Chattanooga, August 1, 2025
News Summary
The Bluegrass Live! festival will make its debut in Chattanooga, Tennessee, moving from its former home in Raleigh, North Carolina. This vibrant event, part of the World of Bluegrass series, promises diverse performances from renowned bluegrass artists and is expected to draw over 45,000 attendees, generating a significant local economic impact. Tickets will be available starting in May, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate bluegrass music and engage with the community.
Chattanooga to Host Bluegrass Live! Festival
The Bluegrass Live! festival is set to debut in Chattanooga, Tennessee on September 19-20, marking the event’s first relocation from its 12-year home in Raleigh, North Carolina. This festival is part of the larger five-day World of Bluegrass event, which includes a convention, trade show, business conference, and the 36th Annual Bluegrass Music Awards.
Ken White, the executive director of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), highlighted Chattanooga’s appeal, citing its natural beauty, excellent facilities, and welcoming locals as contributing factors for selecting the city as the new festival site. The Tennessee city is poised to attract over 45,000 visitors during this vibrant event, potentially generating a local economic impact of approximately $30.1 million.
Opportunities for Broader Exposure
Cindy Pinion, a proponent of preserving bluegrass music, views the festival as a crucial opportunity to increase exposure for the genre to a wider audience. As the organizer of the annual Boxcar Pinion Memorial Bluegrass Festival in North Georgia, she emphasized the contagious nature of bluegrass music and its uplifting qualities.
The upcoming festival promises a diverse lineup featuring a range of bluegrass styles and “bluegrass-adjacent” artists, ensuring that attendees experience the full spectrum of the genre. Local musician Randy Steele acknowledges that while some may characterize bluegrass as “hillbilly jazz,” he embraces this description, underscoring the music’s rich cultural roots.
Venues and Performers
The IBMA Bluegrass Live! festival will unfold across various venues in Chattanooga, including the Chattanooga Convention Center, Memorial Auditorium, and outdoor spaces such as Miller Park and Plaza. Expected performers include artists like Sierra Ferrell, The Wood Brothers, Sierra Hull, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Alison Brown, Sister Sadie, and Jim Lauderdale & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, among others.
Community Engagement and Cultural Significance
The festival is anticipated to unite the community and celebrate Tennessee’s rich musical heritage. With the IBMA marking its 40th anniversary in 2025, this event represents a significant celebration of the contributions of bluegrass music.
Tickets for the festival will be available for general purchase starting on May 14, 2025, following an early release for IBMA members on May 7, 2025. The Bluegrass Live! festival is expected to leave an enduring impact on Chattanooga and foster a deeper appreciation for bluegrass music among a broader audience.
FAQ
What are the dates for the Bluegrass Live! festival?
The festival will take place on September 19-20, 2025.
Where is the event being held?
The festival will be held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, across multiple venues including the Chattanooga Convention Center and outdoor spaces.
What is the expected economic impact of the festival?
The World of Bluegrass event is projected to draw over 45,000 attendees and generate an estimated economic impact of about $30.1 million for the local economy.
When will tickets go on sale?
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on May 14, 2025, with an early release for IBMA members on May 7, 2025.
What types of artists will be performing at the festival?
The lineup will feature a mix of bluegrass performers, including both established artists and emerging acts, spanning various bluegrass styles and “bluegrass-adjacent” genres.
Key Features of the Bluegrass Live! Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 19-20, 2025 |
| Location | Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Expected Attendance | Over 45,000 attendees |
| Economic Impact | Estimated at $30.1 million |
| Ticket Sales Start | May 14, 2025 (Early release on May 7, 2025 for IBMA members) |
| Notable Performers | Sierra Ferrell, The Wood Brothers, Sierra Hull, and many more |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Big Things in Bluegrass
- Wikipedia: Bluegrass Music
- Nooga Today: IBMA Bluegrass Live! Chattanooga
- Google Search: Bluegrass Live Festival Chattanooga
- Music Festival Wizard: 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival 2025
- Google Scholar: Bluegrass Music
- Local News: 3 Sisters Festival of Bluegrass Music
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bluegrass Music
- Chattanoogan: Festival Lineup for 2025 IBMA
- Google News: Bluegrass Live
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
