Plan your bluegrass week with a full look at the schedule, events, ticket options, and where to be each day in downtown Chattanooga.
The 2025 IBMA World of Bluegrass® will bring thousands of artists, fans, and music professionals to Chattanooga from September 16th through the 20th, with events happening all week across the city.
Whether you’re coming for the music industry conference, the emerging artist showcases, or the outdoor festival stages, here’s a breakdown of the major events, ticketing details, and what to expect.
IBMA Business Conference
September 16th–18th
Chattanooga Convention Center
This multi-day gathering is where bluegrass professionals meet to learn, network, and share. Expect panels, workshops, and an exhibit hall full of instruments, gear, and services for artists and industry workers.
Exhibit Hall Schedule:
- Wed–Thu (Sept. 17–18) | 1–5 PM — Conference attendees only
- Fri–Sat (Sept. 19–20) | 1–5 PM — Free and open to the public
Address: 1 Carter Plaza
Tickets: Sold through the IBMA website
IBMA Bluegrass Ramble
September 16th–18th
Multiple Venues (Southside + Convention Center)
A curated showcase of emerging bluegrass artists from across the country. These shows are open to the public and take place in intimate venues all within walking distance downtown.
Venues include:
- Chattanooga Convention Center
- Barrelhouse Ballroom
- Gate 11 Distillery
- Hi-Fi Clyde’s
- Songbirds
- The Comedy Catch
Most venues are clustered in Chattanooga’s Southside district — easy to walk, or use the city’s free electric shuttle to get around. The full showcase schedule will be posted soon.
Buy Bluegrass Ramble tickets here
IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards presented by Get It Played
September 18th
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
This is one of the biggest nights in bluegrass — a formal awards show honoring the best in the genre. Performances, Hall of Fame inductions, and a who's-who of modern bluegrass talent.
View this year’s nominees and Hall of Fame inductees
Location: 399 McCallie Ave.
Tickets Available via Ticketmaster
IBMA Bluegrass Live!® Festival
September 19th–20th
Downtown Chattanooga
The two-day outdoor festival features performances from top national acts on three main stages across downtown:
- Miller Plaza
- Miller Park
- Patten Square
These three areas make up the official festival grounds, which require a ticket for entry. That said, you’ll still find plenty to explore outside the gates.
Main Stage Lineups Include:
- The Wood Brothers
- Sierra Ferrell
- The Infamous Stringdusters
- Sister Sadie
- Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
- Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter
Full lineup here
Ticket Options:
- Single Day General Admission – $35
- Two Day General Admission – $60
- Two Day GA Plus – $140 (includes premium seated viewing areas)
Wide Open Bluegrass Late Night Jam
September 20th
The Signal
Think the week’s over? Not quite. The Wide Open Bluegrass® Late Night Jam is where it all comes to a head. Presented by Chattanooga Tourism Co., the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Yamaha, this official IBMA afterparty is the last big blowout. Expect surprise collaborations, unforgettable moments, and music that keeps going ‘til the early hours.
The Signal is located on the Choo Choo campus, an easy 10-minute walk from the festival grounds. Parking is extremely limited, so your best bet is to walk, bike, hop on the free downtown electric shuttle, or grab a rideshare.
Address: 21 Choo Choo Ave.
Get Late Night Jam tickets here
Street Closures and Free Events
There’s a wide range of activities to explore around the perimeter and at the Convention Center — including pop-up performances, vendors, the bluegrass exhibit hall, and festival fun that’s free and open to all. The surrounding streets will be filled with food trucks, vendors, and free programming, including:
- One Chattanooga Stage (outside the Pickle Barrel)
- IBMA Youth Stage (outside Community Pie) featuring performances from Kids on Bluegrass, college bluegrass bands, and more.
Street closures begin Wednesday, Sept. 17 and last through Sunday, Sept. 21.
Details on street closures and parking can be found here.
Need More?
- Meet the 2025 Artist Lineup
- Festival Venues & Street Closures
- Where to Eat, Drink & Hang Out