Events

New festival to replace IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh

The festival is searching for a new city starting in 2025. Since 2013, IBMA World of Bluegrass has generated $88 million for the greater Raleigh area.

By Allie Remhof
, September 27, 2023
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Raleigh was the fourth home of IBMA World of Bluegrass with shows at Red Hat and around downtown.

Photo provided by IBMA and PineCone

During the festival’s 10th year in the City of Oaks, IBMA announced that World of Bluegrass will move out of Raleigh starting in 2025 with a new downtown festival taking its place.

Visit Raleigh, the Raleigh Convention Center, and PineCone intend to create a new signature event with roots and Americana-style music at its center by 2025.

“The festival will certainly include bluegrass but will be much more culturally expansive,” said David Brower, PineCone Executive Director, in a press release. “Gospel, funk, blues, and old time are deeply rooted in this community and a whole lot of fun. We want to make sure this new festival both looks and sounds like Raleigh.”

Don’t let this news stop you from having fun this year and the next — read our guide on how to make the most out of IBMA World of Bluegrass today through Saturday, Sept. 30.

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Allie Remhof
Allie has lived in Raleigh since 2015, transplanted from Dayton, OH, and is a 2023 graduate of NC State University — go Pack! Allie worked on the editorial board of NC State’s newspaper, Technician, and wrote about culture, news and sports. Outside of creating content, Allie can be found watching movies, going to local baseball games, and cooking elaborate meals.