2027 calendars are now open!
Buy A House 800-368-3825
    • WiFi *
    • Keyless Entry *
    • Fully Equipped Kitchen *
    • Cook & Tableware *
    • Coffee Maker *
    • Outdoor Grill *
    • Sheets & Towels *

      We supply two towel sets per King/Queen/Double bed and one per Twin bed. Each towel set contains a bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth. Extra towel sets are available for rent, please call our office for more info.

    • Signature Welcome Package *

      A reusable shopping bag containing a starter supply of fresh roasted coffee, dishwashing detergent, bath soap, toilet tissue, laundry detergent, paper towels, as well as 2 dish cloths, 2 dish towels and a pot holder

    * All houses include these items.

    Bluegrass Island Music Festival

    Bluegrass Island Festival on the Outer Banks
    Date/Time:
    at - at
    Location:
    1 Festival Park
    Venue:
    Roanoke Island Festival Park
    Link:
    Event Link
    Map:
    View map

    Details about Bluegrass Island Music Festival

    Price:

    • Ticket prices vary. One-day passes are typically $132.70, and the festival offers limited early-bird priced tickets as well as multi-day passes. Children 10 and under have free admission if accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Part of Wednesday’s kick-off event does not require tickets.

    Ages:

    • All ages welcome!

    Pets:

    • Only service animals with documentation are permitted at the festival.

    Please note: Gates open at 11 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The kick-off event on Wednesday begins at 3 p.m. at George Washington Creef Park. Free parking is available in downtown Manteo, which is a short walk to the venue. A golf cart shuttle will be available at the Bluegrass Island Trading Company located at 107 Budleigh Street. On Friday and Saturday, additional parking is available at the Manteo High School overflow lot, and a free shuttle will take attendees to the festival’s entrance.

    Bluegrass Island Festival: October 14-17, 2026

    Pack up the family, grab your beach chairs and blankets, and celebrate one of the Outer Banks’ most popular annual events!  Each year, thousands of visitors gather for back-to-back days of great music. The festival is full of talented live regional and international bands, delicious food from a variety of vendors, an array of artisans selling their wares, and plenty of toe-tapping, foot-stomping fun. The Bluegrass Island Festival combines incredible music with laid-back coastal vibes in an incredible waterfront setting for a weekend you, your friends, and your family won’t want to miss.

    Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival

    History of the Bluegrass Island Festival

    What started in 2012 as a small one-day event has become one of the most unique waterfront music festivals in the region. Promoter Cory Hemilright had a passion for bluegrass music and dreamed of bringing nationally known performers to the Outer Banks while creating a relaxed waterfront experience visitors could enjoy year after year. Safe to say, he succeeded!

    The festival quickly grew into a multi-day event featuring Grammy-nominated artists, gospel performers, and some of the biggest names in bluegrass music. The event became an instant hit as visitors from across the country discovered the festival’s memorable mix of incredible live performances and coastal views. Today, it’s become one of the Outer Banks’ most beloved music events.

    Bluegrass Island Festival on the Outer Banks

    What to Expect at the Bluegrass Island Festival

    At the Bluegrass Island Festival, you’ll enjoy the sounds of banjos, fiddles, and mandolins while you relax on the lawn, dance, and explore the festival grounds. One minute, the music will be high-energy and fast-paced; the next, it slows down into something heartfelt and uplifting. That’s the beauty of bluegrass. In past years, nationally known acts like Della Mae, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Kruger Brothers, and Southern Legacy have taken the stage alongside many other talented performers. The music ranges from traditional Appalachian bluegrass to modern, soulful styles with rich harmonies and heartfelt vocals.

    The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Festival-goers spend the day wandering through the park, browsing arts-and-crafts booths, enjoying waterfront views, and relaxing with friends and family between performances. Local creative vendors often include favorites like The Artsy Octopus, Knotty Designs, H2O Tie Dye, and Re-Found Jewelry.

    And of course, there’s no shortage of great food! Crowd favorites often include Sooey’s BBQ, Maine Lobster, Shipwrecks, and Carolina Moon Bakery.

    Bluegrass Island Festival on the Outer Banks

    Explore The Area

    One of the best things about the festival is the location! Downtown Manteo is easy to explore on foot, with brick sidewalks leading to bookstores, antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by the scenic Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse for a few photos. Although you can come and go during the festival, after 7 p.m., re-admission is not allowed.

    While you’re in the area, spend some time exploring the replica ship Elizabeth II and interactive exhibits right there at Roanoke Island Festival Park. You can also catch a movie at the historic Pioneer Theater, kayak on the sound, or visit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the Outer Banks. After a day of exploring, grab fresh seafood at Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar or enjoy a casual lunch at Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop.

    Roanoke Island Festival Park

    See You There!

    The Bluegrass Island Festival feels like the perfect mix of everything people love about the Outer Banks: great music, delicious food, waterfront sunsets, and a laid-back atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Whether you’re a lifelong bluegrass fan or just looking for a fun weekend in Manteo, it’s the kind of event that keeps people coming back year after year.