Golden Road Festival will return October 17th–20th, 2025, bringing a unique experience blending the energy of a major production with the intimacy of a close-knit gathering. After taking place in California in 2024, this year the festival will shift to Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge resort in Buford, GA.

Headlining this year’s lineup is the Taj Mahal Quintet, featuring legendary bluesman and recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award Taj Mahal.

Also taking the stage are standout collaborations Don Was and The Pan Detroit Ensemble (featuring Don Was, Jeff Canady, Vincent Chandler, Steffanie Christi’an, John Douglas, Wayne Gerard, Mahindi Masai, Dave McMurray, and Luis Resto), Super Sonic Shorties (Amy Bellamy, Shira Elias, Nikki Glaspie, Arnetta Johnson, Kanika Moore, Katty Rodriguez, Angie Swan, Tonya Sweets, and Briana Washington), and Zādell Music (Zoe Ellis, Dave Ellis, Nikki Glaspie, Aron Magner, Quinn Sullivan, Jill Simmons, Jason Fraticelli, Lamar Williams Jr., and a “very special guest”), plus genre-blending supergroups Prince/Bowie (Eric Gould, Cal Kehoe, Josh Schwartz, Cotter Ellis, Jason Hann, Steve Learson, Brittany Beckett, Shira Elias, Arnetta Johnson, and Dave Ellis), Jimi’s Dead (Eric Krasno, Ross James, Nikki Glaspie, Aron Magner, Jason Hann, and special guests), and Deadtronica (Aron Magner and Cloudchord).

Festivalgoers can also look forward to a performance by Bay Area jam stalwarts ALO and an appearance from acclaimed author and host of the nationally syndicated Grateful Dead Hour David Gans. Dave Ellis and Jill Simmons will be on hand all weekend to serve as artists at large.

“What sets it apart isn’t just who’s playing,” the festival website reads. “it’s how intimate it all feels. Artists don’t disappear backstage—they share meals at big communal tables, take part in thoughtful panel discussions, join late-night hangs and jams, and become part of our circle. It’s a moment in time that solidifies connections and creates memories that last a lifetime.”

Tickets for Golden Road Festival are on sale now. All packages include lodging at Lanier Islands, all meals, all communal, with artists and guests, 10 drink tickets for wine, beer, and mocktails, late-night munchies (because 1 a.m. hunger is real), free stage-side massages, 10% off all spa services, free access to golf carts and bicycles, various resort activities and immersive experiences, on-site shuttle service to get you around the islands, and more. Find more information and secure your tickets here.