
The Lincoln Theatre—Marion

Blue Ridge Music Center—Galax

Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center—Clintwood

Ralph Stanley Festival—McClure
Stanley fans can knock two items off their bluegrass bucket lists by making a pilgrimage to the Ralph Stanley Festival, held each year over Memorial Day Weekend. Not only is it the event that Stanley personally curated for years, it’s also held in McClure, Virginia, Stanley’s birthplace. Stanley passed away in 2016, 50 years after his brother Carter (the other half of the Stanley Brothers). Stanley’s son, Ralph Stanley II, now manages the festival. You’ll find him on the bill with the Clinch Mountain Boys alongside legends like Jim Lauderdale and Patty Loveless. The festival is typically held on Memorial Day weekend, and first-come, first-serve camping spots are available to those who want to bring the family for the full three days. Haven’t made it to the Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center yet? Great news — a trolley runs from the festival site to the museum! Make that three items to cross off your bluegrass bucket list… Listen on the way: Ralph Stanley & Ralph Stanley II — Side by SideLittle Grill Collective—Harrisonburg

Wayne Henderson Festival—Mouth of Wilson
It’s rare, but sometimes it’s clear in the present that history is being made — that you’re witnessing something future generations will look back on as special. Wayne Henderson is a Virginia-based luthier who makes some of the finest acoustic instruments in the world, including guitars commissioned by the likes of Gillian Welch, Tommy Emmanuel, and even Eric Clapton. The production of Clapton’s instrument was chronicled in a book by Allen St. John called Clapton's Guitar: Watching Wayne Henderson Build the Perfect Instrument, which also discussed in detail how long you’ll have to wait if you want your own Henderson Guitar. There’s one shortcut, however: Just win the competitive side of the annual Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival & Guitar Competition, held in June each year! Only fast and flawless flatpickers need apply; the prestigious prize makes winning easier said than done, to put things mildly. (Be sure not to miss Henderson performing -- he’s a world class player himself.) Listen on the way: Wayne Henderson — Made & PlayedThe Birchmere—Alexandria

Birthplace of Country Music Museum—Bristol

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