Bristol, September 24, 2025

News Summary

The 24th annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion brought together thousands of music lovers in Historic Downtown Bristol. Featuring approximately 100 musical acts across 12 stages over three days, the festival celebrated Bristol’s music legacy from the renowned 1927 Bristol Sessions. Highlights included performances from artists like the Teskey Brothers and Joy Oladokun, as well as community-focused activities and special events. The festival concluded with a successful raffle, over $250,000 in prizes, and plans for next year’s 25th anniversary already underway.

Bristol

The 24th annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion drew thousands of music enthusiasts to Historic Downtown Bristol, which straddles the Tennessee and Virginia state line. Organized by the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music (BCM), the festival featured approximately 100 musical acts across 12 stages over a three-day period, celebrating Bristol’s rich music legacy rooted in the famous 1927 Bristol Sessions, often regarded as the “big bang of country music.”

Festival Director Richard Oakley described the event as “a pilgrimage,” emphasizing the historical atmosphere of Bristol and the chance for attendees to discover new talent. Among the highlights, the Teskey Brothers from Australia performed to a large audience on Friday night at the Piedmont Stage. On Saturday, Shane Smith & The Saints opened their set with an instrumental tribute to the Dropkick Murphys.

Notable performances included Joy Oladokun, referred to as a “musical revolutionary” by Rolling Stone, whose storytelling captivated fans at the State Street Stage. Artists like Carly Pearce, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, and Steep Canyon Rangers delivered memorable sets reflecting country, bluegrass, and Americana traditions. The festival concluded with energetic performances from the Mountain Grass Unit on Friday and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong on Saturday at Cumberland Square Park.

The Band Perry made their debut at the festival and ended their set with an engaging performance. This year’s festival also marked Radio Bristol’s 10th anniversary, featuring emceeing at the main stages along with a special “Farm and Fun Time” show that included Shane Smith & The Saints and Theo Lawrence.

The festival included “secret” No Depression Sessions at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, which featured exclusive sets by various artists announced through the festival app. Dave Eggar, a GRAMMY-nominated cellist, served as the festival’s first Artist in Residence, showcasing his diverse talent and local connections. The Tennessee Songwriters Showcase highlighted regional songwriters from Tennessee Songwriters Week, hosted by Adam Bolt.

Community Engagement and Activities

The festival also offered various community-focused activities, including Hoot & Holler storytelling, late-night barn dances, and the return of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Artmobile, which provided festival-goers with access to art on wheels. Children were catered to with Children’s Day at Anderson Park, featuring games, crafts, food, and live entertainment. The Kid’s Zone provided a space for children to engage in special activities, while Bristol Yoga led a calming yoga session at the Country Music Mural on Saturday, promoting mindfulness.

The festival concluded with the 7th annual Bristol Sessions Super Raffle, distributing over $250,000 in cash and prizes and announcing 49 winners throughout Sunday. Plans for the 25th anniversary of the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion have already commenced, with pre-sale tickets for the 2026 festival currently available.

Three-day passes for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2026 are priced at $140, including taxes and fees, with the sale ending on September 26. The upcoming festival dates for the silver anniversary are September 11-13, 2026.

FAQ

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Additional Resources

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• Wikipedia: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
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• Google Search: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2023
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• WXBQ
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
• WCYB
• Google News: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.