The Earl Scruggs Music Festival concluded its triumphant 2025 event, drawing more than double in attendance since last year. The annual gathering––held on the stunning grounds of Tryon International in Mill Spring, NC and just minutes away from the three-finger banjo innovator’s birthplace in Cleveland County––delivered three unforgettable days of performances, thought-provoking seminars, inspiring youth showcases, and unique add-on experiences, including horseback trail rides, bourbon tasting, dance workshops, family-friendly activities, jam sessions, and much more. Welcome to Earl Sruggs Music Festival “25: Pickers and Grinners Welcome. Now in its fourth year, Earl Scruggs Music Festival has firmly established itself as the premier gathering for fans and admirers of the legendary picker, whose imprint on American music reaches far beyond the bounds of the bluegrass genre. Known for his adventurous approach to banjo playing, Earl Scruggs forged a legendary career spanning nearly seven decades––collaborating with not only fellow bluegrass greats, but also prominent figures in the folk and rock scenes of their generation. His influence remains as vital as ever, evident throughout the festival in performances by artists who once shared the stage with Scruggs, as well as those whose music and approach have been deeply shaped by his pioneering spirit. Among those standout moments were Alison Krauss & Union Station ft. Jerry Douglas––whose spellbinding performance still radiated the energy and precision that have defined their 36-year career, star-studded outfit The Earls of Leicester––joined by virtuosic mandolinist Sierra Hull, who played the part of the late, great Curly Seckler, highly-decorated flatpicker Del McCoury, plus a number of contemporaries including fellow North Carolina natives Watchhouse, genre-blending roots trio The Wood Brothers, hair-raising Americana/soul group The War And Treaty, all-female bluegrass/country powerhouse Sister Sadie, and dozens more. To top off the weekend, the legendary ensemble Nitty Gritty Dirt Band pulled out all the stops for their headlining performance, one of the final dates of their farewell tour, with an all-star cast of cameos from Sierra Hull, Shawn Camp, Rob McCoury, Sam Bush, Trey Hensley, and Jerry Douglas, who together joined in a moving tribute to the Will the Circle Be Unbroken album alongside nods to Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, Merle Travis, Roy Acuff, and Norman Blake. Beyond the music, Earl Scruggs Music Festival offers an unparalleled festival experience, leveraging the exceptional amenities of Tryon International. Attendees can choose from a range of on-site lodging, including hotels, cabins, and RV or tent camping, making it accessible for weekend visitors and long-term festival-goers alike. The venue’s multiple restaurants, scenic walking trails, and open-air gathering spaces create an inviting environment for connection, relaxation, and exploration between performances. From immersive hands-on activities to casual meetups with fellow fans, the festival’s combination of diverse programming and world-class amenities ensures that every moment is memorable. The festival also places a special emphasis on fostering the next generation of Earl enthusiasts. JAM Kids (Junior Appalachian Musicians) performances and interactive seminars provide engaging, educational experiences that inspire young musicians while inviting participation and enrichment for attendees of all ages. The spirit and legacy of Earl Scruggs is alive and well at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival. All sights are set on the festival’s return to Tryon International in Mill Spring, NC, slated for Labor Day Weekend (September 4-6) 2026. Secure your spot today, and be among the first to support Scruggs Fest beneficiaries Earl Scruggs Center, WNCW 88.7, and Isothermal Community College for another year. Purchase 2026 Tickets Here!

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New in 2025, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will launch its first-ever ‘Battle of the Banjos’ band competition –– an open call for rising bluegrass, Americana, and roots artists eager to make their mark. Solo acts and bands are invited to submit by June 27 for a chance to be voted into the final round by fans and perform live at the festival. The grand prize includes two performance slots during the festival weekend, a $500 honorarium, a featured interview on WNCW, full weekend passes, on-site camping, and promotional support across festival channels. Whether you’re ready to take the stage or know someone who should, this is your shot to be part of Earl Scruggs Music Festival history. Enter for your chance to win here.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival officially kicks off on Friday morning, but festivities will start on Thursday evening with an open-to-the-public Welcome Home Celebration featuring music from Holler Choir, Finkelstein 3, and the ‘Battle of the Banjos’ Band Competition winner (TBA). The free event promises toe-tapping music and an opportunity to ring in the weekend with an energetic and communal atmosphere, setting a lively tone for the days ahead.

