Blue Highway Fest: headliners and tickets

BIG STONE GAP, Virginia - Blue Highway Fest, the IBMA's 2023 Industry Event of the Year, is returning to Big Stone Gap, Virginia, October 8-11, 2026 - and the festival is sharing its first round of artists for what promises to be one of its most entertaining editions yet. This week brings two big announcements: headliners for the weekend and the first chance to buy tickets, which go on sale April 15th (and are sure to start selling quickly). The 2026 lineup leads with some of the most celebrated names in traditional bluegrass: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, The Grascals, and The Cleverlys, with the festival's namesake and host band, Blue Highway, anchoring the weekend throughout. Together, they represent the very best of what this music can be - and exactly the spirit this festival was built to celebrate. "This year we are listening to our fans and getting back to four full days of bluegrass, roots and Americana music with the major focus on bluegrass," says Wayne Taylor of Blue Highway. Thursday evening, October 8, the festival will open with a songwriters' night on the downtown 3rd Street stage. With performers to be announced, this event will highlight the best in roots music songwriting, and will also pay tribute to the great Ronnie Bowman. The beloved singer, songwriter, and multiple IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year was set to perform at this year's festival but tragically passed away on March 22, 2026. His loss is felt deeply across the entire bluegrass world, says Tim Stafford of Blue Highway. "He was a close friend of the band's, and he filled in with Blue Highway when Wayne was ill years ago." In addition to this initial round of artists, many more performer announcements are on the way for the 2026 Blue Highway Fest - including a few surprises the festival isn't ready to reveal quite yet. "We kinda specialize in reunion shows," explains Stafford, "and there will be a doozy on Friday this year, not to give away too much…" "We have a bluegrass buffet of music planned for the 2026 Blue Highway Fest," says Laura Mainer, talent buyer for the festival. "Your ears will feast on some festival favorites, add a dash of new-to-us artists, and sprinkle on some surprises. It's going to be a remarkable weekend!" Blue Highway Fest takes place in the heart of the Appalachian highlands, and peak fall foliage typically arrives right alongside the festival, surrounding Big Stone Gap in vivid reds, oranges, and golds. Whether you're making the short drive or planning a trip from across the country, there's no better time to be in this corner of the mountains. "Come be with us in an extremely beautiful part of our great country for some of the best music on the planet," sayid Taylor in closing. Festival tickets, as well as camping and RV parking, go on sale April 15 at bluehighwayfest.com. Additional performers, as well as daily tickets and schedules, will be announced at a later date.