Festival Archives - The Birthplace of Country Music

Sierra Ferrell to Headline the 25th Anniversary of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Sept. 11-13, 2026

November 21, 2025

Bristol, Tenn.-Va. (Nov. 21, 2025) – Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, a production of the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music, is thrilled to announce mesmerizing folk-roots visionary Sierra Ferrell will headline the 25th anniversary of the award-winning music festival, taking place September 11–13, 2026, along State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol.

“Reaching our 25th anniversary is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Festival Director Richard Oakley. “For a quarter century, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has brought people together through the power of music—honoring our heritage while championing the artists who will shape its future. This milestone year feels especially meaningful, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with our fans, our community, and an incredible lineup that reflects everything we love about this festival.”

They once called it “the little festival that could.” And it did. Born from a grassroots spirit and a handful of dreamers, the seeds planted in those early days blossomed into a beloved homecoming that inspired the transformation of Historic Downtown Bristol and sparked renewed energy, creativity, and region-wide community pride. Since 2001, the heartbeat of Bristol has echoed through the streets each September, calling friends, families, and artists home to a place where inspiration runs deep and music never fades. At Bristol Rhythm, joy and discovery have no borders, and the songs we share become the memories we keep. As it approaches this quarter-century milestone in 2026, the festival has welcomed both legendary voices and rising stars in roots music, many of whom first graced the festival’s stages early in their careers.

Among those artists, Sierra Ferrell stands out. She first performed at Bristol Rhythm in 2021 as an emerging talent. She now returns in triumph, leading the 25th anniversary lineup. One of the brightest young luminaries in roots music today, the West Virginia-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has earned the Emerging Act of the Year prize at the Americana Honors & Awards and enchanted audiences across North America and Europe with her high-spirited, dazzling live performances.

This year’s headliner announcement for the silver anniversary celebration marks only the beginning. The festival team will reveal a second round of artists on Black Friday, further amplifying the excitement surrounding this landmark celebration.

Three-day general admission (3-Day GA) passes to the 25th anniversary of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion are $180 (tax/fees included in the price). By default, all online purchased tickets will be print-at-home, electronic/mobile tickets, redeemable for wristbands at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum located at 101 Country Music Way in Bristol, Virginia, starting November 28 or at festival ticket booths on show days, Sept 11-13, 2026. With each purchase of a 3-Day GA pass in-person at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum from November 28-December 31, 2025, guests will receive a free ticket for entry to the Museum valid through Sept. 18, 2026. For tickets and more information, visit BristolRhythm.com.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025 comes to a close, preparing for next year’s silver anniversary

September 23, 2025

The Band Perry performing on State Street Stage during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion — Bristol Rhythm 2025 Sunday headliners The Band Perry on the State Street Stage. © Birthplace of Country Music, photographer: Cora Wagoner.

Bristol, Tenn.-Va. (September 23, 2025) – The 24th annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, produced by the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music (BCM), wrapped up another unforgettable weekend, bringing thousands of music lovers to the charming streets of Historic Downtown Bristol, straddling the state line of Tennessee and Virginia.

Over the course of the three-day festival, around 100 acts performed across 12 stages, celebrating Bristol’s rich music legacy rooted in the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions – hailed as the “big bang of country music.” Festivalgoers from across the globe gathered to experience a dynamic lineup that honored the past while spotlighting the evolution and future of roots music in real time.

“Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is a pilgrimage,” said Festival Director Richard Oakley, who joined the BCM organization earlier this summer. “It’s a place where legends were born and fans come for the history, the atmosphere of Historic Downtown Bristol, and the discovery of new talent. I’ve worked many major festivals over the last decade. The overall vibe of Bristol and this festival is very special. It was a great weekend overall.”

