It’s summer in the Smoky Mountains, and the sounds that fill the air around here are the splashing of waterfalls, the chirping of birds, the buzzing of bees and – of course – bluegrass music. There’s nothing quite like the twangy pluck of a banjo combined with the lively strains of a fiddle to get your toes tapping with good summer vibes. Keep reading for a list of the best live bluegrass music festivals all across the Smokies.

  1. Mountain Song Festival – Taking Place in Brevard, NC – Hosted by The Steep Canyon Rangers, this festival features some of the best bluegrass and Americana acts in the country. With stunning mountain views and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a perfect weekend getaway.
  2. Smoky Mountain Folk Festival – Held in Lake Junaluska, NC – Celebrating its 51st year, this festival features traditional music, dance, and storytelling from the southern Appalachian region. Come experience the rich history and culture of the area through music.
  3. Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival: Taking place in Kodak, Tennessee, the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival is a three-day event held in mid-September. The festival features a lineup of national and regional bluegrass acts, along with camping and jam sessions.
  4. Cherokee Bluegrass Festival: Held in Cherokee, North Carolina, the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend. The festival boasts a lineup of talented bluegrass musicians, along with plenty of food, crafts, and activities for the whole family.
  5. Blue Grass & Old-Time Fiddlers Convention: Held in Mount Airy, NC. The Old-Time music tradition born in Surry County and the sounds of sweet music carries throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains from local, national and international musicians at the Annual Mount Airy Old-Time Fiddlers Convention at Veterans Memorial Park in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
  6. Shindig on the Green: Takes place in Asheville, NC and is a free outdoor music festival that takes place in downtown Asheville, North Carolina during the summer months. This event has been a tradition in the Asheville community for over 50 years and features traditional Appalachian music, including bluegrass, old-time, and mountain dance. Musicians from all over the region come together to perform on the stage in Pack Square Park, while locals and tourists alike bring chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy the music under the stars. Shindig on the Green is a family-friendly event and is a great way to experience the local music scene in the heart of Asheville.
  7. And don’t forget to check out the Meadowlark Motel’s Bluegrass Jam on Sundays from 5pm to 7pm in the SpeakEasy. It’s a great opportunity to join in some old-fashioned bluegrass fun and meet other music enthusiasts in the Smoky Mountains.

The Intimate Culture of BlueGrass on the Gateway to the Smokes Podcast with host Joseph Franklyn McElroy and guest Darren Nicholson, founding member of Balsam Range.