Volunteer

For more than two decades, our volunteers have been critical to the success of our events. Whether you are a seasoned returning volunteer or attending for the first time, become a part of our stellar team working to make IBMA World of Bluegrass a world-class music industry event!

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW

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Perform

IBMA offers a variety of opportunities and price points for agents, labels, artists, and corporate partners to sponsor showcases throughout the week.

Official Showcase – The premier platform for introducing talent and new material to the bluegrass community.

Songwriter Showcase – Spotlighting ten selected songwriters or songwriting teams.

IBMA Bluegrass Live! Street Stages – Multiple stages stretching down Fayetteville Street with 200,000 attendees.

Sponsored Showcases – Promote your brand alongside one of our our showcase opportunities. Partner with us for an existing slot or curate your own showcase lineup!

International Band Performance Grant Program – Provides financial assistance and additional performance opportunities to non-U.S. bands.

Exhibit

The central gathering place where over 12,000 visitors browse the latest industry wares, conduct business, and network. The Exhibit Hall features a wide variety of vendors, gear, services, and products for the bluegrass professional and fan!

As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for the bluegrass music industry to find meaningful ways to reconnect and continue to conduct business on the leading edge of product innovation, ongoing changes to our industry, and consumer trends.

Choose from Business Conference, Music Festival, or Full-Week exhibitor packages to tailor your engagement with the best audiences in your business!

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Street Vendors

Our festival brings thousands of attendees across the world to the streets of Raleigh to enjoy music, food & beverage, arts & crafts, family fun, and more! Sections of Fayetteville Street will be closed off during Friday & Saturday for our main thoroughfare of vendors and activities. If you are interested in becoming a vendor during IBMA Bluegrass Live!, click below.

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW

Artsplosure Art Market

The Bluegrass Live! Art Market, presented by Artsplosure, is a showcase designed to recognize our talented and enthusiastic art community and feature unique artisans from across the United States. Local artists, craftsmen, and those who sell works that will appeal to a music-loving audience are encouraged to participate.

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW

Youth Events

Music and networking for all ages!

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Propose A Conference Session

Have an idea for an IBMA World of Bluegrass session? Proposals can be submitted by bluegrass and general music industry professionals. Proposals may be considered for the IBMA Business Conference OR for IBMA Bluegrass Live! (Convention Center educational and workshop sessions, not stage performances).

2022 Proposals now closed!

Awards Voting and Nomination

IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards

Recognizing outstanding achievement and pioneering efforts in bluegrass music.

IBMA Distinguished Achievement Awards

Honoring forerunners and ambassadors for bluegrass music.

IBMA Industry Awards

Recognizing outstanding work in non-performing industry categories.

IBMA Momentum Awards

Recognizing artists and entrepreneurs who are in the early years of their careers.

Sponsor & Advertise

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, North Carolina.

We offer a diverse range of advertising & sponsorship opportunities. Activate your brand on the largest platform for bluegrass music in the world!

For more information, email [email protected].

IBMA World of Bluegrass T-Shirt Design Contest

We are looking for talented artists/graphic designers to submit their designs for our 2022 IBMA World of Bluegrass t-shirt. This shirt will be produced alongside our in-house festival merchandise and will be made available for purchase to the public.

Bluegrass represents a community larger than the music we all love. This is your chance to be a part of the action and share your work to a larger audience. We want your design to represent what bluegrass is in your eyes, while conveying the excitement and energy of our festival. All interpretations and styles are welcome, and we encourage designers of all backgrounds to submit their works.

The winner will receive a $250 cash prize, two reserved seats to Red Hat Amphitheater performances, and two t-shirts with the winning design.

2022 SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

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