The Teskey Brothers band members performing on the Piedmont Stage during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025. — Bristol Rhythm 2025 Friday night headliners The Teskey Brothers on the Piedmont Stage.
© Birthplace of Country Music, photographer: Sophie Harris

Proving Bristol’s branches extend globally, soulful Australian export The Teskey Brothers drew a massive audience Friday night at the Piedmont Stage, with Sam Teskey notably wearing Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival merch. On Saturday Shane Smith & The Saints made a bold entrance, leading their fiery set with an instrumental nod to the Dropkick Murphys. Joy Oladokun’s hypnotic vocals and evocative storytelling charmed State Street Stage audiences on Friday, further demonstrating why Rolling Stone refers to her as a “musical revolutionary.” Carly Pearce, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, and Steep Canyon Rangers brought a powerful blend of tradition, talent, and energy to the festival to their sets, captivating crowds with unforgettable performances that honored the heart of country, bluegrass, and Americana respectively. Standout closing sets at Cumberland Square Park came from rising bluegrass phenoms Mountain Grass Unit Friday night and indie-funk jam band Pigeons Playing Ping Pong on Saturday. It was The Band Perry‘s first appearance at the festival and they did not disappoint, they closed out the State Street Stage with a dynamic, high-energy set that had fans up and dancing.

The festival honored Radio Bristol’s 10th anniversary with on-air talent emceeing at main stages and a very special Radio Bristol’s Farm and Fun Time show at the Paramount on Saturday with special guests Shane Smith & The Saints and Theo Lawrence. The community-supported station broadcasts live from the exhibit space at Birthplace of Country Music Museum 24/7, with Farm and Fun Time shows taped live for broadcast on PBS channels across the country.

Farm and Fun Time show at Paramount Bristol during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025. — Shane Smith & The Saints perform at Radio Bristol’s 10th anniversary Farm and Fun Time show at Paramount Bristol.
© Birthplace of Country Music, photographer: Cora Sophie Harris

Bristol Rhythm introduced several exciting additions and returning favorites that made the festival even more immersive and community focused. Fans were invited to “secret” No Depression Sessions at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, announced via the festival app, and featured exclusive sets by The Teskey Brothers, Mountain Grass Unit, Denitia, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, among others. Performances were recorded for post-festival release by No Depression magazine.

The festival welcomed its very first Artist in Residence, Dave Eggar – a GRAMMY-nominated cellist known for recording or sharing stages with an array of artists including The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Evanescence, Tony Bennett, and Lewis Capaldi. Eggar’s appearances throughout the weekend showcased his genre-defying talent and strong ties to the region.

Dave Eggar lying on the stage playing cello at Paramount Bristol during his set at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025.

Tennessee Songwriters Showcase highlighted featured regional standouts from Tennessee Songwriters Week, including Claire Childress, Austin Barrett, Camden Benoit, Erin Dalton, and Sarrenna. The event was hosted by celebrated local songwriter Adam Bolt. Hoot & Holler storytelling, late-night “barn dances,” and other festival side quests added layers of fun and community spirit throughout the weekend.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Artmobile made a return, offering a chance for festivalgoers and the community to experience world-class art on wheels. Children’s Day at Anderson Park was a joyful hub for families off-site. The free celebration featured games, crafts, food and live entertainment. On-site, the Kid’s Zone provided a great space for families to retreat with the little ones to play and participate in special programming and activities. Bristol Yoga led Saturday’s music marathon with a peaceful yoga session at the Country Music Mural, providing a mindful start to a busy day of stage hopping.

More than $250,000 in cash and huge prizes were given at the 7th annual Bristol Sessions Super Raffle on Sunday afternoon by the museum, with 49 happy winners announced every five minutes.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing for a live audience during their No Depression Session in the performance theater at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025. — Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing a Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion No Depression Session at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. © Birthplace of Country Music, photographer: Billie Wheeler

Next year marks a major milestone for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion – its 25th anniversary.

“Plans to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the festival next year have already begun,” said Oakley. “We urge everyone to take advantage of our Family Reunion Pre-sale pricing and plan their trip now. It will be one for the books!”

Three-day passes to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2026 are on sale now for $140, including taxes and fees. The sale ends Friday, Sept. 26 at midnight. Festival dates for the silver anniversary are Sept. 11-13, 2026. For early bird passes and more information visit BristolRhythm.com.

Birthplace of Country Music Names Richard Oakley as New Festival Director

August 28, 2025

BRISTOL, Va.-Tenn., (Aug. 28, 2025) – The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM), the parent nonprofit organization of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, and WBCM Radio Bristol, proudly announces the hire of Richard Oakley as the organization’s new Festival Director. Oakley brings deep experience in large-scale event operations ahead of a major milestone for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.

