Your Guide to Deep Roots Festival

The Deep Roots Festival is back for its 23rd edition! On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the streets of downtown Milledgeville are the place to be with an antique car show, live entertainment ranging from magicians to rock-and-roll, an artist market, food trucks, and a KidZone. Whether you are a festival veteran or this is your first rodeo, here are a few of our favorite things to enjoy. Check back for festival updates! 

Entry to the festival area is free! This includes access to arts & crafts booths, the car show, downtown businesses, food trucks, live music, and more.

Arts & Crafts

A staple of the Deep Roots Festival, the Arts and Crafts section is a must-visit highlight. Here, you'll find an array of handmade treasures, from mesmerizing glassware and unique jewelry to cozy hand-knit items. Whether you're searching for a special gift or a unique treat for yourself, the Arts and Crafts section at Deep Roots Festival offers a perfect blend of beauty, functionality, and the rich artistic tradition of Milledgeville. The market opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m.

In addition, our downtown merchants will be open, offering an abundance of shopping from specialty and vintage shops to the newest clothing and gift boutiques. The holidays are right around the corner, after Deep Roots and shopping local never goes out of style.

Live Music

The main stage at the Deep Roots Festival is the heart of non-stop entertainment, featuring local musicians who perform throughout the day. Beginning mid-morning and continuing through the evening, the Deep Roots main stage hosts a diverse lineup of talent, showcasing the best of the Central Georgia music scene. Festivalgoers can enjoy a wide variety of musical genres while savoring delicious food from nearby vendors. Access to the main entertainment area is free, ensuring that everyone can experience the lively atmosphere that defines the Deep Roots Festival.

The 2026 Deep Roots Festival will be headlined by Clayton Nile Young, a West Virginia native known for blending alternative country, bluegrass, and folk into his signature “Holler Poetry” sound. 

The festival also features an exciting lineup of artists, including The Psycodelics, bringing their energetic mix of funk, rock, and pop from South Carolina; Athens-based Sweet Tea Pedigree, known for their soulful blues rock; Middle Georgia’s The BlaqBerry Band, serving up Southern soul; and the Tropical Breeze Steel Band, bringing Calypso, Soca, Pop, Beach, Reggae, and Latin sounds to the festival.

Festival-goers will also enjoy performances from Jazz at Georgia College & State University, along with talented local groups including the Oak Hill Middle Chorus and John Milledge Academy Chorus, adding even more local sound to the day’s musical lineup.

(Insider tip: you may bring in your own chair to watch the performances!)

KidZone

The Deep Roots Festival really has something for everyone, even the littles! KidZone is the play area of the Deep Roots Festival for kids 12 and under. This playland features the best collection of inflatables, rock climbing walls, Velcro walls, zip lines, and other featured rides. An unlimited KidZone pass must be purchased for activities, passes are $10 for kids 42" and below, and $15 for kids above 42", and will be valid all day from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The KidZone unlimited pass will be sold the day of the Deep Roots festival in the KidZone located between the parking lot between Milledgeville City Hall and Mary Vinson Memorial Library.

Car Show

In addition to all the food, shopping, and music, there are also a number of activities going on throughout the day to keep you busy. Head to the Old Capital Car Club’s Open Car Show to see over 100 beautiful examples of engineering and vintage treasures. An annual tradition, the car show includes some of the area's coolest rides that have been restored to their original charm or altered to be faster or shinier. The best cars will even receive awards at 2:00 pm! 

Food & Drink

What’s a good festival without food trucks? Whether your favorite festival fix is fresh-squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes, hot dogs, Polish sausage, or street tacos, there's a food truck for you! In addition to traditional food trucks, you'll find unique offerings like stuffed turkey legs and seafood boils that are sure to complete your festival experience. The downtown area also boasts over 18 restaurants, providing even more delicious options. Try The Brick or Amici for some tasty wings and pizza, or pop into Greene's or Barberitos for a quick bite. Downtown businesses will be open and ready for you to get a taste of just about everything! 

Steak Cookoff

Do you cook the best steak in the neighborhood? Deep Roots has partnered with the Steak Cookoff Association to offer over $3,000 in cash prizes for the best steak! We provide the steaks and you provide the grill and mad chef skills. This friendly amateur competition culminates in an exciting awards ceremony on the Deep Roots main stage. More details coming soon. 

EndZone

Get ready for The Ultimate Football Watch Party at Deep Roots! Catch the big game on a massive 17-foot screen and cheer on your team alongside fellow football fans. With the energy of the festival all around you, it’s the perfect spot to settle in, catch every play and enjoy a little game-day fun while you’re at Deep Roots. Game schedule and times coming soon.

Lodging

This highly anticipated event draws festivalgoers from across the region and state, making lodging in high demand. With limited availability at hotels and short-term rentals, we strongly suggest booking your accommodations in advance of this busy weekend.