“Let us toast to animal pleasures, to escapism, to rain on the roof and instant coffee, to unemployment insurance and library cards, to absinthe and good-hearted landlords, to music and warm bodies and contraceptives… and to the “good life”, whatever it is and wherever it happens to be.”
― Hunter S. Thompson, The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman
The Muddy Roots Festival, a celebration of DIY culture, held its 15th annual event from August 29th to August 31st, 2025, at the June Bug Boogie Ranch in Cookeville, Tn.
Jason Galaz founded Muddy Roots in 2010. In 2016, Milton Chavez and his wife, Delane Chavez, who owns Mystic Panther Tattoo in Murfreesboro, took on the role of organizers for Muddy Roots.
Last year was colder than the previous one. Organizers warned attendees that the nights would be freezing and suggested bringing blankets and jackets. Carson Kehrer, the drummer for Amigo the Devil, regretted not heeding this advice, as he found himself piling band gear on top of himself in his Jeep to stay warm.
TSOL, Angry Zeta, Nick Shoulder, The Causalities and The Spits were renowned names that got richly merited turn outs.
Amigo the Devil returned to the field with a expected successful turn out. This artist known as Katacomb played as well and captivated a large audience herself. She plays keys for Amigo the devil’s band and is also Danny Kiranos (Amigo the Devil himself) sister.
The Triangle Fire spread from the wooden stage. On the home screen of the Muddy Roots website, there’s a picture of their friend on the stage’s catwalk, as he gets hit with silly string. This year Triangle Fire was able to play from the Big-Tent. From the big tent they were able to broadcast their message even more widely across the campground. They advocate for harm reduction, bodily autonomy, and community support. Thoughts of our late friend Scout Red and others fill many of our minds. If you or someone you know is in need of a friend, reach out to them. No one should feel alone.
There was plenty of rampaging in little tent and stage diving back into an abundance of dirty hands during Bolt Thrower. The same tent where Little Foot was digging into his listeners’ feelings, who is well known for this.
New rules regarding mini bikes are being considered due to excessive speeding, with a potential ban if speed control does not improve. C’mon People I’ve had plans on purchasing a Coleman Mini Bike from my local Tractor Supply or Facebook Market Place. I want spin little tires and sling some mud too. keep it off Vendor row and don’t be a dick with your tiny motors?
Feedback from attendees is being actively reviewed to implement further improvements. Merchandise sales were strong, and remaining items will be sold online.
Widget Drift is a photographer based in Las Vegas. You can follow him on Instagram at @stoned_spider_photography_lv. Last year, he attended his first Muddy Roots event, where he gathered several people to take a photo of them huddled on the podium built for cage dancing. He set a personal challenge to see how many people he could fit into one photo and successfully captured a large crowd at the Wood-stage
The marketing theme of Muddy Roots this year was inspired by Hunter S Thompson. There was increase in painted faces with red noses this year. So much that next years theme has decided to be carnival themed.
We remember those who were absent from the field this year. Some carried candles in their memory, while others stopped by Camp Jello to recall Mama Jello, who used to share Jello shots and Jepson’s Malört surrounded by her friends and family. They remembered the conversations, the stiff faces after a shot, just as Mama Jello would have wanted. The Muddy Roots community remains close-knit and understands that “mud is blood.”
more information can be found at Matthew Grady Olson’s Bucket City Mouthwash YouTube channel.
More information can be found at Bucket City Mouthwash | Publications | Patreon
More information for Muddy Roots 2026 held September 4-6 (like, tickets) can be found at their homesite, Muddy Roots Worldwide | Roots and Punk Festivals
Muddy Roots Music Festival is located at 115 Waterloo Rd, Cookeville, TN, United States.
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