“We are thrilled to welcome Richard to BCM and to the Bristol community,” said BCM Executive Director Melissa Roberts. “His depth of experience with high-quality festivals and events brings invaluable insight as we continue to innovate and elevate the festival experience at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year. Richard’s leadership and operational expertise come at the perfect time to help us dream bigger, plan smarter, and deliver the very best to the fans, artists, and visitors who come from near and far to experience our historic city and the celebration of our music roots.”

Oakley will assume responsibilities previously managed by multiple staff members, including Baylor Hall, who has transitioned into her new position as BCM Deputy Director, and Leah Ross, Director of Community & Government Relations. Richard’s leadership will help streamline operations and enhance the impact of the festival moving forward.

A native of Raleigh, N.C. and graduate of Appalachian State University, Oakley brings with him an impressive resume of experience working with some of the largest and most well-known events in the country over the past decade. His work has spanned over 100 globally recognized music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Coachella, Lollapalooza, Dreamville, Outside Lands, Rolling Loud, and FloydFest, as well as high-profile sporting events including the NHL Winter Classic, F1 Las Vegas, NCAA March Madness, and others. He has served in key leadership roles in areas such as Ticketing, Credentials, Artist Relations, Transportation, Site Operations, Traffic Management, VIP Management and Guest Services.

“I am humbled to have been entrusted with Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion,” said Oakley. “I promise to honor the history that started with the 1927 Bristol Sessions, while leading Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion into the next century of a constantly changing live music landscape.”

Oakley steps into his new role as the festival team gears up for this year’s 24th anniversary event, with plans already in motion for future growth and continued excellence. With a focus on scalability and people-centered leadership, he plans to optimize both behind-the-scenes operations and on-the-ground experiences.

“My approach is based on building systems that work, and taking care of the people that work them. My intent is to direct teams with clarity and purpose, and deliver safe, exceptional experiences for patrons, artists, guests, contractors, and vendors alike.” said Oakley. “Whether in the box office or out in the field, my goal is to bring a calm, solution-oriented approach to the unpredictable world of live events.”

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is slated for Sept. 19-21 along State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol, Tenn.-Va. Visit the festival’s website at BristolRhythm.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

GRAMMY Award-winning artist Carly Pearce added to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion lineup

August 20, 2025

BRISTOL, Va.-Tenn. (Aug. 20, 2025) – The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) is thrilled to announce the addition of GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Carly Pearce to the 2025 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion lineup, scheduled for Sept. 19-21 on State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol.

Known for her fierce roots in classic country and her ability to carry the genre forward with honesty and grace, Carly Pearce has emerged as one of country music’s most compelling voices. From her breakout, platinum-certified debut “Every Little Thing” to her brand-new, critically acclaimed album “Hummingbird” (Big Machine Records), Pearce continues to captivate audiences with raw, emotional storytelling and timeless musicality.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Carly Pearce to this year’s lineup,” said BCM Executive Director Melissa Roberts. “She’s an artist who bridges generations through her music, and her Kentucky roots make her a natural fit for our festival.”

Pearce’s addition comes as Lukas Nelson withdraws from the festival for personal reasons related to his father, iconic country music outlaw Willie Nelson. Lukas shared the following statement:

“As most of you know, my family is the most important thing in my life. Recently, my father expressed that he would like me with him at Farm Aid this year. Unfortunately, it falls on the same day as the Rhythm and Roots Festival in Bristol, TN, which leads me to have to cancel my scheduled appearance there. When I confirmed this appearance, the final date for Farm Aid had not yet been set. I hope everyone will understand my decision here. I have been struggling with it for weeks since Farm Aid was announced. I feel strongly that being with my father and supporting my family is where I need to be. I will make it up to the folks in Bristol in every way I can. ~ Love, Lucas.”

“We deeply respect and support Lukas’ decision to be with his family and wish them the very best,” Roberts added. “Lukas has a home here in Bristol, and we’ll work with his team to bring him here in the future.”

The 24th annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion promises yet another unforgettable year of live music in the heart of the birthplace of country music. View the full lineup and purchase tickets at BristolRhythm.com.