Earl Scruggs Music Festival nominated for IBMA Event of the Year

Published 3:00 pm Thursday, July 24, 2025

Winners to be announced in September at IBMA conference in Chattanooga

MILL SPRING—The International Bluegrass Music Association recently revealed the nominees for this year’s IBMA Industry Awards, which included Polk County’s very own Earl Scruggs Music Festival.

The IBMA Industry Awards showcase the best in bluegrass talent, honoring outstanding work in various related professions, including broadcasting, photography, songwriting, sound engineering, and live events. Award winners will be presented at the upcoming IBMA World of Bluegrass conference in Chattanooga, Tenn., on September 18.

This year, the Earl Scruggs Music Festival has been nominated for Best Event of the Year alongside some of the most well-known bluegrass festivals in the country, including DelFest in Cumberland, Md., Hartford’s Mammoth Marathon in Nashville, Tenn., High Mountain Hay Fever in Westcliffe, Colo., and Jerry Garcia’s Bluegrass Journey in Owensboro, Ky. 

Additionally, Allison Krauss & Union Station and The Del McCoury Band, who are set to perform at this year’s Earl Scruggs Music Festival, are nominated for Entertainer of the Year alongside Billy Strings, Appalachian Road Show, and East Nash Grass.

The Fourth Annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival will take place from Friday, August 29, to Sunday, August 31, and will feature some of the biggest names in the genre, along with plenty of entertainment surrounding the world of bluegrass, Americana, and old-time music. 

The three-day event, which celebrates the life and legacy of Country Music Hall of Famer and bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs, promises to bring something unique and unforgettable to music fans of all ages. 

Single-day and multi-day tickets, as well as VIP tickets, are now available at earlscruggsmusicfest.com. The festival will take place at Tryon International Equestrian Center, located at 25 International Blvd. in Mill Spring.