The Guide to Chattanooga’s 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival: Event history, info on parking, and nearby bars and restaurants for your perfect bluegrass weekend!
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival Live Music
The legacy of Fletcher Bright, renowned bluegrass fiddler lives on through the vibrant celebration of music known as the 3 Sisters Music Festival.
Named after Bright’s three daughters, this festival has become a cornerstone of the Chattanooga community, offering two days of free musical performances that spanning traditional and contemporary bluegrass.
Since its inception in 2007, the 3 Sisters Festival has garnered widespread acclaim, drawing in music enthusiasts from far and wide. Recognized as one of the premier events in its genre, it was lauded by American Country magazine as one of the Top Five Bluegrass Festivals in the country.
Beer and wine are available for purchase and can be enjoyed throughout the entire event area.
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival takes place rain or shine, so no need to worry about weather cancellations unless it’s severe weather. Shade is somewhat limited in the Riverfront area, so don’t forget a hat and glasses if it’s sunny.
Ample seating is available in the grassy areas and on the concrete amphitheater-style seats. However, for enhanced comfort, consider bringing your own chairs or blankets.
Who has played 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival?
Over the years, 3 Sisters has proudly hosted an exceptional array of lineups, featuring both iconic figures of bluegrass and emerging talents. Each year, festival-goers are delighted by the wealth of artists and bands that take to the stage, all offered to them at no cost.
Here are few artists and bands that have played 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival:
- Ricky Scaggs
- Yonder Mountain String Band
- Greensky Bluegrass
- Bela Fleck
- Keller Williams and The Keels
- The Dismembered Tennesseans
- Dan Tyminski
- Del McCoury Band
- Mipso
- Steep Canyon Rangers
- Molly Tuttle
- Emmitt Nershi Band
Parking
There is a large paid lot on Riverfront Parkway between the Chattanooga Green and the Olgiati Bridge. Make sure you pay the parking fee – Chattanooga’s parking companies ticket quickly and without mercy.
Multiple paid lots are available in the immediate downtown area surrounding the Aquarium. Parking garages on Aquarium Way and on W 3rd St. are also options.
The street parking on downtown streets is free after 6:00pm. The closest downtown streets with free parking are Chestnut, Broad and Market Streets.
While there isn’t much street parking on Riverfront Parkway, it is free after 6:00 pm. The closest spots are about a 15-minute walk from the riverfront.
Map
Nearby walkable destinations
There are plenty of food and beverage options at 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival, but if you’re looking to arrive early or stay out later these locations are just a short walk away.
Where to stay
There are numerous downtown hotels, all conveniently located within blocks of the festival grounds, and offer easy access via CARTA’s free electric shuttle.
Live from 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival
Check out other free music festivals around town like the Nightfall Concert Series and Riverfront Nights.
