World of Bluegrass Festival Moves to Scenic City for the First Time September 19–20
The IBMA World of Bluegrass is making its long-anticipated move to Chattanooga this fall, and today’s lineup announcement confirms that the 2025 festival will arrive with a bang.
Sierra Ferrell, The Wood Brothers, Sierra Hull, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Alison Brown, Sister Sadie, and Jim Lauderdale & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are among the headliners set to perform at IBMA Bluegrass Live!, taking place downtown on September 19 and 20.
The two-day festival will have stages in Miller Park, Miller Plaza, and Patten Square.
After over a decade in Raleigh, the International Bluegrass Music Association is relocating its weeklong conference and celebration to Tennessee, bringing artists, fans, and industry professionals to local venues including the Chattanooga Convention Center, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, and multiple stages throughout the Southside. In Raleigh, IBMA World of Bluegrass drew as many as 223,000 attendees over the course of the week, making it one of the largest bluegrass gatherings in the country.
The festival is part of the larger World of Bluegrass event, which runs September 16–20 and includes the IBMA Business Conference, Bluegrass Ramble, and the 36th annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. It also marks a milestone: the IBMA’s 40th anniversary.
This year’s great lineup continues with performances by Missy Raines & Allegheny, Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, East Nash Grass, Mountain Grass Unit, and a slate of emerging acts including Wyatt Ellis and the Kids on Bluegrass program.
WUTC is proud to serve as the public radio partner for IBMA World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga.
Tickets go on sale to IBMA members May 7 and to the general public on May 14.
Full details are available at worldofbluegrass.org.
