Chattanooga, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga recently hosted the inaugural Bluegrass Live festival, part of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass. While some businesses benefitted from increased sales, others faced challenges due to new security measures and operational adjustments. The festival featured notable performances, including from award-winning artists, creating a lively atmosphere before the weekend’s successes were marked by a special awards ceremony.
Chattanooga hosted the Bluegrass Live festival as part of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass event, which took place over two days at Miller Park, Miller Plaza, and Patten Square. Some local businesses enjoyed a boost in sales during the festival, while others faced operational challenges.
The festival, which was held for the first time in Chattanooga after previously taking place in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee, was marked by increased safety measures. Attendees were required to wear badges or wristbands to enter the festival venues, and staff conducted bag searches and security wand checks at the entrance gates. The Chattanooga Police Department urged festival-goers to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Event coordinators and city officials collaborated to ensure the safety of all participants, with roadways surrounding the festival venues blocked off. This led some downtown businesses to adjust their operations, with some adapting smoothly while others struggled to navigate the changes.
The festival showcased a variety of performances, including a significant set by fiddlers Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, who earned three honors at the IBMA awards, including album of the year and song of the year. The atmosphere at the festival was lively, with crowds dancing to traditional bluegrass music and fully embracing the lively performances.
Despite the excitement, not all performers could attend, as scheduled headliner Sierra Ferrell canceled earlier in the week. However, the festival still featured remarkable talents, including innovative bluegrass musician Billy Strings, who was awarded Entertainer of the Year at the 36th Annual IBMA Awards ceremony. The awards ceremony was hosted by Steve Martin and Alison Brown and took place at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga.
During the week of the festival, local student musician Eb Saunders participated in several performances, busy yet gratified by the positive responses from the audience. The festival’s focus on bluegrass music fostered an enjoyable community atmosphere, drawing in attendees from near and far.
Additionally, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inducted three new members during the awards show, highlighting the significance of the event in celebrating bluegrass music’s rich history and present talents.
In conclusion, while the Bluegrass Live festival in Chattanooga presented a multitude of opportunities for local businesses and musicians, it also came with challenges in adapting to the event’s security measures and roadway changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluegrass Live festival?
The Bluegrass Live festival is part of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass event.
Where was the Bluegrass Live festival held?
The festival took place over two days in Chattanooga at Miller Park, Miller Plaza, and Patten Square.
Were businesses in Chattanooga affected by the festival?
Some businesses in Chattanooga reported a successful weekend during the festival, while others faced difficulties.
What security measures were implemented at the festival?
No one can enter the festival venues without a badge or wristband, as security measures were heightened with bag searches and security wand checks at the event gates.
What notable performances took place during the festival?
The festival featured notable performances, including a set by fiddlers Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, who won three titles at the IBMA awards.
Who won the Entertainer of the Year award?
Innovative bluegrass musician Billy Strings was named Entertainer of the Year at the 36th Annual IBMA Awards ceremony.
Key Features of the Bluegrass Live Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Bluegrass Live Festival |
| Location | Chattanooga at Miller Park, Miller Plaza, and Patten Square |
| Duration | Two days |
| Security Measures | Badges/wristbands required, bag searches, security wand checks |
| Notable Performers | Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter, Billy Strings |
| Awards | Billy Strings awarded Entertainer of the Year, three awards for Cleveland and Carter |
| Inductions | Three new members into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Kicks Off IBMA Bluegrass Live Festival
Chattanooga Fire Captain George Turley Honored at Memorial
Billy Strings Advocates for Diversity in Bluegrass Music
Chattanooga Hosts Inaugural Bluegrass Live Festival
Chattanooga Hosts Silver Linings Exhibition Featuring Black Artists
Chattanooga Hosts 36th Annual International Bluegrass Awards Show
Levitt BLOC Music Series Returns to Chattanooga
Chattanooga Welcomes IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival
Chattanooga Prepares for a Festive Fall with Upcoming Events
Chattanooga Welcomes the 36th Annual IBMA World of Bluegrass
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Bluegrass Festival Helps Some
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga PD Taking Extra Safety Precautions for IBMA Bluegrass Awards and Festival
- The Bluegrass Situation: IBMA World of Bluegrass Arrives in Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Bluegrass Music
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bluegrass
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.
