Traditions are honored by luthiers, performers, square dancers and communities throughout Southwest Virginia
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–MAY 2026– At venues throughout the 19 counties of Southwest Virginia, traditional music is the star of the show. Performers, young and old, share their musical interpretations in spaces that vary from festival stages to country stores to performing arts venues. From tap-your-toes old-time selections to modern bluegrass tunes, these performances are a part of community life throughout the region. But they are just one of the ways musical traditions are preserved, shared and cherished here.
More than half of the United States population lives within a day’s drive of this region, known for its authentic experiences, from outdoor adventure to craftsmanship. No part of life here is more engrained here, though, than its musical traditions. That is evident along The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, a 330-mile driving tour that connects 10 major venues and more than 40 affiliated venues and festivals for visitors to enjoy. The sheer number of places and events to take in makes this region heaven for music lovers. But a closer look tells the story of the true love the folks of this region have for their musical heritage. It’s not all about the performances. It’s also about sharing the art and the craft, telling the stories and keeping the music alive.
Bristol is known as the Birthplace of Country Music and also, fittingly, to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum (101 Country Music Way, Bristol, Virginia 24201; 423-573-1927). The museum tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings that sparked the rise of country music. The sessions were marked by performances by the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Ernest V. Stoneman and other storied performers. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum is filled with interactive and immersive displays and exhibits. The Carter family is also remembered and celebrated at the Carter Family Fold (3449 A P Carter Highway, Hiltons, Virginia 24258), where the first family of country music came of age and the legendary Johnny Cash held his final live performance.
Further down the Crooked Road, the venues range from additional museums like the Ralph Stanley Museum (249 Main Street, Clintwood, Virginia 24228; 276-926-8550), which showcases the life of one of country music’s most authentic voices, to the Blue Ridge Music Center (700 Foothills Road, Grayson County, Virginia 24333; 866-308-2773 x 213), a site that includes The Roots of American Music Museum and features an interactive exhibit highlighting the historical significance of the region’s music.
There are also venues that make teaching and interactive sharing a part of their mission. At the Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts, the Gerald Anderson Luthierie studio preserves Appalachian string instrument traditions by offering hands-on workshops where students can build their own fiddles, ukuleles and acoustic guitars under expert instruction. The center is also home to music lessons and a weekly jam session, as well an entire calendar of other programs that teach traditional crafts.
The Floyd Country Store (206 South Locust Street, Floyd, Virginia 24091; 540-745-4563) has long been a community gathering place for those who want to celebrate and learn about traditional Southern Appalachian music and dance. A group of musicians and dancers carry on the local traditions at Sunday jams, Friday Night Jamborees and more. The store is also home to the Handmade Music School, which is dedicated to teaching old-time, bluegrass and traditional music and dance.
Country Cabin II (6055 Kent Junction Road, Norton, Virginia 24216; 276-679-3541) is the longest continuously running site for traditional music along the entire Crooked Road. The original Country Cabin was completed in 1938 and played host to local ballad singer and songwriter Kate O’Neil Peters Sturgill, serving as a hub for the arts of the era. Today, Country Cabin II is open April through December and hosts local musicians and bands performing bluegrass, country and old-time music every Saturday night as well as weekly line dancing classes.
The list of venues goes on and on. And the traditions and spirit of the region’s musical heritage are alive and well at each of them. Many plan their Southwest Virgina visit to coincide with one of the popular music events held each year. These not-to-miss festivals are just a taste of the variety to enjoy.
Old Fiddlers’ Convention (Felts Park, 601 South Main Street, Galax, Virginia 24333; 276-236-8541) is the world’s oldest and largest event of its kind and is celebrating its 90th year in 2026.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (Downtown Bristol, Virginia; 416 State Street, Suite A, Bristol, Tennessee 37620; 423-573-1927) brings dozens of performers together for a three-day musical celebration on the state line.
FloydFest (5826 Floyd Highway North, Check, Virginia 24072; 888-823-3787) is a five-day music and arts festival with a line-up filled with a varied array of genres and musical acts.
Gathering in the Gap Music Festival (10 West 1st Street North, Big Stone Gap, Virginia 24219; 276-523-1322) features old-time, bluegrass, blues and Americana music performed by both regional favorites and nationally acclaimed artists.
Where to stay
The musical theme is integral to the stay in these two Bristol hotels. The Sessions Hotel (833 State Street, Bristol, Virginia 24201; 276-285-5040) and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (500 Gate City Highway, Bristol, Virginia 24201; 276-696-3660) each have stages for live musical performances and music-themed décor.
Beyond the traditional music genre, Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke, Virginia 24136; 540-626-7121) brings the tunes of the popular movie Dirty Dancing to mind. One of the movie’s scenic filming locations, the sprawling property offers lodge rooms, cottages and cabins and even host special Dirty Dancing Package weekends throughout the year.