What It Is
Healing Appalachia is more than a music festival. Produced by the nonprofit Hope in the Hills, it’s designed to raise awareness of the opioid crisis, celebrate those in recovery, and support grassroots wellness and prevention efforts throughout Appalachian communities.
Key Highlights
- New Location & Scale: For the first time, the event will be held in Kentucky, reflecting its growing reach. Organizers say the location shift was a “painful” but necessary decision to better support regional nonprofits and build capacity for larger crowds and greater impact.- Headliners: The 2025 festival will be headlined by prominent Kentucky artists Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton.
- Community & Volunteerism: Close to 500 volunteers—many in long-term recovery—help run all aspects of the festival. Local schools, bands, wellness groups, and nonprofits participate in roles ranging from logistics to programming.
Impact
Healing Appalachia has already distributed more than $1 million to nonprofits working directly in prevention, recovery, and wellness across the region. Economically, it has generated millions in impact to rural Kentucky and West Virginia communities.
Attendance has grown significantly: from about 1,500 in its first year to nearly 20,000 people in recent festivals. Participants come from many states, drawn not only by the music but by a shared purpose.
Challenges & Reflections
The move out of West Virginia reflects both logistical constraints and a desire to expand the mission. Organizers described it as difficult to leave their original home, especially given strong partnerships there, but say the change offers new opportunities.
For many attendees, the festival is deeply personal. Beyond entertainment, it offers a space of healing and connection, especially for those affected by addiction or recovery struggles. “Half of us are either close to someone in recovery or in recovery ourselves,” one volunteer reflects.