Historic Bell Hill Full Moon Pickin' Party

May 2024 | Flower Moon

Warmer weather is here and we are so excited to bring live music to Historic Bell Hill! Bring the kids, the dog, your granny, grandpa or your sweetheart and join us!  Make sure you bring your favorite lawn chair or quilt incase your dancin' feet get tired!  We would love to see your guitar, upright bass, mandolin, even a fiddle or banjo! Spend an evening enjoying the view while pickin' and listening to a variety of talented artists. All proceeds will help to continue in restoring and beautifying this magical property! 

What is a Pickin' Party? 

Allow us to explain! While our family is origionally from Southern Illinois, Mama Rhonda, Millie & Andy spent the last 12+ years living and playing music in Nashville, Tennessee. Pickin' Parties are a staple of the Nashville music scene and a great way to meet fellow musicians and enjoy authentic bluegrass/Americana music and the beautiful summer weather.  We truly enjoyed the Pickin' Parties over the years and knew this was something special we needed to introduce in Southern Illinois!

This is a gathering for music lovers of all ages and a great way to introduce young players to new tunes passed down by the older folks.  Pickin' Parties are Blueglass and Americana specific and while we will have an open mic opportunity and featured artists each month, guests are welcome to play in the circles or just enjoy the music! 

We hope to see you there! 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door with cash or Venmo

• $10 per person
• Children  10 & under are free. 
• OR Bring an instrument for free admission!

Food + Beverage

A consession stand will be available with food, snacks, soft drinks and water. Adult beverages will be availabile for purchase as well. Adult beverage options include: Coors Light, Budlight, Michelob Ultra, White Claw and wine by the glass.

Guests are welcome to bring food and soft drinks of their own. However, outside alcohol in NOT permitted. 

IMPORTANT Additional information:

-The event will happen rain or shine! Should questionable weather arise, music will be moved to our historic event barn.

-Given the uneven landscape of our propery, if you or a guest needs to be dropped off closer to the house or the hill please let us know.

-If you will be bringing large instruments, lawnchairs and/or a cooler, we highly reccomend bringing a wagon with you to make transporting much easier. 

-Event restrooms will be available for guests. 

- We are still finalizing featured artists for several of the Pickin' Parties. This information will be released soon.

-Furry friends are welcome! We kindly request that they are kept leashed at all times and all smelly yard presents are disposed of.

-For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is not permitted on the hill or in front of the Bell Hill home. We will have a designated smoking area near the parking lot. Any guests smoking in the restricted areas will be asked to leave.

-Tickets are non-refundable

Small businesses to support while you're in the area: 

*please be sure to check hour of operations*

• Flamm Orchards
• Feather Hills Winery
• StarView Vineyards
• Peachbarn Winery + Cafe
• Iron Whisk Bistro + Bar
• Anna Arts Center/Shawnee Hills Arts Council
• Cobden Village Shops
• Wine Trail Mercantile
• Blueberry Hill Farm
• Bass Farms Produce Market
• Havisham Burbon Bar 
• Rendleman Orchards 
• Fuzzy's Tavern 
• Taqueria Pequena
• Makanda Boardwalk
• Giant City State Park
• Owl Creek Vinyard