Pickin' Time in Pikeville!
Some summer weekends are made for slowing down, pulling up a lawn chair, and letting a banjo do the talking. The 9 Mile Bluegrass Festival returns to Edmons Music Barn in Pikeville on August 7-8 with two days of live music, local food, and Appalachian hospitality.
Bluegrass has always been woven into Tennessee's story, and this festival celebrates that tradition in the best possible way: with talented regional bands, welcoming crowds, and plenty of opportunities to simply enjoy the music. Performances begin Friday evening and continue throughout Saturday, giving visitors hours of toe-tapping entertainment in a laid-back setting where longtime fans and first-time listeners are equally at home.
A Weekend Worth the Drive
The music may be the headline, but the atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Local food vendors will be serving up country cooking throughout the weekend, making it easy to grab a plate between sets without missing the action. Campers, families, and groups of friends all gather to enjoy the festival's relaxed pace, where conversations happen as naturally as the jam sessions.
Better yet, this is one of the state's most affordable music weekends. Admission is just $10 for the entire festival, and children 10 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult, making it an easy outing for families looking to enjoy live entertainment without stretching the budget.
The festival also reflects a tradition that's been growing for decades. What began in the 1980s as a community effort to support the local volunteer fire department has evolved into a beloved gathering that continues to preserve Appalachian music while creating a place for musicians and fans to connect.
Whether you know every verse of a bluegrass standard or simply enjoy discovering local traditions, the 9 Mile Bluegrass Festival offers an authentic Tennessee experience filled with great music, good food, and friendly faces. For one summer weekend, Edmons Music Barn becomes the kind of place where every song feels like it belongs exactly where it's being played.
Keep the tunes going all year long with our full guide to the state’s top arts and entertainment: https://www.guidetotennessee.com/arts-entertainment!
