Oteil and Friends Are Returning to Suwannee

Callooh callay oh frabjous day, Oteil and Friends are returning to Suwannee for Roots Reunion in October 2025. Call the powers that be and inform them you are going to be f’sho busy that weekend. All roads lead to Live Oak. This lineup boasts many of the legendary Suwannee standards such as Peter Rowan, Jon Stickley, Nikki Talley, The Ain’t Sisters and more with the return of Oteil and the extra slice of hippy magic he brings to any production. Join the Wranglers Ten Year Anniversary Tour as we celebrate our twenty-third season at the world’s greatest camping/music venue.

Suwannee Roots Revival takes place Thursday, October 9 through Sunday, October 12 at the renowned Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, Florida. Fostering the longtime tradition of hosting some of the most prominent names in American roots music and beyond, this four-day camping family-friendly music festival includes camping, music workshops, kids’ activities, arts & crafts, and daily yoga.

Nestled in 800 acres of gorgeous Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress trees along the Suwannee River in northern Florida, Suwannee Roots Revival celebrates community-based fun, growing friendships, laughing families, and the joy you get from making memories with friends old and new.The festival is thrilled to announce the 2025 lineup, which includes Oteil & Friends (featuring Melvin Seals, Steve Kimock, Jason Crosby, Johnny Kimock, Tom Guarna & Lamar Williams Jr.), Yonder Mountain String Band, Donna the Buffalo (all 4 days), Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band, Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers, Della Mae, Seth Walker, Henhouse Prowlers, Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly, Ain’t Sisters, Jon Stickley Trio, The Lee Boys, John Mailander’s Forecast (as well as Mailander being Artist at Large), and more!
Suwannee Roots Revival focuses on showcasing established and emerging roots musicians throughout the weekend.  The lineup includes performers with long histories of epic Suwannee performances along with a history of showcasing some surprise one-of-a-kind collaborations—you never know who will give a surprise sit-in on stage (or in the campgrounds for that matter). There is an open call to play in the many campground pickin’ party sites throughout the weekend, including at Slopryland, hosted by Sloppy Joe, and the Bill Monroe Shrine, hosted by Quartermoon.With many acts playing multiple times, music will be staged in a variety of areas, including the newly renamed Big Cosmo’s Amphitheater, Dance Tent, Music Hall, and the Music Farmers Stage at The Back Porch.

Big Cosmo’s Amphitheater is nestled in a tree-filled natural amphitheater, adding to the magic through the beautiful setting. The Dance Tent is a fantastic spot to immerse yourself in the music and, new to this year, has been relocated a bit closer to the Vendor Village for added convenience! The Music Hall remains an excellent spot for special indoor listening experiences with stage lighting, air conditioning, and a cafe.

Suwannee Roots Revival is excited about the new Music Farmers Stage at The Back Porch—a “VIP section for everyone.” This new music area debuted at Roots’s sister festival, Suwannee Spring Reunion, which takes place in March. The Back Porch (formerly backstage of The Porch Stage) will be open from the start of the music until the end of each night’s performances, providing plenty of seating options for relaxation, food from delicious vendors nearby, and live video feeds from Big Cosmo’s Amphitheater to ensure you don’t miss any of the action. It will have a full bar set up, and many interesting vending selections nearby.

Jam and Toast, a North Carolina-based music publication, came to Suwannee Roots Revival’s sister event, Suwannee Spring Reunion, for the first time ever at SOSMP, and Thomas Beck writes, “Spanish moss hangs from century-old oaks like confetti, swaying gently in the Florida breeze. When the daytime music recedes, early risers set out on riverside trails for peaceful morning hikes. At night, neon lights dance through the campgrounds and trees, making the forest look otherworldly with glowing projections on the foliage. It’s the ultimate blend of natural beauty and modern festival flair.”

The Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress trees provided a rich environment to capture a series of sessions on the festival grounds in the ‘Alan Lomax field recording’ style. 2024 was a tough year for the Suwannee community after losing festival co-founder Randy ‘Big Cosmo’ Judy, who passed away in spring 2024, and having to cancel the 2024 Suwannee Roots Revival due to Hurricane Helene. But festival director Beth Judy brought the festival roaring back into fighting shape in 2025, hosting a massive 4-day party across half a dozen stages, late night campground pickin’ parties (looking at you, Slopryland!), kicking off the weekend with Big Cosmo’s Celebration of Life.”
—Paste Magazine

The park offers guest comforts including a general store, full service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms, and water stations. Upgraded camping, including RV hook ups and cabin rentals, as well as golf cart rentals are currently on sale. Reservations may be made by calling the Park office at (386) 364­-1683. SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville and is host to a variety of events. Please visit the park’s web site at www.musicliveshere.com for further information.

Tickets are on sale now. Suwannee Roots Revival offers a multi-day Weekend Ticket that includes festival admission for four days of music, as well as primitive camping on Thursday-Sunday nights. Military and Student discounts are available. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For complete ticket information, visit Suwannee Roots Revival website