Blue Highway Fest

10/14/2026

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The Boxcars shine in reunion at Blue Highway Fest
https://bluegrasstoday.com/?p=280321

10/12/2026

What a few incredible days of bluegrass, great music, good friends, and memories! As we look back on this year’s Blue Highway Fest, we’re feeling so grateful for everyone who came together to make it special. Thank you to the musicians and fans to our volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and the entire community.

Today, we’re sharing a few of our favorite photos captured by one of our amazing festival photographers, Jody Moore

We want to give her a special THANK YOU for sharing her talent, time, and eye for the moments that make this festival so special. Great photography does so much more than document an event. It captures the energy of the music, the smiles in the crowd, and the friendships formed. These photos allow us to relive those memories and share the magic of Blue Highway Fest with those who were there and those who will join us next time!

10/11/2026

The final notes have faded in Big Stone Gap, and another unforgettable Blue Highway Fest is officially in the books.

To everyone who packed a lawn chair, shared a song, and spent the weekend with us, thank you. You are what makes this festival feel like a family reunion. From the early afternoon sets to the late-night picking, the energy this year was something truly special, and we couldn't do it without you.

As we pack up the stages and head home, we’re already counting down the days until we can do it all again next year. Safe travels home, everyone. Save the dates for Blue Highway Fest 2027 - October 7-9.

10/11/2026

Closing out Saturday night at was an absolute highlight: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. A Sullivan County, Tennessee native and IBMA Hall of Famer, Doyle formed Quicksilver back in 1979 and built one of the most iconic, recognizable quartet sounds in bluegrass history. It was a truly special way to wrap up an incredible night of music together in Big Stone Gap.

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
📸: Joshua T. Moore

10/11/2026

Coming up next at 2:45 PM: The Cox Family.

From Cotton Valley, Louisiana, a family harmony sound that blends bluegrass, country, and gospel. Their Grammy-winning record with Alison Krauss, I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, and their work on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack made them favorites far beyond bluegrass. A perfect Sunday afternoon set.

10/11/2026

When you have two IBMA Entertainer of the Year awards and more than 200 Grand Ole Opry appearances under your belt, you know exactly how to work a crowd. Yesterday at 5:00 PM, The Grascals brought that signature traditional drive and world-class musicianship to the Blue Highway Fest stage. From their early days touring with Dolly Parton to right here in Big Stone Gap, they never fail to deliver an unforgettable set.

The Grascals
📸: Joshua T. Moore

10/11/2026

Powerful harmonies and that undeniable bluegrass drive filled Big Stone Gap yesterday at 4:00PM when NewFound Road took the stage. Celebrating their 25th anniversary year, and back on the road with new music on Billy Blue Records, they showed us all why it’s so good to have them back making music together. What a performance!

📸: Joshua T. Moore

10/11/2026

Coming up next at 1:30 PM: Kenny & Amanda Smith Duo.

One of the most loved husband-and-wife teams in acoustic music. Kenny is a two-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year, Amanda is an IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, and they have been bluegrass radio mainstays for two decades. Expect heartfelt songs and standout guitar.

10/11/2026

Nobody delivers hard-driving, traditional bluegrass quite like the Junior Sisk Band. Yesterday in Big Stone Gap, the Blue Ridge Mountains native brought that unmistakable, straight-ahead sound to the Blue Highway Fest stage. Junior and the boys delivered a masterclass in keeping real bluegrass front and center.

📸: Joshua T. Moore

10/11/2026

Kicking off Saturday was something special. Yesterday, Carolina Detour took the stage at Blue Highway Fest and showed us exactly why they won last year's Rising Stars Challenge. This young band out of North Carolina brought incredible energy to Big Stone Gap. It's safe to say the future of bluegrass is in good hands.

📸: Joshua T. Moore