IBMA World of Bluegrass

IBMA World of Bluegrass brings the international bluegrass community to Chattanooga October 20–24, 2026. The week combines an industry conference, professional networking, showcases, awards, youth and international programs, ticketed indoor festival performances, and free outdoor music. It is a multi-day, multi-program and multi-location event; no single venue represents the complete festival.

Before the event — Monday, October 19

• 1:00–5:00 p.m. — Conference registration: main lobby of the Chattanooga Convention Center. Conference registration is located in the main lobby of the Chattanooga Convention Center.

Tuesday, October 20 — Conference opening and first Ramble night

• 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. — Conference registration: Chattanooga Convention Center main lobby.
• IBMA Business Conference: sessions and professional programming begin at the Chattanooga Convention Center. A conference credential is required for conference programming.
• Gig Fair: Chattanooga Convention Center. This structured booking event connects artists with festival organizers, presenters and talent buyers. The exact time and 2026 sign-up details have not yet been published.
• Keynote Address: Chattanooga Convention Center. The exact time and 2026 speaker have not yet been published.
• Conference networking receptions: Chattanooga Convention Center. Announced reception areas include DJ and artist networking, songwriter meet-and-greet, agent and talent-buyer networking, and international networking. Exact times have not yet been published.
• 6:00 p.m. — IBMA Bluegrass Ramble kickoff: official showcases begin at the Chattanooga Convention Center and participating downtown venues. IBMA currently confirms the Chattanooga Convention Center, Barrelhouse Ballroom, Hi-Fi Clyde’s and Songbirds, with additional venues described as “and more.” The performer, venue and individual set-time assignments have not yet been published. Ramble admission is separately ticketed.

Wednesday, October 21 — Conference, youth programs, awards and second Ramble night

• 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. — Conference registration: Chattanooga Convention Center main lobby.
• Breakfast 2 Business: Chattanooga Convention Center. This complimentary hot breakfast and networking program is restricted to agents and talent buyers and requires an RSVP. The exact time and sign-up details have not yet been published.
• Momentum Awards luncheon: Chattanooga Convention Center. The awards recognize emerging achievement in mentoring, industry involvement, vocals, instrumentation and bands. The exact time has not yet been published.
• Kids on Bluegrass begins: programming runs October 21–24, based at the Convention Center with performances across the World of Bluegrass footprint. Exact public performance times have not yet been published.
• International Stage: Chattanooga Convention Center. Wednesday and Thursday performances are available to conference attendees. Exact performance times and the 2026 lineup have not yet been published.
• 1:00–5:00 p.m. — Exhibit Hall: Chattanooga Convention Center. Wednesday access is included with conference registration.
• 7:00 p.m. — IBMA Bluegrass Ramble continues: the second night of official showcases begins. The performer, venue and individual set-time assignments have not yet been published.

Thursday, October 22 — Conference awards and Bluegrass Music Awards

• 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Conference registration: Chattanooga Convention Center main lobby.
• Industry & Distinguished Achievement Awards luncheon: Chattanooga Convention Center. The exact time has not yet been published.
• IBMA Songwriter Showcase: Chattanooga Convention Center. Ten selected songs and their writers are presented for conference attendees; conference registration is required. The exact time and 2026 lineup have not yet been published.
• International Stage: second conference-attendee day at the Convention Center. Exact performance times remain pending.
• 1:00–5:00 p.m. — Exhibit Hall: Chattanooga Convention Center. Thursday access is included with conference registration.
• Bluegrass Music Awards Pre-Awards Reception: selected Kids on Bluegrass Honors participants are expected to perform. The exact reception time and access instructions have not yet been published.
• 7:30 p.m. — IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium. This separately ticketed ceremony includes performances, award presentations and Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductions. Streaming details, nominees, hosts and performers are still pending.

Friday, October 23 — Festival, free park programming and Exhibit Hall

• 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. — Exhibit Hall: Chattanooga Convention Center. Free and open to the public.
• Pickin’ in the Park: Miller Park and Miller Plaza. This free outdoor portion requires no ticket and will include the Next Generation Stage, Kids on Bluegrass groups, youth bands, college bands, local Chattanooga and regional acts, and touring talent. Individual stage times and lineups have not yet been published.
• College Bluegrass Band Showcase: downtown Chattanooga as part of the October 23–24 festival programming. Exact stage assignments and times have not yet been published.
• International Stage: public festival performances at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Exact times and lineup remain pending.
• Kids on Bluegrass Honors: Friday festival set, with additional youth “tweener” appearances possible between festival acts. Exact times remain pending.

Ticketed Bluegrass Live sequence — Friday, October 23

• 2:00–5:00 p.m. — Chattanooga Convention Center
• 5:30–7:00 p.m. — VIP Happy Hour and Secret Set: Stratus Rooftop at Caption by Hyatt. VIP access only.
• 7:30–10:30 p.m. — The Signal
• 11:00 p.m.–12:30 a.m. — Barrelhouse Ballroom: late-night program.

Saturday, October 24 — Final festival day

• 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. — Exhibit Hall: Chattanooga Convention Center. Free and open to the public.
• Pickin’ in the Park: free music continues at Miller Park and Miller Plaza, including local Chattanooga and regional acts and the Next Generation Stage. No ticket is required.
• College Bluegrass Band Showcase: second day of downtown performances; exact stage assignments and times remain pending.
• International Stage: second public festival day at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Exact times remain pending.
• Kids on Bluegrass: Saturday Honors performances and the Camp Track’s culminating public Youth Stage concert. Exact stage times remain pending.

Ticketed Bluegrass Live sequence — Saturday, October 24

• 2:00–5:00 p.m. — Chattanooga Convention Center
• 5:30–7:00 p.m. — VIP Happy Hour and Secret Set: 50/50 Wine + Martini Bar. VIP access only.
• 7:30–10:30 p.m. — The Signal
• 11:00 p.m.–12:30 a.m. — Barrelhouse Ballroom: late-night program.

Admission and planning notes

• Business Conference: conference registration is required for conference sessions and conference-only programs.
• Bluegrass Ramble: separately ticketed; announced pricing is $30 for one night or $55 for both nights.
• Bluegrass Music Awards: separately ticketed at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium.
• Bluegrass Live indoor performances: require the appropriate festival pass. Only 200 VIP weekend passes are being offered.
• Pickin’ in the Park and the Next Generation Stage: free; no ticket required.
• Exhibit Hall: conference credential required Wednesday and Thursday; free to the public Friday and Saturday.
• Schedule status: IBMA states that festival times and lineups are subject to change. Items marked as pending will be updated when official times, performers and stage assignments are released.

Official information

World of Bluegrass home and ticket links
Official World of Bluegrass FAQ and registration hours
Official IBMA Bluegrass Ramble information and schedule updates
Official IBMA Bluegrass Live information
Official Exhibit Hall hours and access