What makes a great festival? Great bands are essential. A beautiful venue with plenty of space to spread out? That’s a bonus. And let’s not forget about vendors with delicious food and unique items to explore. But perhaps most importantly, a great festival has a spirit of community and a setting so inviting you’d visit even without a festival. Enter Bluegrass Island Music Festival in Manteo, North Carolina—probably the best festival you haven’t heard of, until now.
We arrived in Manteo, the only town on Roanoke Island, at noon on Wednesday. My well-informed wife—our journey's navigator and chief scheduler—had us heading to check-in and secure seats even before our hotel check-in time. But there was a surprise: no line. As we approached, we noticed the festival gates were open, people were greeting each other, and visitors were wandering inside. Assuming these were workers or volunteers, we decided to visit the Lost Colony instead.
To the locals, the colony isn’t lost. They keep Sir Raleigh’s first colony alive through vivid demonstrations of how the settlers might have lived while awaiting ships’ return from England. I asked the friendly young woman at the visitor center about the festival, and she happily told us it was all organized by Cory Hemilright, a local businessman. We toured the park, admiring the indigenous longhouse, colony grounds, and even a replica of Sir Raleigh’s ship, the Elizabeth II. By one o’clock, it was clear: the festival grounds were open, with no line or gatekeeper in sight. A friendly local advised, "Just put your chair anywhere you like. It’ll be there all weekend." This was a different festival experience altogether.
After checking into our hotel—again greeted by cheerful staff—we headed to George Washington Creef Park for the kick-off show. This free event, aimed at drumming up enthusiasm for the festival, featured some of IBMA’s rising talent. Ettore Buzzini, a Swiss-American banjo player, impressed with his lightning-fast fingers. The Wildwoods, a folk trio from Lincoln, Nebraska, showcased their tight harmonies, while Backline, a five-piece traditional bluegrass band from Spartanburg, SC, shone through with songs like "My Farm." The Goodwin Brothers, traveling all the way from Kentucky, headlined the evening.
The park, with views of the bay and Marsh Lighthouse, was charming despite the chilly, wet weather. I strolled around to check out the vendors—a local coffee shop was doing a brisk trade, and a nearby taco stand offered hot meals. After chatting with the taco vendor, I learned that she was a last-minute substitute for another vendor, stepping in with just a canopy and tables at Cory’s request. I was beginning to sense a pattern of warm local support.
The festival also offered music cruises. Rhonda Vincent and Breaking Grass joined 100 attendees out on Shallowbag Bay, enjoying beautiful views and intimate performances before returning for the evening shows.
VIP and three-day ticket holders were treated to a late-night warm-up party at the Pioneer Theatre. Rhonda Vincent, the festival's royal headliner, charmed the crowd with her humor and warmth, setting high expectations for the days to come.
Thursday dawned cold and wet, so we took a detour to the nearby North Carolina Aquarium. Less than 10 miles from downtown, it featured well-maintained displays and a lovely park—a refreshing addition amidst the festival's excitement.
The festival itself was impressively organized, with five bands daily starting after lunch and playing until 10:30 PM. Late-night jam sessions at the Pioneer Theatre, hosted by different musicians each night, allowed for a free-form experience. The open festival gates encouraged visitors to explore downtown during breaks, fostering a wonderful relationship between the festival and the local community, with special discounts and helpful local tips.
The official day one lineup opened with the national anthem performed by Ettore, followed by Drive Time from Roxboro, SC, energizing the crowd despite the chilly weather. East Nash Grass, a group from Nashville, wowed with their tight-knit sound and seamless playing, showcasing mutual respect between members. Their chemistry was unmistakable, hinting at a bright future.
The venue itself is stunning, surrounded by boardwalks winding through marshland with breathtaking views of the bay. The main stage, with its open back overlooking the bay, can be enclosed in windy weather, maintaining the view.
Rhonda Vincent, the festival's reigning queen, took the stage, radiating confidence. Clad in a powder blue suit, she delighted fans before swapping her suit jacket for a coat due to the cold. Her performance was as genuine and heartfelt as expected from bluegrass royalty.
The barrier rope was dropped for the last two bands: Donna the Buffalo, a modern folk band with a loyal following, got the crowd dancing with their hit "Positive Motion," while Scythian closed the night, teaching fans some Ukrainian for a song before moving into Celtic tunes, sparking an enthusiastic response.
Friday brought warmer, drier weather, perfect for a morning visit to the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens. The day’s lineup started with Remedy Tree, a husband-and-wife indie bluegrass duo, followed by the seasoned Grascals, whose polished, traditional bluegrass sound was unforgettable. The Cleverlys, a comedic bluegrass act, brought laughs with their unique twist on rap, hip-hop, and rock classics, keeping the crowd entertained.
Shadowgrass, a youthful band formed in 2014, amazed the crowd with their fiery guitar and fiddle solos. Closing the evening, the Brothers Comatose—a five-piece, genre-blending band from San Francisco—had the crowd on their feet, despite their space-age silver suits overheating under the stage lights.
On Saturday, under sunny skies, we explored Manteo before heading to the festival grounds. Local favorite Shannon Baker and Sometime Soon kicked off the day, with Henhouse Prowlers—self-described "Bluegrass Ambassadors"—delivering an inspiring set, infusing their music with messages of positivity.
Midday brought a real treat for traditional bluegrass fans: Appalachian Road Show. Formed by an all-star lineup, the band channeled the spirit of Appalachian music, inviting fans forward to dance and clap along. As the sun set, Breaking Grass captivated the audience with their stirring lyrics and high-energy instrumentals, receiving enthusiastic applause.
The grand finale belonged to the Infamous Stringdusters, one of today’s biggest names in bluegrass. Blurring the lines between traditional, progressive, and jam-band styles, their set was the perfect capstone to an unforgettable festival experience.
Bluegrass Island Music Festival is already set to return in October 2025, featuring Ricky Skaggs, Pam Tillis, and the Steeldrivers. Tickets are already on sale.
