BRISTOL, TN/VA — Music lovers from across the country will gather again in downtown Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia, as the highly anticipated Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion returns September 13-15, 2024. The annual festival, which celebrates Bristol's historic role in creating country music, promises an action-packed weekend filled with live performances, local flavors, and a rich sense of community.
Known as the "Birthplace of Country Music," Bristol was home to the 1927 Bristol Sessions, a series of recordings often called the "Big Bang of Country Music." The recordings, which featured artists like Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family, revolutionized the music industry and laid the foundation for modern country music. Today, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion honors that legacy, with over 100 bands performing across multiple stages in various genres, from Americana and bluegrass to indie rock and gospel.
Event Details: Gates and Schedule
Festival gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday, with performances running until 10 p.m. On Saturday, music will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 10 p.m. the festivities will conclude on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event takes place along State Street, which runs directly through the heart of downtown Bristol, straddling the Tennessee-Virginia state line. The location offers a picturesque backdrop for the event, with music filling the air as attendees roam between stages, restaurants, and local shops.
Headliners for this year’s festival include country sensation Ashley McBryde, rock legends The Wallflowers, and Grammy Award-winning bluegrass artist Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. Other notable performers include The SteelDrivers, Sam Bush, and The Red Clay Strays, offering various sounds for attendees to enjoy.
Friday night starts with acts like Lauren Morrow, Bella White, and Jesse Daniel, while Saturday will see performances from Wilderado, Jaime Wyatt, and Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, among others. Sunday's lineup features an eclectic mix, with Joshua Hedley and the Lonesome River Band taking the stage.
Transportation and Accommodations
Bristol is easily accessible by car, with Interstate 81 and I-26 providing direct routes to the downtown area. For those arriving by air, the Tri-Cities Airport is just a 20-minute drive away, offering convenient access for out-of-town visitors.
Festival organizers have made it simple for travelers to use public transportation, partnering with Virginia Breeze’s Highlands Rhythm bus service, which runs from Washington, D.C., to Bristol. Once in town, shuttle services are available from various hotels to the festival grounds, with a single shuttle pass covering rides all weekend long.
A variety of hotels are available in the area for lodging, ranging from budget-friendly options like Motel 6 and Econo Lodge to more upscale stays at The Bristol Hotel and The Sessions Hotel. Camping is also available at Sugar Hollow Campground and Bristol RV Park for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
The festival's connection to Bristol's rich musical history is further cemented by its proximity to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the Bristol Sessions and the subsequent rise of country music. Festival attendees are encouraged to visit the museum during the event to understand the city's cultural significance better.
“We are incredibly proud of our musical heritage, and the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion allows us to share that with the world,” said Leah Ross, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. “This festival is more than just a weekend of great performances—it's a celebration of where country music started and where it’s headed.”
The festival also strongly emphasizes community engagement. Throughout the weekend, local vendors and artisans will showcase regional food, crafts, and goods that highlight Appalachia's cultural richness.
Tickets and Final Notes
Tickets for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion are on sale now, with weekend passes and single-day tickets available. Children 12 and under get free admission, making it a family-friendly event. Festival-goers are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as past events have sold out.
As the birthplace of country music comes alive with the sounds of today’s most exciting acts, this year’s reunion promises to be an unforgettable weekend for fans of all ages. Whether you're a country music purist or an indie rock enthusiast, the 2024 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will surely offer something for everyone.
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