Saturday, October 18, 2025 – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Celebrating a local delicacy, Liver Mush, since 1985
Liver Mush is a regional dish in Western North Carolina, comprised of pig liver (at least 30%), cornmeal, seasonings, and other parts of the pig. It’s delicious for breakfast or lunch, packed with protein, and an important part of our local heritage!
The NC Liver Mush Festival: Mush, Music & Mutts provides much more than just liver mush! Enjoy live music, kids activities, RollOver Pet Zone, 100+ vendors, and more! With an estimated 2024 attendance of *18,000, we are proud to bring the festival back better than ever in October 2025!
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Mush, Music & Mutts Festival – North Carolina’s Official Fall Liver Mush Festival on Saturday, October 18th, in beautiful Uptown Shelby! Recognized in regional and national media, including Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre Foods, this festival celebrates the unique regional delicacy and local food staple known as liver mush.
Main Stage by Albemarle
Located near Gragg Financial and Central United Methodist Church
Info coming soon!
Carolina Harmony Trail Stage
Located near the Foothills Farmers’ Market
Info coming soon!
RollOver Pets Festival
Located near the RollOver Pet Store and Dragonfly Wine Market
Info coming soon!
2025 Categories:
TBD
Land of Rhythm Kids Zone
Located on the lawn of the Earl Scruggs Center near the Cleveland County Arts Council
Liver Mush Cookoff Livestream
Liver Mush Eating Contest
Located near the Cleveland County Arts Council
TBD
The Liver Mush Legacy: A Tasty Exploration!
Get ready for a flavorful experience at The Earl Scruggs Center that will be educational and delicious!
During The Liver Mush Festival, their program will dive into the fascinating history of liver mush—an iconic Southern delicacy with deep roots in our region. Through a fun and interactive presentation, you’ll explore its origins, cultural significance, and unique preparation methods. But that’s not all! Some lucky attendees will have the chance to participate in a taste test featuring a variety of local liver mush brands. It’s the perfect way to discover the diverse flavors and textures of this beloved dish.
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event that celebrates our local food heritage. Bring your curiosity and appetite!
