Old Settler's Music Festival
- Dates
- Apr 16 to 18, 2027
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Camp Ben McCulloch
- Price
- Not announced
- Camping
- Available
- Last checked
- Nov 10, 2026
Old Settler's Music Festival returns to Camp Ben McCulloch, Driftwood, TX, Apr 16 to 18, 2027. Froligo tracks ticket prices, camping, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
Old Settler's Music Festival is a nonprofit Americana, roots, folk and bluegrass festival at Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood, Texas, outside Austin, running April 16 to 18, 2027 as its 40th annual edition. It dates to 1987, when it began as a one-day bluegrass festival, and has grown into a multi-day camping festival with live music, late-night jams, family activities and a Youth Talent Competition for contestants aged 18 and under. The organizer describes a laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere that keeps people returning year after year.
How it works
The festival runs Friday to Sunday on the grounds at 18301 Ranch to Market Rd 1826, with camping nestled in tree-covered acres for tents, RVs, yurts and other setups. Multi-day general admission passes include overnight camping, and vehicles left in the campgrounds need a camping vehicle permit, with electrical permits sold by outlet type. A limited pre-announce ticket tier is on sale now, and the organizer also offers glamping and tent rentals.
Who it suits
Old Settler's suits roots, bluegrass and Americana fans who want to camp on site and soak up a long weekend of jam sessions. The organizer calls it family friendly, and children aged 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult holding festival passes, with children supervised at all times. Young musicians can enter the Youth Talent Competition, and the winner gets a showcase slot at the following festival.
What people love
Attendees call Old Settler's one of the last music festivals that still feels like old Austin, a real weekend still run by a local group. Regulars talk about family vibes during the day and pickin' circles in camp that run until four or five in the morning, and others describe the crowd as super friendly and the whole event as super chill. Volunteers who keep coming back say the people and atmosphere feel like one big family.
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Listen
No official playlist linked yet. Find Old Settler's Music Festival on Spotify.
Lineup
Lineup expected December 2026. Sign up and we email you the day it drops.
Getting there
How do I get to Old Settler's Music Festival?
Old Settler's is a Hill Country drive rather than a transit trip, and nearly everyone arrives by car. The route runs west on US 290 through Dripping Springs, then onto the ranch road to a campground where the music and the camping share the same grounds. Day visitors and walk-in tent campers use the general admission lot, while anyone leaving a vehicle in camp needs a camping vehicle permit, so decide before you pull in. The box office keeps set hours and the road is not a place to line up early. Past attendees suggest arriving 30 to 45 minutes before the first set you want, since the lot backs up, especially after rain. Check out each of the options below.
Nearest airport AUS.
By car
The nearest major airport is AUS, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
CapMetro's airport routes (Route 20) reach downtown Austin only, roughly 25 miles from Camp Ben McCulloch, no CapMetro service extends to rural Driftwood/Hays County. Genuinely doesn't reach this venue; noted for completeness only, not a realistic option.
Book / infoFestival shuttle
Secondary reporting indicates the organizers have, in past years, arranged a limited shuttle from downtown Austin for attendees without a vehicle. Do not rely on this without confirming directly with OSMF.
Book / infoTaxi & rideshare
No official OSMF page documents a designated rideshare drop-off zone at Camp Ben McCulloch specifically, but the festival's own ticketing guidance explicitly tells attendees without a parking pass to use rideshare or arrange a drop-off, given GA Parking/RV/Car Camping passes sell out, confirming rideshare is a normal, expected way in even though no special zone is documented.
Book / infoTaxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
On site parking available. Cost GA Parking pass is $40 (one vehicle up to 18 feet). Separate RV parking passes exist for Small RV (30ft max) and Large RV (over 30ft), each including a 12x12 space alongside the vehicle. All of GA Parking, RV Passes, and Car Camping Passes have historically SOLD OUT well ahead of the festival due to capacity limits at Camp Ben McCulloch, attendees without a pre-purchased pass are directed to rideshare/drop-off/carpool instead of expecting to buy parking at the gate. GA parking sits close to the walk-in tent camping areas per the official camping page. Prepay via TicketTailor.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at AUS
On site parking is available; if you are hiring a car it is worth checking the cost and how early it fills.
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Where
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Where do most people stay?
Camping is the default and half the point. Nearly everyone sleeps on the grounds under the live oaks, a short walk from the stages, and the campground is where the late-night jams happen. Families and light sleepers pitch toward the outer edges, which get quieter the farther they sit from the main stage, and sites go to whoever arrives first, so an early arrival matters more than any booking. Those who want a bed or a canvas tent set up for them can look at the glamping and tent rental program, while day visitors skip camping and use the general admission lot. Check out each of the options below.
Is there camping at Old Settler's Music Festival?
Yes, on site camping is available.
Facilities
Camping site types 2
Car Camping Passes are a distinct pass tier from GA Parking and have historically sold out alongside GA Parking/RV passes. Walk-in tent camping sits near the General Admission Parking area per the official camping page. GA Parking is $40.
Small RV pass (30ft max) and Large RV pass (over 30ft) each include the RV/trailer plus a 12x12 space alongside it. Electrical hookups (20/30/50-amp) are available for purchase, but only in the Camp Banjo and Collings camping areas specifically, not campground-wide. RVs sited elsewhere (e.g. Camp Dobro East) may run quiet onsite generators instead, with generators otherwise prohibited in electrical-service areas.
Where can I stay near Old Settler's Music Festival?
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What to bring
A three-day outdoor camping festival in the Texas Hill Country, where the campground is as much the show as the stages.
Full rule
Permits are for 20 amp and 30 amp outlets in the two main camps, first come, first served. An RV with a 50 amp plug needs a 50 to 30 amp adapter. A limited number of cords and converters are rented at Campground Headquarters.
Full rule
Quiet hours are 2:00 AM to 8:00 AM. No amplified music, no drums.
Entry rules
Accessibility & comfort
The organizer does not publish accessibility details. Ask them directly before you travel about step-free access, accessible toilets, seating and anything else you need.
Pricing
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Quick answers
When is Old Settler's Music Festival 2027?
Apr 16 to 18, 2027
Has the Old Settler's Music Festival 2027 lineup been announced?
Not yet. The 2027 lineup is expected December 2026.
Where is Old Settler's Music Festival held?
Camp Ben McCulloch, Driftwood, TX.