IBMA’s World Of Bluegrass To Move To Chattanooga

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The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), alongside the Chattanooga Tourism Co. in partnership with the General Assembly and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), have revealed their plans to move IBMA’s World of Bluegrass to Chattanooga for 2025–2027.

House & Senate Finance Chairs Rep. Patsy Hazlewood (R-Signal Mountain) and Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson) also named the city of Chattanooga the inaugural Tennessee Special Event Fund recipient. In 2022, Gov. Bill Lee partnered with the General Assembly to allocate $25 million in the state budget for a fund designed to attract large-scale events that are expected to generate at least $10 million in visitor spending and a million dollars in state and local taxes. The Chattanooga Tourism Co. plans to use the award to invest in the support and growth of the IBMA event.

“Tennessee is proud to welcome IBMA’s World of Bluegrass to Chattanooga. This event is not only a testament to our state’s vibrant cultural heritage, but also a significant economic driver for our communities,” shares Hazlewood. “We are excited to support this event that will bring bluegrass enthusiasts together in our city, and give us an opportunity to showcase Tennessee and Chattanooga to an audience coming from literally around the world.”

Barry White, Chattanooga Tourism Co. President & CEO, adds, “The Tourism Co. is honored to be the first recipient of Tennessee’s new Special Event Fund, and to welcome the WOB to Chattanooga. We are extremely excited to bring this event to Chattanooga and highlight our city’s flourishing cultural scene, while also generating economic returns to our community.”

The city’s first World of Bluegrass will take place Sept. 16–20, 2025. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a convention, trade show and an awards show as well as artist showcases and a two-day live music festival featuring the format’s top artists. Chattanooga Tourism Co. expects the 2025 event to attract more than 18,000 overnight visitors and more than 45,00o day visitors, accumulate $30.1 million in economic impact and earn $1.1 million in state tax revenue. Visitor spending will support local jobs and additional tax revenues with the goal of benefiting multiple industries beyond tourism.

“In our mission to spread the music, IBMA considered 30+ destinations for a new home,” says Ken White, IBMA Executive Director. “While other cities could offer the necessary commitment, the passion and enthusiasm of the people of Chattanooga truly stood out. We are incredibly grateful for the support from the state of Tennessee and the welcoming spirit of Chattanooga. This city’s unique charm and hospitality makes it a perfect home for WOB artists and guests.”

Commissioner Mark Ezell of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development shares, “We are ready to welcome the world’s largest events to Tennessee stages. IBMA’s World of Bluegrass is a great way to showcase our rich musical heritage, and the very goal of the Special Event Fund is to support local partners as they pursue and secure high-value events like this that represent tremendous economic benefit for Tennessee businesses.”

Additionally, this year’s World of Bluegrass is set for Sept. 24–28 in Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information, click here.

Madison Hahnen
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