Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival returns for its 15th year, and it’s kicking off with a lineup that promises unforgettable performances and boundary-pushing soundscapes! Headlining the first wave of announcements are Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, blending psychedelic jams with outlaw country flair, and the explosive energy of Andy Frasco & The U.N., renowned for their crowd-fueled, unpredictable live shows. Set against the stunning backdrop of Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, VA, from May 22-25, 2025, Rooster Walk 15 is primed to be a long weekend of music, art, and outdoor adventures, embodying the heart and soul of Virginia’s festival scene. Early Bird tickets are on sale now, so gear up for four days of non-stop music and community spirit that keeps festival-goers returning year after year!
Early Bird Bands: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Little Stranger, Yarn, Hogslop String Band, ShadowGrass, The Rooster Walk House Band, Cool Cool Cool
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, one of the hottest touring acts in the nation, tops the initial lineup for the 15th annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival, set for May 22-25, 2025, at Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, VA.
Making their fourth consecutive appearance at Rooster Walk, DDCC is led by electric guitar virtuoso Daniel Donato. The band’s blend of mind-bending musicianship, cosmic jam voyages, and outlaw country influences has them on a trajectory toward international stardom.
Joining the lineup is Andy Frasco & The U.N., a rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse known for their high-energy, "can-this-get-any-crazier?" live shows. Frasco & Co., who headline venues and festivals nationwide, return to Rooster Walk after their memorable late-night set in 2022 at RW12.
Additional bands announced Tuesday include:
- Little Stranger (Charleston, SC): An indie hip-hop duo known for dance-inducing beats.
- Yarn (NC/NY): Roots rockers performing both original music and a festival-closing tribute set.
- Hogslop String Band (Nashville, TN): A high-energy, old-time influenced string band.
- ShadowGrass (VA/NC): A rising progressive bluegrass band with impressive musical chops.
- The Rooster Walk House Band (Various cities): Annual festival performers known for eclectic genre-spanning sets.
- Cool Cool Cool (Various): A funk/house/R&B act known to spark instant dance parties.
“This is just the beginning of the full lineup, shaped directly by the wishes of our fanbase,” said Johnny Buck, executive director of Rooster Walk Inc. “We wouldn’t be here without our supporters, so it’s only logical to give them as much of what they want as possible. Fortunately for us, our fans have excellent taste.”
More than 35 additional bands, including the top two overall headliners, will be announced in the coming months.
Tickets and Camping Passes for Rooster Walk 15 are now available at Early Bird prices at www.roosterwalk.com, which also provides all the details needed to plan for an unforgettable experience.
The festival will take place Thursday through Sunday of Memorial Day weekend amid the scenic foothills of Martinsville, VA. Rooster Walk is a four-day celebration of music, art, and the great outdoors at the picturesque Pop’s Farm venue, featuring roughly 50 bands on six different stages.
In addition to around 80 sets of live music, the family-friendly Rooster Walk offers a variety of craft beers, delicious food, kids’ programming, family fun, arts, and numerous ways to enjoy Virginia’s outdoors, including guided fly fishing trips, pedal boats, bike rides, yoga, a disc golf course, and beautiful on-site camping.
Named one of the Top 5 festivals in Virginia by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Rooster Walk was also voted the region’s Most Creative Charitable Event by Virginia Living Magazine readers for three consecutive years. The festival was created in memory of Martinsville natives Edwin “The Rooster” Penn and Walker Shank, who graduated from Martinsville High School in 2000.
A portion of festival proceeds will be donated to local and regional charities, including Rooster Walk’s own Penn-Shank Memorial Endowment Scholarship Fund for students at Martinsville High School and the Rooster Walk Music Instrument Program for public school bands in the local city and county. Additionally, a portion of every admission ticket sold before January 1, 2025, will be donated to United Way’s Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the Mid-Atlantic.
Rooster Walk is produced by Rooster Walk Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting music, arts, and education in Martinsville-Henry County. Since 2009, Rooster Walk Inc. has donated more than $330,000 to local and regional charities.
