The festival started in 1980. It was started by Roland Paulk and operated by the Paulk, Nugent and Jordan family. Hickory Grove Music Park was the home festival for Southland Bluegrass.

In 2000, Mr. Paulk passed away leaving the festival in the hands of Jimmy Nugent, his son-in-law and one of the members of Southland Bluegrass. Jimmy Nugent operated the festival until 2013 when he passed away in July.

His children & wife are attempting to keep the history of Hickory Grove Music park alive by keeping the festival alive in 2014. Since the start of the festival it has become the host festival for many groups. Such as Southland Bluegrass, Flagon Creek, Alecia Nugent and the Belgard Boys.