The Bluegrass Returns to Its Roots Festival is an annual event each April in Owensboro, Kentucky, at the Diamond Lake Resort. The two-day event showcases talent from award-winning bluegrass artists on a stage inside the Diamond Lake Theater. This theater seats 750 and is the scene of several bluegrass music workshops.
The Bluegrass Returns to Its Roots Festival also features Southern-style barbecue, dancing and other activities that vary from year to year. An open mic night allows amateur bluegrass performers to entertain the crowds.
The Diamond Lake Resort offers activities for those spending time at the festival. Amenities at the resort include camping, RV hookups, a motel, go-kart tracks, paintball games, fishing and restaurants.
Diamond Lake Resort
7301 Hobbs Road
Owensboro, KY 42301
270-229-4900
diamondlakeresort.net
Just north of the Tennessee state line near Interstate 65, the Franklin Kentucky Music Festival kicks off every September in a rural area of Simpson County. The Expedition Show bluegrass band hosts this annual event, which brings musical talent from around the region to entertain those who come to listen.
The festival offers only rough campsites for those wishing to remain on property, but several hotel options are available in nearby Franklin. This festival is standing room only, but guests are allowed to bring lawn chairs and claim spots by setting them up as early as the Thursday before the festival at 1 p.m.
During September, the nearby Kentucky Downs horse racing track is in session, offering another Bluegrass State tradition as alternate entertainment.
Franklin Kentucky Music Festival
P.O. Box 1070
Franklin, KY 42135
270-776-5587
franklinkymusicfestival.com
The town of Morehead, in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, hosts the Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival each September. This festival has a rich tradition. Poppy Mountain often has more than 2,000 campers onsite long before the music begins, with some campers remaining on the mountain for a month to enjoy fishing, horseback trail riding and other activities. The concerts last for several days during the month and group rates for 10 or more campers are available. For those who wish to attend without camping, nearby hotels are available.
The festival features some of the top acts in bluegrass music each year, including festival favorites Marty Raybon and Ralph Stanley II. A showcase stage is also available for new acts. Some bands discovered at Poppy Mountain have gone on to successful Bluegrass careers.
Poppy Mountain
3715 US 60 East
Morehead, KY 40351
606-784-2277
poppymountainbluegrass.com