5th Annual Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival Announces 2026 Lineup for October 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Maggie Valley Fairgrounds
WAYNESVILLE, NC — The Haywood County Arts Council is proud to announce the full artist lineup for the 5th Annual Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival, returning to the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Hosted annually by the Haywood County Arts Council, the festival has become a signature regional event and a meaningful way to celebrate the arts with the community while raising critical funds to help sustain HCAC’s gallery operations and year-round programs. Now in its fifth year, the festival continues to grow in popularity, regularly welcoming more than 1,000 guests for a full day of live music, community connection, and Appalachian tradition.
The 2026 lineup showcases an exciting mix of rising stars and award-winning favorites. Opening the day is Virginia-based artist Olivia Jo, whose debut single in 2022 quickly launched her onto national charts including Bluegrass Today, The Roots Music Report, Cashbox, and The Bluegrass Jamboree. Known for her authentic songwriting and fresh energy, Olivia Jo continues to build momentum with original music that resonates with audiences nationwide.
Next to take the stage is Unspoken Tradition, a fast-rising voice in contemporary bluegrass rooted in Western and Central North Carolina. Known for original material that reflects the evolving culture of the region, the band has performed to sold-out crowds at venues like The Station Inn in Nashville and on MerleFest’s Watson Stage. Their releases, including Simple Little Town and Miles Between, have received national airplay and NPR recognition. As band member Ty Gilpin shares, “We’re so excited to return to this festival in the heart of our own western North Carolina home. Maggie Valley has such a rich history of supporting Bluegrass music and the setting of the mountains in the midst of the fall foliage is unbeatable. This is a festival people come from all over the country to attend. We’re so privileged to be a part this year.”
Red Camel Collective brings award-winning talent to the festival stage, featuring Johnathan Dillon, Curt Love, Heather Berry Mabe, and Tony Mabe—four multi-instrumentalists also known for their work with the Junior Sisk Band. Named IBMA’s New Artist of the Year in 2025, with Heather Berry Mabe earning IBMA Momentum Vocalist of the Year in 2024, the group blends seasoned musicianship with a powerful modern bluegrass sensibility.
A festival favorite, Appalachian Road Show returns by popular demand, reimagining traditional Americana and Appalachian music with striking originality. Featuring GRAMMY-nominated banjoist Barry Abernathy, GRAMMY-winning fiddler Jim VanCleve, acclaimed mandolinist Darrell Webb, and guitarist Zeb Snyder, the ensemble is known for dynamic performances and a masterful blend of tradition and innovation.
Closing out the festival is hometown favorite Balsam Range, one of the most decorated bands in bluegrass music today. The group—Buddy Melton, Marc Pruett, Tim Surrett, Caleb Smith, and Alan Bibey—has earned 13 IBMA awards, including Entertainer of the Year, and has topped Billboard bluegrass charts multiple times. Named for the majestic mountains surrounding their Haywood County home, Balsam Range is celebrated for rich harmonies, world-class musicianship, and a deep connection to Appalachian tradition. Band member Tim Surrett reflects, “There isn’t a much prettier place than Maggie Valley in the fall. I think we’ve played just about every one of these, and we don’t take it lightly to be invited back. This arts council is so important, and we love supporting their mission and being part of such an outstanding fundraising event.”
Event Details: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Maggie Valley Fairgrounds | Presented by the Haywood County Arts Council. Early bird tickets are available now for $55 through August 30, after which tickets will be $65. The Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival continues to be a wonderful celebration of Appalachian music and culture, bringing together nationally recognized artists and local audiences in a shared experience of live music and community while supporting the mission of the Haywood County Arts Council through funding its gallery, educational initiatives, and year-round arts programming. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Haywood County Arts Council or contact director@haywoodarts.org. For more information and tickets, visit https://haywoodarts.org/smoky-mountains-bluegrass-festival/