A lot of folks like to head south on vacation to enjoy some of the excellent music that simmers continually in that part of the world.

But what about those who can’t afford such luxuries?

Well, every Labor Day weekend, the Rhythm & Roots Festival takes place in Ninigret Park, RI, just across the Westerly town line. And, traditionally, the organizers bring in a wealth of top-notch performers generally associated with southern musical hotspots like Memphis, Austin, New Orleans and Nashville.

The fest rocks again! On Friday, headliners include Dumpstaphunk and Dustbowl Revival. Saturday’s lineup includes Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue and Donna the Buffalo. And Sunday’s bill features the Robert Cray Band and Greensky Bluegrass.

And tonight in Westerly’s Knickerbocker Music Center — a sponsorship venue to the fest — Rhythm & Roots gets rolling with a kickoff party featuring Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, who also play Saturday at R&R.

Rhythm & Roots Festival, 4-11 p.m. Fri., noon-11 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Ninigret Park, 4890A Old Post Rd., Charlestown, RI; $59 Fri., $89 Sat.-Sun., $134 two-day pass Fri.-Sat., $164 two-day pass Sat.-Sun.; rhythmandroots.com.

Rhythm & Roots Kickoff Party with Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, 8 p.m. tonight, Knickerbocker Music Center, 35 Railroad Ave., Westerly; $20, knickmusic.com.