Popular bluegrass festival is making a comeback

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The South Carolina Waterfowl Association’s Wildlife Education Center is the new home of Birdfest, a beloved bluegrass music festival returning this year after a hiatus forced by the pandemic.

Birdfest will be held Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 at the Education Center, located in Pinewood in Sumter County.

This year’s lineup includes headliners Steep Canyon Rangers of Asheville, who will perform both nights of the festival. Other acts include Town Mountain, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, Amanda Anne Platt & the Honeycutters, Seth Walker and Henhouse Prowlers.

Attendees can come to BirdFest knowing that the festival directly improves the quality of life for the community by supporting the youth conservation education programs of the Waterfowl Association, according to a news release.  The last time family and friends gathered for BirdFest was in 2019.

“We couldn’t be more excited about bringing Birdfest back,” said Barrett Smith, original festival director and organizer. “We’re expecting a weekend that has all of the same magic of our old festival, plus some new features that should make it bigger and better than ever.”

“BirdFest is where wonderful people gather to hear great bluegrass music in the beauty of nature, while also supporting the development of the next generation of natural resource conservationists,” said David Wielicki, CEO of the S.C. Waterfowl Association. shared David Wielicki, SCWA CEO.

The festival will also include outdoor activities for both adults and youth. Tickets are available for Friday, Saturday, weekend pass, plus specialty options of VIP passes and “Friends of BirdFest.” All options, including how to reserve overnight RV and tent camping, can be found online.

The S.C. Waterfowl Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to enhance and perpetuate South Carolina’s wildlife heritage through education and habitat conservation.