For Outer Banks travelers looking for the best time of year to head to Manteo and infuse musical fun into their journey, October is it! This is when the Bluegrass Island Music Festival makes its annual return between October 19th and October 21st this year. This highly-anticipated event is loved by locals and visitors alike with good reason. It’s a time for music lovers to flock together to enjoy performances by acclaimed bands within a beautiful setting that always sparks inspiration. Both regional and international musical groups take to the stage during the Outer Banks Island Bluegrass Festival and 2023’s lineup is no exception to the rule. In addition to amazing musical performances, those who enjoy the Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival can count on soaking up sights of pristine sound waters thanks to the event’s location at Roanoke Island Festival Park.
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Ticket Info
Booking your tickets to the Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Music Festival well in advance of October is always advisable as this event is one that has a tendency to fill up quickly. Single-day entrance tickets are available starting at $79 for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday fun. Additionally, guests have options to book an All Days Festival Pass for $195 with opportunities to upgrade to an All Days VIP pass for $350. For the ultimate music festival experience, be sure to book your All Days VIP Pass with backstage access for $500.
Parking
The festival gates open at 10:30 am each day and there is limited free parking available to guests located throughout downtown Manteo. If you want to avoid traffic, a park-and-ride shuttle option is available for $5 from the Manteo Baptist Church that takes you directly to the front gate. VIP pass holders have priority for parking on Bluegrass Island right at the venue!
Musical Highlights
October 18th marks the festival’s unique free day where guests can bring their lawn chairs and coolers and enjoy entertainment at no cost before the official festival fun begins. Those that choose to enjoy the festival on the free opening day will be entertained by a kick-off performance by The Malpass Brothers at the Pioneer Theater. Sam Bush and Leftover Salmon will also perform on this day. October 19th will play host to performances by The Goodwin Brothers, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage as well as Po’ Ramblin Boys and Leftover Salmon. On Friday, The Kody Norris Show takes to the stage as well as Thunder & Rain, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, The Kitchen Dwellers, and The Steeldrivers. The festival comes to a close with Darkin & Brooke Aldridge, Breaking Grass, The Dan Tyminski Band, and Sam Bush.
Book Your Stay Today
The Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Music Festival is just one of many amazing reasons to set your sights on an Outer Banks journey this year. When you do, the team at Pirate’s Cove Realty has your vacation rental accommodations covered. Let us help you find the ideal property to settle into that keeps you close to the fun while living in luxury and style too. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting options and to get started! See our pet friendly vacation rentals in Outer banks here!
