News Summary
Chattanooga, Tennessee, will host the renowned International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass festival from 2025 to 2027. This festival marks a new chapter for the city, celebrating bluegrass music and culture with a five-day event filled with performances from top artists. With an expected economic boost of $30.1 million and over 18,000 overnight visitors, the festival promises to be a vibrant community celebration that showcases Tennessee’s rich musical heritage.
Chattanooga Gears Up for a Bluegrass Extravaganza!
Big news for bluegrass fans! Chattanooga, Tennessee is set to be the host city for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass festival for three fantastic years—from 2025 to 2027. This is a huge win for the city and is sure to bring a lively spirit and foot-tapping music to the area.
A New Chapter in Bluegrass
After a successful run in Raleigh, North Carolina for over a decade, the IBMA is shaking things up and making the move to Chattanooga. The Bluegrass World of Bluegrass festival is not just a music event; it’s a five-day celebration of everything bluegrass! The festival will run from September 16 to 20 in 2025 and promises to be a spectacular occasion packed with music, culture, and community.
Headliners and Amazing Acts!
Getting excited? You should be! This year’s IBMA Bluegrass Live! is just around the corner, taking place on September 19-20 with a star-studded lineup that includes exceptional artists like Sierra Ferrell, The Wood Brothers, and Alison Brown, among others. Several venues downtown will be alive with the sounds of bluegrass, including the Chattanooga Convention Center and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. Town will be buzzing with incredible performances, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for both locals and visitors to soak in the music and festivities.
But wait—there’s more! The lineup keeps getting better, with talents like Missy Raines & Allegheny and Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter set to grace the stages as well, along with many other names yet to be announced.
Economic Boost for the City
The economic impact of the World of Bluegrass Festival is massive! Chattanooga is expected to welcome over 18,000 overnight visitors and an astounding 45,000 day visitors during this exciting celebration. That’s a whopping estimated economic boost of about $30.1 million for local businesses, restaurants, and hotels. Sounds like a win-win for everyone!
To help facilitate this incredible event, Tennessee’s General Assembly and Governor allocated $25 million specifically to attract large-scale events like this. And guess what? Chattanooga has been named the first recipient of the state’s Special Event Fund. It’s a big step that highlights the city’s potential as a national music destination.
Mark Your Calendars!
If you’re itching to join the fun, tickets for the 2025 World of Bluegrass will be available soon. IBMA members can snag their tickets starting on May 7, while the general public can grab theirs on May 14. Mark those calendars—you won’t want to miss this event!
A Community Celebration
This festival isn’t just about the music; it’s about bringing people together to celebrate Tennessee’s rich musical heritage. The community spirit is alive and well in Chattanooga, and it’s sure to be on full display as locals and fans unite for an unforgettable experience. As the city welcomes festival-goers, the warm and inviting Southern hospitality is sure to make everyone feel right at home.
So whether you’re a lifelong bluegrass lover or a curious newcomer, get ready to experience the magic of bluegrass music in Chattanooga. With tunes to sway to, delicious food, and a vibrant community atmosphere, this festival is bound to be a highlight for years to come!
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Additional Resources
- Nooga Today: IBMA Bluegrass Live
- Chattanoogan: Festival Lineup Released For 2025 IBMA
- WDEF: IBMA is Coming to Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Bluegrass music
- NewsChannel 9: Chattanooga to Host IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival
