NextThreeDays: Event Display

New River PawpawFest 2026
Venue: Rising Silo Farm Brewery, Blacksburg
Directions: Google Map Link
Organizations: Amelia Empson, Breakfast at Noon, Father Sun, Lillian Hackett, The Deer Run Drifters, The Red Ferns
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Event Types: Music, Food, Drink Specials, Miscellaneous, Family Friendly, Arts & Theatre, Charity
Cost: Free

Sponsored Content:

Feature Your Company/Event Here

Description:
Nursery Natives presents the 4th Annual New River PawpawFest on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Rising Silo Brewery in Blacksburg, VA.

Event Schedule:
• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Lillian Hackett
• 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Vendors On-site
• 12:00-2:00 PM: Breakfast at Noon
• 3:00-5:00 PM: Father Sun
• 5:00-7:00 PM: Deer Run Drifters
• 7:00-9:00 PM: The Red Ferns

Celebrate North America’s largest (and tastiest) native fruit with a full day of live music, specialty foods, craft brews, local artisans & vendors, native plants, goats, games, education and much more! The New River PawpawFest is a music festival supporting ecological restoration and Appalachian culture.

Featuring live music with The Red Ferns, Father Sun, The Deer Run Drifters, Breakfast at Noon, Amelia Empson and Lillian Hackett.

In addition to free fresh Pawpaw fruit tastings, Rising Silo’s cherished "Mountain Mango", a limited time Pawpaw beer (Berliner Weisse), and the seasonal favorite Pawpaw ice cream from Big Lick Ice Cream Co. will be available.

Ezekiel and the goats of Blue Ridge Goatscaping LLC will be joining the fun once again. Enjoy their company while learning about the eco-friendly practice of employing goats for invasive species removal.

The Red Ferns are a five-piece Southwest Virginia based bluegrass band. Originally a psychedelic rock band the Red Ferns have embraced their roots with both a classic bluegrass and newgrass sound.

Links:

• https://theredfernsbluegrass.carrd.co
• https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Red-Ferns-61551864444093/
• https://www.instagram.com/theredfernsband/

The Deer Run Drifters (DRD) are a stringed quintet from the small mountain town of Floyd, Virginia. The group, all from former bands of different genres came together in mid 2012 to play a more folk, bluegrass and Americana sound.

With one half of the band influenced by the sounds and lyrics of alt-country, and the other half deeply rooted in a more modern folk, The Deer Run Drifters have quickly carved themselves out a perfect spot in Americana music.

They logged 200+ shows across the East Coast and Midwest, toured the U.S., and released two acclaimed albums—Appalachian Blues (2013), praised for its raw tales of hardship, and Restless Youth (2015), which amped up their sound with rock-driven energy while keeping their authenticity intact.

Now, more than a decade later, The Deer Run Drifters are back. With a new lineup, a renewed sense of purpose, and fresh songs that embrace their traditional roots, the band is ready to rekindle their connection with fans. They’re doubling down on the grit and authenticity that made them a standout name in Americana music.

Links:

• http://www.thedeerrundrifters.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheDeerRunDrifters
• https://www.twitter.com/DeerRunDrifters
• https://www.instagram.com/thedeerrundrifters/

Father Sun embodies the true spirit of reggae with a blend of experienced artistry and youthful energy. Father Sun’s repertoire encompasses reggae covers and original compositions, each note carrying the authentic vibe of the genre. Their performances are not mere musical exhibitions; they are heartfelt celebrations of life and the universal language of music. Join Father Sun on their musical odyssey, where the essence of reggae is embraced and shared, connecting soul and spreading positivity wherever their music is heard.

Laying the bassline of this musical journey is Janiah Allen, a seasoned musician known for his collaborations with Alliens, Music Road Co, Solazo, Jordan Harman & the Humble Brags, Sol Roots and The Ambassador. Alongside Janiah is his son, Nyo Allen, whose exceptional drumming skills bring life to Father Sun’s beats. From an early age, Nyo developed a love for rhythm, and he lays down a solid foundation for the band.

Janiah & Nyo’s original compositions are rooted in reggae traditions and infused with modern creativity. They are joined by guitarist Aram Skenderian, whose melodic prowess adds depth and dimension to their music.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/fathersunband

Breakfast at Noon is a Southern Rock and Americana band that is local to Blacksburg, VA.

Links:

• https://www.facebook.com/breakfastatnoontheband
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWGMuJYbGJp9nOy6jp0mvgw/videos
• https://www.instagram.com/therealbreakfastatnoon/

Amelia Empson plays a variety of Indie-Folk and Americana covers and originals from the Appalachian Mountains with talent far beyond her years.

Links:

• https://www.facebook.com/ameliaempsonmusic
• https://www.instagram.com/ameliaempson/

Lillian Hackett is an emerging singer-songwriter from Lovettsville, VA. Her deep appreciation for music started at a young age as she was immersed in a vibrant music scene within her community. Weekends spent attending barn dances, folk festivals, and bonfire jams enriched her musical style and exposed her to the heritage of old-time and bluegrass music. Often described as an Appalachian Stevie Nicks or distant cousin of Sierra Ferrell, Lillian has a natural inclination toward Folk/Americana music as she skillfully weaves a soulful and authentic musical experience.

Lillian has directly supported Deana Carter, Palmyra and Low Water Bridge Band and has appeared on the Watermelon Pickers Festival and Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion.

Links:

• https://www.lillianhackettmusic.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/lillianhackettmusic/
• https://www.youtube.com/@lillianhackettmusic
• https://www.instagram.com/lillianhackettmusic/

Family-friendly with free admission courtesy of Rising Silo Brewery, and event sponsor/organizer, Nursery Natives (501c3).

Rising Silo Farm Brewery is located at 2351 Glade Road in Blacksburg, VA.

To view the event flyer, visit: https://res.cloudinary.com/du5lfb5z3/image/upload/v1788440911/780487065_18005793953970304_6631226124098404434_n_ptyzzo.jpg.

For more information, visit: https://linktr.ee/pawpawfest or https://www.facebook.com/PawpawFest/ or https://www.facebook.com/events/1284090510500495/ or https://www.instagram.com/pawpawfest_ or for questions, contact feedingappalachianow@gmail.com.