From professional to fan, it’s where the bluegrass music community comes to connect, discover, and grow in bluegrass music.
The events facilitate the growth and development of the bluegrass music community, from professional to fan. We accomplish this goal through four main World of Bluegrass events: Conference, Showcases, Awards Show and Festival.
IBMA’s innovative showcase series in club venues in downtown Raleigh!
Learn MoreOur one-of-a-kind urban bluegrass festival features FREE music on 8 stages, a dance tent, tons of art, craft and food vendors and exciting activations throughout the festival footprint for all ages!
Learn MoreVisit our convenient ticketing page at eTix for Conference, Showcases, Awards Show, Main Stage reserved seating tickets, and more!
In addition to purchasing tickets to the events, there are numerous ways to get involved and maximize your World of Bluegrass experience.
For more than two decades, our volunteers have proven this beyond any doubt. Whether you are a seasoned returning volunteer or a new talent, join a stellar team of folks working to make World of Bluegrass a world-class music industry event!
The IBMA has discounted hotel blocks at 7 area hotels, including Marriott City Center, Sheraton, Residence Inn, DoubleTree, Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown, Red Roof Plus. We also have RV camping available at the NC State Fairgrounds (includes a free shuttle to the events).
Learn more about Raleigh Hotels as well as RV Camping at the State Fairgrounds with convenient shuttle service!
The importance of reserving a hotel room at one of the official host hotels cannot be stressed enough. First, it saves you up to $100 per night (depending on the hotel)! And there is another important reason. In order to obtain such steeply discounted hotel rates, the IBMA must contract a room commitment to our host hotels, and should the organization fail to meet that commitment due to booking outside the block and last-minute cancellations, it is potentially liable for making up the difference which can be as high as $50,000. When anyone reserves a room with an official IBMA host hotel, and fulfills any minimum must-stay, he or she is helping to support not only the IBMA in 2019, but also future events and the organization itself.
World of Bluegrass takes place in the heart of downtown Raleigh and stretches from Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts all the way up to the State Capital grounds, as well as in and around the Raleigh Convention Center, which also has convenient parking and is accessible for people with disabilities.
Our partners at Visit Raleigh have information on all the ways you can get around the capitol city!
Wide Open Bluegrass brings together music fans from all around the world, and we are committed to making this event accessible, enjoyable, and welcoming for all participants, including people with disabilities.
The International Bluegrass Music Association, the City of Raleigh, event producer PineCone, and all of the members of the Local Organizing Committee welcome ALL bluegrass fans to Raleigh.
In this ADA section learn more about Drop-off points, accessible viewing areas around stages, mobility options, quiet spaces, sighted guides, restrooms, public transportation and parking, and more!
Bluegrass values of AUTHENTICITY, FAMILY, and COMMUNITY reflect well on your brand when you partner with the IBMA.
World of Bluegrass has grown to over 223,000 attendees and over $12 million in annual economic impact over six years in Raleigh, NC.
As an International Artist, do I need a visa to showcase at the World of Bluegrass?
The IBMA worked closely with Tamizdat to develop a guide regarding visa options for showcasing at the World of Bluegrass. This information is meant to help facilitate your entry into the United States. This is not legal advice, nor should it replace any advice you received from a lawyer.
