Support Us Button Widget
City

IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards announces hosts

The last IBMA Bluegrass Live! Festival is bidding Raleigh farewell. Find out who’s hosting and what’s to come.

August 26, 2024 • 
Danyale Daniels
The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts lit up at night with bluegrass banners.

IBMA World of Bluegrass is four days of bluegrass fun right here in Raleigh.

Photo provided by IBMA and Pinecone

The IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards announced that Missy Raines and John Cowan will host the 35th annual award ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

Alongside the awards show, attendees can enjoy a conference, showcase, and festival featuring headliners Sierra Ferrell and Steep Canyon Rangers. This year’s event marks a bittersweet farewell to Raleigh as IBMA World of Bluegrass and Bluegrass Live! relocate to Chattanooga, Tennessee for future festivals. IBMA Bluegrass Live! will rock Raleigh one last time Sept. 27-28. Grab tickets while you can and enjoy the final IBMA Bluegrass Live! Festival in the 919.

But no need to fret. Raleigh’s new bluegrass festival, Raleigh Wide Open will debut in October 2025. Named in honor of the original Oak City bluegrass festival, the new production will be brought by Piedmont-based music nonprofit PineCone.

More from RALtoday
RALtoday_latte
Food
10 places to get fall coffees, cocktails, and treats in Raleigh
The essence of fall is getting stronger by the day. Whether you’re looking for a fall inspired bev or bite, we’ve got you covered with 10 places to savor the season.
September 9, 2024
 · 
Danyale Daniels
A white house in Raleigh, NC
Real Estate
How difficult is it to buy a home in Raleigh?
This NBC tool utilizes home prices, interest rates, and availability (among other factors) to determine just how difficult it is to buy a home in Raleigh.
September 6, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
A crowd of people at City Plaza in downtown Raleigh, NC during Hopscotch 2023.
Events
Hopscotch 2024: Festival artists and must-know details
Raleigh’s indie music fest is back with established artists and newcomers alike — head to downtown Raleigh for Hopscotch Thursday, Sept. 5 through Saturday, Sept. 7.
September 5, 2024
 · 
Allie Remhof
An illustration of community members gathering
City
Raleigh Neighborhood Exchange celebrates 20 years with new community event
The Raleigh Neighborhood Exchange is celebrating its 20th anniversary by hosting Engage Raleigh Community and Neighborhood Expo, a new event that aims to connect residents, neighborhoods, community groups, and local government.
September 5, 2024
 · 
Danyale Daniels
A plane flys over palm trees in a clear sky.
Airports and Transportation
✈️ 3 insanely cheap flights out of RDU in 2024
Check out some of the year’s cheapest flights leaving our local airport.
September 5, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
18467496261_cd0f96f72b_w
City
Raleigh’s world records and other local feats
Raleigh’s world records range from beer taps and guitar rotations to a new racquet facility and a near-world record globe.
September 4, 2024
 · 
Allie Remhof
A photo of the NC Museum of History building.
City
NC Museum of History to undergo major redesign
After a two- to three-year renovation, the museum promises a “dramatic new experience” for visitors. The museum will close to the public Monday, Oct. 7.
September 4, 2024
 · 
Allie Remhof
RALtoday_CityofRaleigh
City
Raleigh launches Business Bloom program to boost refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs
Raleigh’s new Business Bloom program aims to nurture growth and innovation among refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs.
September 3, 2024
 · 
Danyale Daniels
Sammy's restaurant
City
Where to watch football in Raleigh
It’s nearly time for kick-off so, we’ve created a list of 10 places to watch football in Raleigh.
September 3, 2024
 · 
Danyale Daniels
The exterior and sign of the first Char-Grill restaurant.
Live
Where to find lunch for $12 or less in Raleigh
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 25+ lunch deals from classic hot dogs to hearty sandwiches.
September 2, 2024
 · 
Cat George