The Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum, the official State Center for Blue Ridge Folklore, highlights the folk traditions of western Virginia, old and new. The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum was created in 1973 by Ferrum College to document, interpret, and present the folk heritage of the Blue Ridge region. The BRIM galleries explore folklife’s many facets – music, Read more...

A Place of Vibrant Culture, Tradition, Craft, Music, Food.  #SWVA: Birthplace of country music, homeplace of world-class craft, and your scenic place for real outdoor adventures.  The SWVA Cultural Center is your gateway to Southwest Virginia, just off I-81 near the Tennessee / Virginia state line. You’ll experience “A different side of Virginia” through our craft, music, food, outdoors and Read more...

Historically a center for furniture manufacturing, Galax, Virginia is also known as a center of traditional old-time music and musicians.  In 1940, the town of Galax was excited when the historic Rex Theater first opened it’s doors and the public rushed in. Operating as the only movie theater in the twin county area, many area youngsters and families grew up Read more...

The Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center features the life and music of the legendary music performer. Dr. Stanley donated an extensive collection of memorabilia – ranging from vintage instruments to countless musical awards – to the museum. Located in a historic four-story Victorian house, the collection includes exhibits on Ralph and Carter Stanley, the region’s musical roots, Read more...

The week-long Old Fiddlers Convention takes place in Felts Park the 2nd week of August each year, presented by Galax Moose Lodge #733. Musicians and fans from around the world come to perform and hear music on stage and in the campgrounds. It is the world’s oldest and largest fiddlers convention, started in 1935. Read more...

Since the 1980’s, the Floyd Country Store has been known as a community gathering place built on the celebration of traditional Southern Appalachian music and dance. The Floyd Country Store is renowned as a place to experience authentic Appalachian music and is home to a group of musicians and dancers who carry on the local traditions. Whether picking on the Read more...

The original Country Cabin was built in 1937-38 with the encouragement of local ballad singer and songwriter Kate O’Neil Peters Sturgill. It served as an art hub during the Works Progress Administration. Country Cabin II was built in 2002 to accommodate larger audiences. In addition to clogging and line-dancing classes, the site continues to host local musicians and bands performing Read more...

The Carter Family Memorial Music Center is a non-profit organization serving fans and supporters of old-time country and folk music through the presentation of weekly performances in Hiltons, Virginia. The Carter Family’s legacy began in 1927 with Alvin “A.P.” Carter, Sara Carter and Maybelle Carter. The trio recorded their first musical session as part of the “Bristol Sessions” and were Read more...

The Birthplace of Country Music showcases Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee’s role in the birth and development of country music through the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, WBCM Radio Bristol, and a multitude of community and educational outreach programs. The Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and tells the story Read more...

The Blue Ridge Music Center celebrates the music and musicians of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each spring, summer, and fall, we welcome thousands of visitors to enjoy some of the region’s finest traditional music, including bluegrass, old-time, folk, Americana, country blues, and gospel. Guests are invited to delight in performances, exhibits, jams, and take a walk on our hiking trails. Read more...