns.
Big Mouth Cave - We'll have GA seats available for you to use during performances inside the cave. Please do not bring chairs, blankets or tarps into the cave. Chairs will not be allowed for the late night shows, bring your dance moves and get down underground!
WIFI & CELL SERVICE
Wifi is available inside the Big Mouth Cave and near the Gift Shop area onsite - no password is required to join the network. Please open your network settings and join “The Caverns” network. There is no wifi available in the campground areas or the Big Room Cave. Cell service is not available inside either of the caves. Please plan ahead and use wifi chat apps like WhatsApp or Messenger to communicate with your friends when on Wifi. Wifi is not available in the campground and cell service can be spotty depending on the weather/provider.
FIRST AID & POLICE
In case of an emergency please call 911 whenever outside of the cave. First aid is available onsite near the door of the Big Mouth Cave and at the First Aid tent in the camping area. A police and ambulance will be onsite 24 hours a day for your safety & protection starting Saturday, October 8th. Please seek out event staff if anything occurs and ask for assistance immediately. Please reference the site map for locations of first aid. Please see/notify site staff or police if you see anything out of the ordinary, unusual or if anyone makes you uncomfortable. Also, look out for each other and inform staff if someone does not appear to be able to safely navigate the site so we can assist them and avoid any injuries.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please check out The Caverns FAQs where you'll find answers to FAQs about Underground Concerts in Big Mouth Cave, FAQs about camping, and FAQs about Cave Tours.
Or drop us a line at info@thecaverns.com.
Media - If you are interested in obtaining a media pass for this event please email jeff@thecaverns.com for more information.
*all times, dates, artists and policies subject to change at any time.