IBMA is coming to Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s official: Chattanooga will soon become home to one of the largest bluegrass music events on the planet.
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has selected the Scenic City as the new location for its signature World of Bluegrass event, scheduled for fall 2025.
To kick off the countdown, IBMA organizers hosted an open house for sponsors and media partners, offering a special sneak peek of what’s to come.
During the event, attendees toured potential venues and sampled local cuisine, highlighting the city’s unique blend of Southern charm and community spirit.
Ken White, Executive Director of the Bluegrass Music Association, expressed excitement about the event’s move to Chattanooga.
“It’s a weeklong celebration of bluegrass,” he explained. “It’s almost like a homecoming, so it’s great to see so many people all gather together for a week. Chattanooga is the perfect place to do it. It’s such a beautiful city. People are so welcoming, and I can’t wait to be here in September.”
As the city prepares for its time in the spotlight, local partners and national organizers alike are eager to showcase Chattanooga’s growing reputation as a music destination.
From vibrant live venues to world-class attractions, the hope is to make this event a true partnership built on collaboration.
Stephen Mougin with Dark Shadow Recording elaborated on the city’s appeal.
“We come to Chattanooga on occasion to check out the Aquarium and some amazing museums around here—and our favorite ice cream is here,” Mougin said. “Frankly, I don’t really end up in this corner of the city all that much, so it’s nice to see what the city is all about.”
Organizers emphasized the power of music to connect people of all ages and backgrounds.
Broadcaster and festival MC Cindy Baucom shared, “Music is what we have in common. That’s what brings us together, and you might see a five-year-old jamming with an 80-year-old. I think that’s great—it brings generations together with all the standard songs that so many in the genre know. It’s just a wonderful thing to come together with what binds us, and that’s the music.”
Further details about performers, venues, and ticket information will be released in the coming months.
For now, Chattanooga’s bluegrass community and city leaders are gearing up for a milestone moment—one that will resonate far beyond the Scenic City.
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