Born from the spirit of Appalachian tradition and the legacy of Jean Bell-Thomas, the FoxFire Music & Arts Festival honors Ashland’s role in America’s rich musical heritage. In 1930, Bell-Thomas launched the American Folk Song Festival right here in Boyd County—one of the first of its kind in the nation. Now, the FoxFire Festival carries […]

Each year, the sounds of banjos, mandolins, and fiddles echo through the halls of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum as musicians of all ages gather for the Kentucky State Fiddle Championship. Held as part of The Great American Bluegrass Jam, this historic competition brings together some of the finest musical talent from […]

As the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World, Owensboro continues to weave the sound of bluegrass into the heart of its community, and the Great American Bluegrass Jam is a shining example. This annual event, first held in 2023, celebrates the town’s deep bluegrass roots while drawing fans from far and wide to experience a […]

At My Old Kentucky Home State Park, history and music intertwine in a place where the spirit of Kentucky’s past comes to life. Federal Hill, the stately mansion that inspired Stephen Foster’s iconic ballad “My Old Kentucky Home,” invites visitors to step back into the antebellum South. With costumed guides leading you through its grand […]

High on the historic Jerusalem Ridge, the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration brings the timeless sound of bluegrass back to the very place where it was born. Hosted by the Bill Monroe Foundation, this annual festival pays tribute to the “Father of Bluegrass” by transforming his boyhood home into a lively celebration of music and tradition. […]

For one special weekend in June at Red Mile Gaming and Racing, music can be found for two days on three stages. Artists featured here include Chris Stapleton, Hozier, Noah Kahan and Turnpike Troubadours.

Throughout the history of ROMP Festival, many legends of bluegrass have graced the stage including Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Alison Krauss, and Jesse McReynolds. ROMP also embraces the roots and progressive branches of the genre by featuring John Prine, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rhiannon Giddens, Old Crow Medicine Show, […]

Over 100 bands travel here the third week of September each year to share their love of music. A diverse array of transportation will allow you to explore an entire world of bluegrass. Immerse yourself within the 1400 acres of beautiful Kentucky hills.

Each year, the world’s most skilled guitarists gather in Muhlenberg County for the International Home of the Legends Thumbpicking Weekend, a prestigious event that honors the rich Thumbpicking tradition rooted in Kentucky. Held over a weekend at the Merle Travis Music Center, this event brings together both seasoned pickers and rising stars. The weekend includes […]

Where the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage meets the soul of live music, Bourbon & Beyond stands as a flagship event on the Kentucky Music Trail. What began as a pioneering celebration has grown into a cultural phenomenon, drawing over 120,000 attendees to Louisville each year. This festival doesn’t just feature music; it’s an all-out […]