Article Contributed by Birthplace of Country Music
Published on November 21, 2025
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, a production of the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music, is thrilled to announce mesmerizing folk-roots visionary Sierra Ferrell will headline the 25th anniversary of the award-winning music festival, taking place September 11–13, 2026, along State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol.
“Reaching our 25th anniversary is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Festival Director Richard Oakley. “For a quarter century, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has brought people together through the power of music—honoring our heritage while championing the artists who will shape its future. This milestone year feels especially meaningful, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with our fans, our community, and an incredible lineup that reflects everything we love about this festival.”
They once called it “the little festival that could.” And it did. Born from a grassroots spirit and a handful of dreamers, the seeds planted in those early days blossomed into a beloved homecoming that inspired the transformation of Historic Downtown Bristol and sparked renewed energy, creativity, and region-wide community pride. Since 2001, the heartbeat of Bristol has echoed through the streets each September, calling friends, families, and artists home to a place where inspiration runs deep and music never fades. At Bristol Rhythm, joy and discovery have no borders, and the songs we share become the memories we keep. As it approaches this quarter-century milestone in 2026, the festival has welcomed both legendary voices and rising stars in roots music, many of whom first graced the festival’s stages early in their careers.
Among those artists, Sierra Ferrell stands out. She first performed at Bristol Rhythm in 2021 as an emerging talent. She now returns in triumph, leading the 25th anniversary lineup. One of the brightest young luminaries in roots music today, the West Virginia-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has earned the Emerging Act of the Year prize at the Americana Honors & Awards and enchanted audiences across North America and Europe with her high-spirited, dazzling live performances.
This year’s headliner announcement for the silver anniversary celebration marks only the beginning. The festival team will reveal a second round of artists on Black Friday, further amplifying the excitement surrounding this landmark celebration.
Three-day general admission (3-Day GA) passes to the 25th anniversary of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion are $180 (tax/fees included in the price). By default, all online purchased tickets will be print-at-home, electronic/mobile tickets, redeemable for wristbands at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum located at 101 Country Music Way in Bristol, Virginia, starting November 28 or at festival ticket booths on show days, Sept 11-13, 2026. With each purchase of a 3-Day GA pass in-person at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum from November 28-December 31, 2025, guests will receive a free ticket for entry to the Museum valid through Sept. 18, 2026. For tickets and more information, visit BristolRhythm.com.
