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!
Connect, discover, and grow with bluegrass music industry leaders!
Q: Will there be any in-person events in Raleigh, North Carolina?
A: The IBMA and its partners on the City of Raleigh’s Local Organizing Committee are cautiously optimistic that we will be able to hold a hybrid IBMA World of Bluegrass this fall with a meaningful and safe in-person component in Raleigh, North Carolina. While progress is being made with vaccinations and the number of new cases continues to decline, it is still too early to confirm the extent of in-person events. We continue to monitor CDC, state, and local guidelines and recommendations while modeling a variety of scenarios that will best create a safe, worthwhile, and fun IBMA World of Bluegrass experience for all.
Q: What does a “hybrid” event mean?
A: The best of both worlds! A hybrid IBMA World of Bluegrass would be a combination of in-person events in Raleigh, NC, and online content hosted through a virtual conference platform (similar to last year’s IBMA Virtual World of Bluegrass).
Q: When will tickets and hotel blocks go on sale?
A: We plan to put tickets on sale and open hotel blocks on or near June 8, 2021. Become an IBMA member to receive early-bird access and exclusive discounts!
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. 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: Should we be able to host a meaningful in-person component to IBMA World of Bluegrass events this year, we will also have volunteer opportunities available. Details/call for applications, as appropriate, will be announced through our mailing list and social media channels later this spring.
Q: What if my question hasn’t been answered?
A: Great question! Please email [email protected].
There are so many ways for professionals and fans to maximize your IBMA World of Bluegrass experience.
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).
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!
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 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.
The International Bluegrass Music Association is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone at all IBMA-produced events.
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.
