Shelbyville, TN - We are only days away from the start of what was once called Uncle Dave Macon Days, which gets underway later this week on Thursday. Now titled, “Macon Music and Mules Festival,” will be held in Shelbyville on the World Famous Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration grounds. The fun will start on Thursday, September 28th and run through Sunday, October 1st. 

The American Mule and Music Association and Uncle Dave Macon Days are teaming up for this year's excitement, which will be daily from 9am to 9pm at the Cooper Steel Arena (721 Whithorn St) in Shelbyville on the Celebration grounds.

Macon Music and Mules has put together a one of a kind festival this year by combining music, mules, homesteading education, arts and craft vendors. That said, everyone is invited to enjoy LIVE music and watch mules in action at the festival in Bedford County.

The early music performed on the front porches, parlors, and barn raisin’s of the 19th century and early 20th century are all honored and celebrated, blending the old and new, with the upcoming event this week.

Marty Gordon, Director of American Mule and Music said, “We are teaming up with Uncle Dave Macon Days to enhance the festival experience by educating the public about old-time traditions in a fun way. As we embrace the future, together we will provide the old way of life, mules, and homestead skills. American Mule and Music Association is excited to partner with Uncle Dave Macon Days to produce the 2023 festival and assist in the growth of this event. We are honored to help preserve the rich tradition of Dave Macon's impact on the root’s music. This event will generate mule and music enthusiasts from around the country. The blending of the mule competition and music will create a unique destination event. Fans young and old will experience the rich nostalgia of the rural roots of Middle Tennessee. We are excited about the partnership and possibilities at Macon Music and Mules.”

Gloria Christy, President of Uncle Dave Macon Days responds, “Over the past forty plus years, our organization has been committed to preserving and perpetuating the roots music story through the festival, Uncle Dave Macon Days. We are connecting and collaborating with the American Mule and Music Association to achieve this goal one step at a time. With that approach, we anticipate greatness in the years to come. Teaming up with the American Mule and Music Association is a positive initiative that will make that preservation dream come true.”

From September 28 through October 1st from 9am - 9pm each day, this family friendly event has something for everyone.... music from some of the finest roots music bands on the Farrah Brothers Stage and in the Family Area, Pickersville, Wagon Train, Blacksmithing, Homesteading Demonstrations, Cast Iron Cooking Contest, Open Mule Races and Mule Competitions, Mule Give-a-way, Cutest Cowboy and Cowgirl Contest, Campfire Sing-a-long with Farmer and Adele, Hymn Sing and Church service. Admission is a donation which will benefit veterans. To check out times and schedule go to: www.maconmusicandmules.com

Location: Cooper Steel Arena, 721 Whithorn St, in Shelbyville, Tennessee on the World Famous Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration grounds.