Hensley Hills Harvest Festival
Information
Dates
October 16th & 17th, 2026
Time
9:00am - 9:30pm EDT
Location
3844 Old Asheville Hwy, Erwin, TN 37650
Ages
There will be fun for all ages! Bring the whole family!
THIS EVENT IS FREE ADMISSION
Activities and Events
Old-fashioned molasses makin’
Apple butter makin’
Shell Mill demonstrations
Food trucks
Homemade ice cream
Live bluegrass music nightly
Molasses Makin’
Hensley Hills Molasses
We are proud to showcase the production of our family’s four-generation, award-winning sweet sorghum syrup (commonly referred to as molasses). While many have watched or even taken part in this tradition over the years, this season is especially meaningful to us. As our farm has grown, we’ve been blessed with the opportunity to bring together the traditions our family is best known for into a weekend of heritage, fellowship, and celebration.
If there’s one thing that pairs as perfectly as molasses, butter, and biscuits, it’s molasses and bluegrass music.
This past March, we traveled to Sevierville, Tennessee, to attend the 40th Annual National Sweet Sorghum Producers and Processors Association Conference. There, we built new friendships with fellow producers, expanded our knowledge of the craft, and discovered exciting opportunities to preserve and promote this Appalachian tradition. During the conference, we entered our sweet sorghum syrup into the national competition alongside more than 40 producers from across the country. We were deeply honored to receive First Place.
Looking ahead, our goal is to continue growing our farm while preserving the family tradition that began generations ago. We are grateful for the opportunity to share this heritage with others and hope that each visitor leaves with a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship, history, and community that make sweet sorghum production so special.
Vendors
Shell Mill
“We're excited to bring our 1916 Stone Mill to the Hensley Hills Harvest Festival!
Stop by and experience traditional stone-ground milling in action as we demonstrate how corn was milled generations ago. We'll be sharing the history behind our three-generation passion for grist milling, explaining what makes stone-ground cornmeal, grits & cornflour different, and answering your questions along the way.
We're honored to be teaching alongside so many talented demonstrators who are keeping these traditions alive. Thank you to the festival organizers for giving us the opportunity to share a piece of living Appalachian history. We can’t wait to see you there!”
Food
Food trucks will be ready to serve at 12pm!
Pate’s BBQ
Pate’s BBQ is a small business originating in Flag Pond, TN that has flourished into something we all look forward to supporting. Come get a platter of some of our favorite bbq in town! They will be serving both days for all to enjoy!
Southern Belle & Son
Formerly named “The Hungarian Sausage King”, this food truck is one that everyone has always been a fan of and they’re only getting better! They will be serving both days!
Hensley Hills Sweet Spot
Our very own Julie Slagle will be serving up homemade ice cream straight from the churn to your cup! Her 1927 John Deere Hit & Miss Engine powers the 20-quart ice cream churn that keeps a sweet rhythm thumping and your taste buds dancing. Other homemade baked goods will also be available for purchase!
Schedule
October 16th, 2026
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Family and friends will gather around the warm woodfired furnace in Hensley Curve as we begin making the day’s run of molasses (sweet sorghum).
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Vistors will observe how our family judges the final product to make the same consistent sticky sweet syrup that everyone loves.
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We will be taking a break to transition from our molasses making production to our bluegrass festivities. Please be patient with us as we make this transition so we can help provide the best experience for everyone!
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Everyone will move to the field just up the property to gather around and find their seats as the introductions begin.
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This is an up-and-coming local band that you won’t want to miss!
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While these pickers aren’t new to our ears, they still bring a refreshing sound and feel! Coming from across the mountain in North Carolina and right here in Hensley Hills, they will be coming together and putting on an amazing show everyone will want to hear!
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We are proud to present to you some of the best of the best in the bluegrass world! Not only are they some of the best, but they also have one of our own singing and pickin’ the mandolin making a name for himself, Mr. Adam Miller!
Adam is also nominated for IBMA 2026 Vocalist of the Year! We are beyond proud of him for all his accomplishments and for representing our hometown with such class and integrity.
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Y’all come back now!
The Southern Highlanders
The Lonesome River Band
Schedule
October 17th, 2026
-
Family and friends will gather around the warm wood-fired furnace in Hensley Curve as we begin making the day’s run of molasses (sweet sorghum).
-
Vistors will observe how our family judges the final product to make the same consistent sticky sweet syrup that everyone loves.
-
We will be taking a break to transition from our molasses making production to our bluegrass festivities. Please be patient with us as we make this transition so we can help provide the best experience for everyone!
-
Everyone will move to the field just up the property to gather around and find their seats as the introductions begin.
-
More information coming soon!
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This band is a local sensation that consists of Adam Larkey and friends. No matter who steps up on the stage to perform with him, just know you’re in for a treat!
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This won’t be a normal performance many have seen recently of the Spivey Mountain Boys…there will be a special segment celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the CD release titled Runaway! You won’t want to miss it!
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Spivey Mountain Boys will stop playing around 8:30pm. However, jam sessions are encouraged for all to stick around and pick together for several more hours!
The Larkey’s
Where to Find Us
From I-26, take Exit 43 (Temple Hill). Turn right onto Old Asheville Highway and follow it for approximately 2 ½ miles. Hensley Hills Farm is located at 3844 Old Asheville Hwy, Erwin, TN 37650, on the right side of the road.
SIGNS WILL BE POSTED FOR FESTIVAL
Our Sponsors
We would like to recognize all of our sponsors as we could not be presenting this special community event without them. Coming from a small town is something we are extremely proud and we are thankful to have the support from those who are also doing their part in making sure it stays alive. Do not forget to go out and support your local businesses!
To all of our sponsors, we can’t thank you enough and wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!
-The Hensley Family
Headlining Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Friend of the Festival
Friend of the Festival
Would You Like to Be an Event Sponsor?
Every great community event is made possible by the support of local businesses and individuals who believe in preserving our Appalachian heritage. By becoming a sponsor of the Hensley Hills Harvest Festival, you’re helping us provide outstanding bluegrass entertainment, live demonstrations, family activities, and an unforgettable celebration of our region’s rich traditions. Your partnership not only promotes your business but also helps ensure this festival continues to grow for years to come. We’d be honored to have you join us in making this event a success!
Disclaimer: Some attributes of the Gold and Silver Sponsorship levels will not be available after September 1st, 2026
Sponsorship Information Packet
Sponsorship Request Form