Thursday night will also see a separately ticketed Book, Bourbon, & Bluegrass tasting event with performances by festival favorite Travis Book & Drew Matulich. Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 28 from 4:30-9 p.m, and visit the Book, Bourbon, & Bluegrass ticket link for more information.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival will occur August 29-31, 2025 in Mill Spring, NC. Advance-price tickets are currently on sale, with a variety of both three-day and one-day general admission and upgraded packages available. For more details and to stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit EarlScruggsMusicFest. Tryon International, 25 International Blvd. Mill Spring, NC 28756 Tickets can still be purchased here. Join the fray.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2025 Lineup

Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas (Sat), Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (Sun), Del McCoury Band (Sun), Sam Bush (Sat), Watchhouse (Sun), The Wood Brothers (Fri), The War And Treaty (Fri), The Earls of Leicester (Sun), Sierra Hull (Sat), Tony Trischka’s EarlJam – Featuring Michael Daves (Fri, Sun), Sister Sadie (Fri), Town Mountain (Sat), Fireside Collective (Sat), Darin & Brooke Aldridge (Sun), Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley (Sun), Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (Sat), Henhouse Prowlers (Fri), Travis Book String Band (Fri), Authentic Unlimited (Fri), Darren Nicholson Band (Sun), Shawn Camp and Verlon Thompson :: Songs and Stories of Guy Clark (Sat), Holler Choir (Fri), Healing the Hollers ft. Unspoken Tradition (Sat), Songs From The Road Band (Sun), Allison de Groot + Tatiana Hargreaves (Sat), John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project (Sun), Nicholas Edward Williams (Fri), Reedy River String Band (Sun), Finkelstein 3 (Fri)

Earl Scruggs Center. The Earl Scruggs Center combines the life story of legendary five-string banjo master and Cleveland County native, Earl Scruggs, with the unique and engaging story of the history and cultural traditions of the region in which Scruggs was born and raised. It was in the nearby Flint Hill community where Scruggs learned to play banjo and perfected the three-finger playing style that has come to be known around the world as “Scruggs Style.” The Earl Scruggs Center explores Scruggs’ innovative career and the community that gave it shape while celebrating how he crossed musical boundaries and defined the voice of the banjo to the world. Mr. Scruggs embraced tradition while also adapting to the changing times and looking toward the future – themes that resonate throughout the Center. Engaging exhibits, special event space, and rich programming provide a uniquely rich experience for visitors.

Tryon International Equestrian Center. Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International) is the ultimate destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. Home of the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018, TIEC offers first-class facilities for equestrian events of all levels and disciplines. Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, NC, the competition experience is complemented by diverse onsite restaurants, a variety of shops, relaxing lodging getaways, family entertainment, and more. Learn more at tryon.com or call 828-863-1000.

About WNCW 88.7, Isothermal Community College. WNCW is a listener-supported public media service of Isothermal Community College, which serves the community through advancing new musical discoveries, showcasing local and regional talent, and preserving and promoting the traditions of Appalachian and roots music in our area and beyond. The station’s eclectic mix includes Americana, Triple-A rock/acoustic, bluegrass, blues, jazz, reggae, world, and other roots music styles, in addition to weekly spotlights on Bob Dylan, Doc Watson, The Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa and more. Live artist interviews and performances are broadcast frequently from WNCW’s professional recording studio, “Studio B”. As the flagship bluegrass station, WNCW broadcasts contemporary, traditional, and historical bluegrass music for eight hours each Saturday. Listeners can find WNCW at 88.7 FM throughout most of its listening area, which includes Western NC, Upstate SC and Eastern Tennessee. Translators rebroadcast the signal at 101.3 in Charlotte, 97.3 in Greenville, 92.9 in Boone and 90.9 WSIF in Wilkesboro. The station also has a worldwide audience through its livestream right here.

Visit their website and like their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and X. It’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff.

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