There really is nothing like bluegrass. With its unique twang, you can almost hear the Appalachians come to life whenever the music is played. If you’re a fan of music and will be in the greater Raleigh, North Carolina area this September, you owe it to yourself to come on out to the World of Bluegrass Festival.
More About The World of Bluegrass Festival
The World of Bluegrass Fest is one of a kind. In fact, it is the largest free urban bluegrass festival in the entire world. And with the main stage situated at the Red Hat Amphitheater, you’ll be able to grab a comfortable seat with a fantastic view.
Of course, if you’re more of a lawn fan there is also a lawn section. Because let’s face it, the lawn is a fantastic spot to layout, bring your children, and to simply enjoy the world musical world of bluegrass.
The World of Bluegrass festival starts on September 24 and ends on September 28 (although the main musical acts will play only on September 27 and 28 as the “Showcase” acts will play between September 24 and 26).
Featured Artists and Speakers
There is no shortage of guests and artists who will grace the Bluegrass Festival. Some of the musical acts stopping by the stage will include Aaron Burdett, Alex Leach, Andrew Collins Trio, Ben Unter & Joe Seamons, Blue Canyon Boys, Blue Summit ClayBank, Songs From The Road Band, The Price Sisters and dozens more.
If you want to check out some of the up and coming bluegrass musicians you’ll want to visit one of the secondary street stages. While the major acts will be on the main stage, you can also listen to music at the Capital Stage, Hargett Street Stage, Martin Street Stage, Davie Street Stage, City Plaza Stage, JAM Stage, and there will also be a dance tent for when you want to cut loose and dance the day and night away.
If you’d like to take a break from the music and instead want to learn about the music industry, the history, and how modern bluegrass has come to be, you’ll want to check out one of the visiting speakers. These speakers include songwriter and publisher Lisa Aschmann, Johnny Baier of the American Banjo Museum, Sherrill Blackman of The SBD Music Group, Richard Cassidy of the Bluegrass Country Foundation and many, many more.
Make sure to check out the full World of Bluegrass schedule lineup for not only additional artists and speakers but the times and stages they will appear on.
Ticket Options
There are three ticket tier options available. Now, the side stages are all free, and if you don’t mind sitting further back from the stage you can get into the venue for free. The General Admission tickets are free and will grant you access to the lawn and sections 4-7 of the Red Hat Amphitheater.
There is a ticket option that costs between $50 and $60 per night (you can buy a two-day ticket if you’d like). This ticket gives you a reserved seat in sections 1,2, and 3 and in rows R-JJ.
If you want to be as close to the stage as possible there is a ticket that runs $60 to $70 a day. These reserved tickets are located in section 2, rows A-Q.
If you’re interested in checking out the showcase acts that will perform on September 24 through September 26, you’ll want to grab a “Ramble” ticket. You can purchase a single-day Ramble ticket for $25 to $30. Or, you can opt for a 3-Day pass that runs between $50 and $60.
Bluegrass Awards
There are musical award ceremonies that take place throughout the year. Some of these ceremonies have sections dedicated to bluegrass (such as the Grammy Awards). However, bluegrass often takes second fiddle to other genres during these award ceremonies, and if you’ve ever tried to watch it on television you’ve probably found these awards aren’t even televised.
If you’re a fan of bluegrass you need to check out the World of Bluegrass Festival Award Ceremony. This is by far the biggest night in bluegrass music, as awards are given out in 17 different categories over the course of the night.
If you’re interested in taking in the Bluegrass Awards you’ll want to purchase tickets separately. The event takes place on September 26 at the Duke Energy Center in Raleigh. The award ceremony (the 30th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Show) tickets run between $40 and $110.
Download Some Of The Best Music Ahead of Time
Perhaps you enjoy Bluegrass but don’t really know what to expect. You might like the music but not follow it religiously. There’s nothing wrong with that as there are plenty of other music fans just like that. Some of the big names of artists will play on the main stage you might already know. Even if you don’t, you can easily listen to these musicians on YouTube and through other streaming options.
However, if you’re interested in checking out the smaller acts but don’t know where to start (or don’t have the time to sift through 30 artists trying to find their most popular songs), you can download the free Bluegrass Ramble Showcase album directly through the World of Bluegrass website.
Grab Your Tickets Today
If you’re planning on heading out to the World of Bluegrass Fest, make sure you’re ready for the weekend. One of the necessities you should have on hand, both for this bluegrass festival and for future fests you plan on attending, is a durable and stylish tarp. At Tarpestry, you’ll find a wide selection of exactly this. With fun designs and durable construction, these made in the USA tarps will help set your camp, tent, or picnic area apart from the pack. With the final music festivals of the summer right around the corner, visit Tarpestry and order your unique tarp today.
Don’t forget to pack your festival blanket!