Words by Paige Townley
Chattanooga is turning up the twang in a big way. Starting in 2025, the Scenic City will become the new home of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass event, a five-day celebration of strings, soul, and southern storytelling unlike any other. From September 16–20, 2025, downtown Chattanooga will come alive with the sounds of banjos, mandolins, and harmonies that are sure to get toes tapping.
World of Bluegrass is a multi-day event that combines a convention, artist showcases, industry panels, a full-scale trade show, and a two-day outdoor music festival featuring top-tier bluegrass talent from around the world. The event also includes a prestigious awards show honoring the best in the industry.
It’s big news for Chattanooga—and for Tennessee. As Chairwoman Patsy Hazlewood puts it, “This event is not only a testament to our state’s vibrant cultural heritage but also a significant economic driver for our communities.”
With more than 45,000 attendees expected in 2025, World of Bluegrass is projected to generate over $30 million in economic impact. But beyond the numbers, it’s the music—and the magnetic charm of the city—that makes this event a must-attend.
So, what else can you do when you’re not toe-tapping to a fiddle solo? Here’s how to make the most of your time in town:
Start your day at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, a powerful museum that tells the stories of extraordinary valor rooted in Chattanooga’s Civil War history—this is where the Medal of Honor was first awarded.
Got a thing for wheels? Cruise through the Coker Museum, home to a dazzling collection of vintage cars and transportation history. Or head to the International Towing & Recovery Museum, where you’ll find antique tow trucks and tributes to the unsung heroes of the roadside. Fun fact: the tow truck was invented right here in Chattanooga.
Beyond the numbers, it’s the music—and the magnetic charm of the city—that makes this event a must-attend.
For a mix of history and hospitality, book a night at the Chattanooga Choo Choo—a historic train terminal-turned-entertainment district. Some hotel rooms are even inside restored vintage train cars.
Need a breath of fresh air? Walk the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, linking downtown to the North Shore’s parks, boutiques, and eateries. And don’t miss the chance to check out Chattanooga’s most iconic attractions: Rock City, with its whimsical gardens and “See Rock City” barns, and Ruby Falls, where an underground waterfall steals the show.
Whether you’re coming for the music, the mountains, or the memories waiting to be made, World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga promises an experience that hits all the right notes.
