As the weather gets cooler, autumn festival season revs up with lots of options for all interests, including music lovers. Whether you’re into Appalachian roots music, bluegrass, or more mainstream pop, here are six area music festivals happening this autumn.
Fiddles & Fifths Bluegrass & Bourbon Festival
September 13
Live music and some of the best distilleries in the Shenandoah Valley make this music festival celebrating bluegrass an entertaining way to spend a weekend. Music groups featured include The Bridge City Sinners, Brennan Edwards & The Monday Blues, and Reno & Dunlap. 136 S. Loudoun St., Winchester
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
September 19-21
The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival celebrates the area’s heritage as the birthplace of country music. Appalachian roots music from artists like the Teskey Brothers, Carly Pearce, and others will be featured at this road trip-worthy event. The festival honors the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions, a series of recording sessions considered the “big bang” of modern country. Downtown Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia, 416 State St., Bristol, TN
Iron Blossom Music Festival
September 20-21
Vampire Weekend and The Lumineers headline this Richmond music festival. In addition to music, there will be lots of food and drinks. Including the headliners, other bands and artists set to make an appearance include Dexter & The Moonrocks, Futurebirds, and others. 2401 W. Leigh St., Richmond
Oceans Calling Festival
September 26-28
Ocean City, Maryland, is hosting quite the lineup of musical artists at the end of the month: Green Day, Lenny Kravitz, Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend, Good Charlotte, Fallout Boy, and Weezer, just to name a few. The three-day festival is in partnership with local music group O.A.R. and features more than 40 performances on three stages, all located on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Ocean City, MD
Rock the Wilderness Music Festival
September 27, 12 noon
Kick back and enjoy a day of live music and lakeside views at this Spotsylvania festival. There will be food trucks and beer available for purchase. Folding chairs and picnic blankets are encouraged, and dogs are also welcome, but they must remain on a leash. Wilderness Presidential Resort, 9220 Plank Rd., Spotsylvania
Bourbon & Bubbles at Wolf Trap
November 15, 7 p.m.
This annual live music event supports Wolf Trap Foundation’s arts and education programs. Enjoy bourbons, sparkling wines, cocktails, and food stations, as well as the live music. 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna
Feature image courtesy Iron Blossom Music Festival
