Chattanooga, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga celebrates bluegrass music as it hosts the IBMA World of Bluegrass for the first time from September 16 to 20. This five-day event includes a business conference, performances, an awards show, and a festival. Bluegrass enthusiasts will enjoy a showcase of prominent artists and gain invaluable networking opportunities. The event’s move to Chattanooga marks a significant boost for the local economy and cultural tourism. Attendees are encouraged to secure tickets in advance to take part in this vibrant celebration of music.
Chattanooga Hosts Inaugural IBMA World of Bluegrass Event
The city of Chattanooga will celebrate bluegrass music from September 16 to September 20 as it hosts the IBMA World of Bluegrass for the first time. The five-day event features a combination of a conference, showcases, an awards show, and a festival, which together aim to bring bluegrass enthusiasts together and promote local culture.
Event Schedule Overview
The festivities kick off with the IBMA Business Conference at the Chattanooga Convention Center, taking place from September 16 through September 18. This conference will provide networking opportunities and career advice from industry experts, making it a key event for professionals in the bluegrass music industry.
During the same period, the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble will showcase performances from numerous bluegrass bands and artists at various downtown venues including Barrelhouse Ballroom, Songbirds, and Hi-Fi Clyde’s.
Awards Show and Festival Highlights
The IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards is set to take place on Thursday, September 18, at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. This year, actor and banjoist Steve Martin will co-host the awards ceremony alongside Grammy winner Alison Brown. Their collaborative single “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” has been nominated for three prestigious awards, including Song of the Year.
The event culminates with the IBMA Bluegrass Live! festival, scheduled for September 19-20. Renowned bluegrass artists like Sierra Ferrell, The Wood Brothers, and The Infamous Stringdusters will perform at Miller Park, Miller Plaza, and Patten Square in downtown Chattanooga. Additional talents such as Missy Raines & Allegheny and Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter are also slated to participate, with more acts expected to be announced as the event date approaches.
Impact on Local Community and Transportation
The move of the IBMA World of Bluegrass from Raleigh, N.C., to Chattanooga marks a significant opportunity for the local economy and cultural tourism. The event, supported by substantial community and tourism backing, is expected to draw music fans from around the world and strengthen ties to the local bluegrass scene.
To accommodate the various events and traffic, several roads will be closed from September 17 through September 21, ensuring safety and accessibility. Tickets for all the events are currently available for purchase, encouraging attendees to join in the celebration of bluegrass music.
Background of IBMA
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has organized the World of Bluegrass event for over 40 years. This year’s gathering in Chattanooga is particularly special as it represents a “bluegrass homecoming,” giving fans and industry members an opportunity to enjoy the genre’s rich heritage while participating in a series of activities dedicated to the music they love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the IBMA World of Bluegrass event?
The IBMA World of Bluegrass is a five-day event featuring a business conference, showcases for music artists, an awards ceremony, and a festival celebrating bluegrass music, taking place in Chattanooga for the first time.
When will the event take place?
The event will occur from September 16 to September 20.
Who are some featured performers?
Featured performers include Sierra Ferrell, The Wood Brothers, and The Infamous Stringdusters, among others.
Are tickets still available?
Yes, tickets for all events are currently on sale, and attendees are encouraged to purchase them ahead of time.
Event Features Chart
| Feature | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| IBMA Business Conference | September 16-18 | Chattanooga Convention Center |
| IBMA Bluegrass Ramble | September 16-18 | Various downtown venues |
| IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards | September 18 | Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium |
| IBMA Bluegrass Live! Festival | September 19-20 | Miller Park, Miller Plaza, Patten Square |
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Additional Resources
- Nooga Today: World of Bluegrass
- Wikipedia: Bluegrass Music
- News Channel 9: Steve Martin to Co-host IBMA
- Google Search: IBMA World of Bluegrass
- Times Free Press: Big Things in Bluegrass
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bluegrass
- S Valley Now: Steve Martin to Host IBMA Awards
- Google News: Chattanooga 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.
