Southern Gap will come alive with music, ATVs, vendors and outdoor activities later this month as the Southern Gap Trails & Tunes Festival returns for three days of entertainment.
The festival is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 23, at Breaks Interstate Park’s Southern Gap location, bringing together live music and some of the outdoor recreation that has become a big part of the Southern Gap area.
From trail riding and an ATV Poker Run to live performances, food vendors and family activities, organizers have packed the weekend with something for visitors of all ages.
The fun will actually begin a day early for off-road enthusiasts. Southern Gap Dirt Drags will hold three days of competitions and off-road events beginning Thursday, Aug. 20, alongside the Trails & Tunes weekend.
Trails & Tunes officially gets underway Friday, Aug. 21, with the vendor marketplace open from noon to 6 p.m. Families can also take part in “Become an Animal Detective” at 4 p.m. at the pergola behind the Southern Gap Visitor Center.
Music will take center stage Friday evening with Whitney Lusk performing at 6 p.m., followed by Alex Key at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 22, will be a busy day at Southern Gap. The vendor marketplace will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while registration for the ATV Poker Run will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Southern Gap Visitor Center. The Poker Run is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Families can learn more about area wildlife during an Animal Pelts Program at 4 p.m. at the pergola behind the visitor center.
Saturday evening’s music lineup will feature Sandy Shortridge and Danny Joines at 6 p.m., followed by Rhonda Vincent & The Rage at 7 p.m.
Activities continue Sunday, Aug. 23, beginning early with the Mountain Melody 5K. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the race at 8 a.m.
The 5K includes age divisions for runners 15 and younger, ages 16-39 and ages 40 and older. The $35 registration fee includes entry in the race and an official event T-shirt. Proceeds will benefit the Alice Lloyd Cross Country program.
The vendor marketplace will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Live music returns Sunday afternoon with a local artist scheduled to perform at 1 p.m. Josh & Seth McGlothlin will follow at 2 p.m., and The Kody Norris Show will close out the scheduled music at 3 p.m.
Visitors will also find plenty to do between the scheduled events. Food vendors, trail riding and a trail scavenger hunt are among the activities planned throughout the weekend.
The combination of Trails & Tunes and the Southern Gap Dirt Drags gives visitors an opportunity to make a full weekend out of a trip to Southern Gap, whether they come for the trails, the competition, the music or simply a day out with family and friends.
A complete schedule, along with information about vendors, lodging offers, VIP tickets and other festival updates, is available on the Breaks Interstate Park website.
