IBMA World of Bluegrass facilitates the growth and development of the bluegrass music community, from professional to fan. This goal is accomplished through four main components: business conference, showcases, awards show, and music festival.
This is the only place in the world where you can interact one-on-one with industry leaders, discover the hottest new music, jam with your heroes, and be a part of bluegrass history!
Q: What are the health and safety protocols for IBMA World of Bluegrass 2021
A: IBMA World of Bluegrass 2021 will return to Raleigh as an in-person experience with adjustments for health and safety. Proof of vaccination (without exceptions) will be required for attendance at any IBMAWOB activity requiring registration and ticketing. Masks will also be required to be properly worn over nose and mouth at all indoor indoor IBMAWOB activities. In addition to providing safe in-person IBMA World of Bluegrass experience, we will also supplement with virtual access to many of the week’s events.
PLEASE NOTE: At this time, proof of vaccination is NOT required to attend the IBMA Bluegrass Live! Street Festival performances and activities, although all performers and stage crews will be required to be vaccinated. Masks are also encouraged, particularly for anyone who is not fully vaccinated.
We continue to work closely with our partners at the Local Organizing Committee and the City of Raleigh, as well as to monitor the CDC, NCDHHS and Wake County’s recommendations and guidelines for public events and mass gatherings, and we will make any necessary adjustments as needed.
CLICK HERE TO READ OUR HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOL UPDATE (Aug 17, 2021)
Q: How many times will I need to show my proof of vaccine throughout the week?
A: If you have purchased tickets to multiple events, we encourage you to check in to the registration counter in the lobby of the Raleigh Convention Center. We will have teams set up at the RCC entrance to check for proof of vaccination. Once checked, you will receive a wristband. PLEASE KEEP THIS WRISTBAND ON YOUR WRIST FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR ATTENDANCE AT IBMAWOB. This wristband will allow you to go from event to event without having to show your vaccination card.
If you only purchased tickets to the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, or Main Stage at the Red Hat for IBMA Bluegrass Live!, you can show your proof of vaccination at those venues to receive your wristband.
Q: I have a medical reason that I can’t get a vaccine. Will proof of a negative test be accepted?
A: No. Due to the nature of the pandemic and this year’s policy, proof of a negative test will not be accepted at IBMA World of Bluegrass 2021.
Q: Will children under 12 be able to participate in this year’s youth programs?
A. No; we will be offering virtual content for our youth activities. Children over 12 with proof of vaccine are able to attend. Children under 12 are still welcome to attend the Street Festival; masks are strongly recommended in large crowds.
Q: When will tickets and hotel blocks go on sale?
A: Tickets are on sale now! Become an IBMA member to receive exclusive discounts! Information on the IBMA hotel blocks is included in your ticket/registration confirmation email. You can purchase tickets online here or by phone at 1-800-514-3849.
Q: I don’t plan to attend in person this year. Will virtual content be available?
A: Yes! Thanks to the rousing success of last year’s IBMA Virtual World of Bluegrass, we are excited to expand accessibility to our events by making some content available online through a virtual platform. More information will be announced at a later date. Until then, check out the IBMA YouTube channel to see select content from last year’s event.
Q: Will virtual content be archived for on-demand viewing?
A: To the extent possible in accordance with licensing and fair-use agreements, we plan to make a variety of IBMA World of Bluegrass content available for on-demand viewing.
Q: Are you accepting volunteers this year?
A: Yes! Click here to apply!
Q: What are the current COVID-19 guidelines in Raleigh?
A: As of May 14, 2021, the Governor of North Carolina has determined that the capacity restrictions, social distancing requirements, should be lifted in all settings and the general face covering requirement should be lifted in most settings. The IBMA will continue to monitor local guidelines and put safety precautions in place in accordance with state, local, and CDC recommendations as those evolve. LEARN MORE
As of August 13, 2021, the Mayor of Raleigh issued a proclamation requiring face covering use in indoor spaces. This requirement will be in place regardless of a person’s vaccination status. LEARN MORE
Q: What is the refund policy for IBMA World of Bluegrass tickets?
A: No refunds or exchanges are available for the IBMA Bluegrass Live! festival, IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, IBMA Business Conference, or IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. Lineup subject to change. Due to the change in the health and safety protocols, the following refund options are available for any ticket/registration purchased on or before August 17, 2021: (1) Ticket holder may deem purchase a donation to support the IBMA, in which no action on the part of the ticket holder is required. (2) Ticket holder may choose to apply 2021 tickets to the 2022 events. Procedure for doing so will be specified and shared with ticket holders at the time of cancellation. (3) Ticket holder may request a full refund before August 31, 2021.
Under no circumstances is IBMA responsible for any costs incurred by you associated with attending the event, such as hotels, travel, or other expenses, whether or not you attend the event or the event is canceled for any reason.
Click here to read the entire refund policy along with the IBMA’s Terms of Use.
To initiate a refund, please email [email protected] and provide (1) the name your tickets were purchased under, (2) the tickets you are requesting a refund for, and (3) order ID received in your Etix confirmation email.
Connect, discover, and grow with bluegrass music industry leaders!
There are so many ways for professionals and fans to maximize your IBMA World of Bluegrass experience.
The IBMA has discounted hotel blocks at seven 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).
IBMA 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 in addition to designated parking areas!
Click here for a printable PDF of the festival guide.
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!
The International Bluegrass Music Association is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone at all IBMA-produced events.
The IBMA is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide.
Your support drives our mission and helps us achieve new goals. When you support IBMA, you support the bluegrass community worldwide.
Bluegrass values of authenticity, family, and community reflect well on your brand when you partner with the IBMA.
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.
We offer a diverse range of advertising & sponsorship opportunities. Activate your brand on the largest platform for bluegrass music in the world!
IBMA World of Bluegrass is funded in part by a grant from South Arts with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
