Standard Deluxe celebrates 25 years of the Old 280 Boogie

CONTRUBUTED TO

THE LAFAYETTE SUN

WAVERLY — This spring, Standard Deluxe proudly marks a major milestone: the 25th Anniversary of the Old 280 Boogie, taking place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 on its beloved artistic grounds in Waverly, Alabama. What began in 2001 as a street party celebrating the completion of the rerouting of Highway 280 around downtown has grown into one of the South’s most treasured independent music festivals — a weekend defined by soulful performances, artisan culture, Southern cuisine and deep community roots.

The festival is held on the grounds of Standard Deluxe — a globally-respected design and silkscreen print shop, music venue and creative hub that has fostered artistic innovation for 35 years. The site features thoughtfully-renovated buildings, a large grassy yard and an iconic outdoor stage constructed from found objects and vintage Southern signs, providing a distinctive setting where music, visual art and community converge.

As The Columbusite notes, “There’s nothing standard about Standard Deluxe… The surprise and delight that is Standard Deluxe simply has to be experienced.”

A 25th Anniversary Lineup Worthy of the Occasion

This year’s lineup is packed with some of the hottest names in Southern and American roots music — from the deep blues of Mississippi to Texas rock to Alabama “ghost country.” Every performer is a standout artist, bringing their signature sound, unforgettable energy and the kind of artistry that has earned them national and international acclaim.

On Saturday, April 18, the day features performances by Shovels & Rope, Cedric Burnside, Billy Allen & The Pollies, The Pine Hill Haints and Abe Partridge. The celebration continues on Sunday, April 19, with sets from The Band of Heathens, The Heavy Heavy, Taylor Hunnicutt, Corey Harris & Cedric Watson and The Last Jimenez.

Food, Art & Creative Connections

Artisan and food vendors have always been a cornerstone of the Old 280 Boogie, creating a lively, immersive festival experience. In celebration of the 25th anniversary, this year’s selection has been thoughtfully curated to highlight artists with meaningful ties to Standard Deluxe. Featured makers include Mighty Fine Art & Print Shop, Alabama folk artist Abe Partridge (who also performs on Saturday), Mississippi tintype portrait artist Michael Foster and Pioneer House of Knoxville — a longtime printmaking collaborator of Standard Deluxe.

Culinary offerings showcase regional flavors, anchored by a special collaboration between acclaimed Birmingham chefs Rob McDaniel and Roscoe Hall on Saturday. Together, they will present a Southern-inspired menu in the wood-fired, open-air Feed Shak — an outdoor kitchen McDaniel designed for Standard Deluxe. 

Festivalgoers can explore artisan goods, savor regional dishes and soak in the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that has defined the Boogie for a quarter century. Located just north of Auburn and Opelika and within easy driving distance of Montgomery, Columbus, Birmingham and Atlanta, the festival offers the perfect spring weekend getaway.

A Celebration of Southern Spirit

For generations of attendees, the Old 280 Boogie has become part of their family story — children who once danced barefoot in the grass now return with families of their own. Rooted in “radical hospitality,” the event remains fiercely independent, artist-centered and distinctly Southern. 

As Okra Magazine observed, “If you get a chance to go to Waverly, don’t hesitate… [Standard Deluxe holds] a special charm.” 

Twenty-five years in, the Old 280 Boogie continues to shine as a beacon of Southern originality — where internationally-touring musicians share space with local makers, where art and music intersect and where Alabama’s blue sky and tall pines form the perfect cathedral ceiling.

Tickets and additional information are available at www.standarddeluxe.com. Follow along on social media for updates and special anniversary announcements.

Event Details

• Old 280 Boogie — 25th Anniversary

• Saturday, April 18 (11 a.m.–9 p.m.)

Sunday, April 19 (11 a.m.–8 p.m.)

• Standard Deluxe

1015 Mayberry St.

Waverly, Alabama