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Discover Wilmington’s Bluegrass in the Grove, a family-friendly outdoor festival featuring local stringbands, traditional dance lessons, and a lively jam session in a historic plantation setting. Join us for a full day of music and community spirit this June 14th!
Discover Wilmington’s Bluegrass in the Grove, a family-friendly outdoor festival featuring local stringbands, traditional dance lessons, and a lively jam session in a historic plantation setting. Join us for a full day of music and community spirit this June 14th!
Book with Poplar Grove Plantation
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Operated by Poplar Grove Plantation · Wilmington, North Carolina
Set in the lush surroundings of Poplar Grove Plantation, just outside Wilmington, North Carolina, Bluegrass in the Grove offers an immersive day of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music, family-friendly fun, and vibrant local culture. This inaugural festival takes place on Saturday, June 14th, from 11 AM to 8 PM at 10200 US HWY 17, making it a standout summer event for music lovers eager to dive into the roots of Appalachian and southern stringband traditions while enjoying the warm Carolina weather.
Poplar Grove is a historic site that blends 18th-century plantation heritage with serene green spaces, giving the festival a scenic backdrop that deeply connects attendees to the natural and cultural history of southeastern North Carolina. The festival spotlights seven talented local acts, including Dear MariBella & the Pig-Kickers, Asheville Mountain Boys, and Folkstone Stringband, creating a diverse lineup that balances old-time favorites with fresh bluegrass innovations. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to the genre, the sounds of fiddles, banjos, mandolins, and upright basses flowing through the towering pines make for an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the music, the event features engaging community activities such as Cripple Creek Dance Studios’ traditional dance lessons and performances in the Heritage Barn, inviting visitors to learn and join local dance customs firsthand. For those interested in the collaborative side of bluegrass, Earl Jones Music School will host a casual jam session in the gazebo, welcoming musicians of all levels to play along and soak up the vibrant musical spirit.
Families will find this festival especially accessible and enjoyable. Children 12 and under are admitted free, making it an inclusive outing that welcomes all ages to soak up both the melodies and the fresh air. Food trucks line the grounds, offering regional eats and refreshments, while a beer garden caters to grown-up tastes. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and umbrellas for comfort, though coolers are not permitted.
This open-air festival embraces the outdoor culture of the Cape Fear region, featuring a mix of native flora and fauna, from towering oaks to local butterflies and dragonflies that add charm to the festival atmosphere. Be sure to bring sun protection and bug spray to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Bluegrass in the Grove is more than a music festival; it's a community celebration in a unique historical setting that honors local arts, music, and heritage. For visitors basing themselves in Wilmington, this event provides a perfect escape from the beach crowds, immersing them in the authentic sounds and stories of North Carolina’s musical heart. Mark your calendar for June 14th and prepare for a rich day of bluegrass sounds, dancing, and small-town hospitality under the Carolina sky.
easy.
11 AM – 8 PM.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; mostly standing or sitting outdoors
Yes, children 12 and under are admitted free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, Poplar Grove Plantation offers parking for visitors attending the festival.
No coolers are allowed, but there are food trucks and a beer garden onsite for refreshments.
Pets are not permitted at the Bluegrass in the Grove festival.
While the site is mostly outdoor grassy terrain, there are areas accessible to those with mobility challenges. Contact the organizers for specific accommodations.
Bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen, bug spray, seating such as chairs or blankets, and dress in closed-toe shoes for outdoor walking.
Poplar Grove Plantation dates back to the 18th century and stands as a preserved example of North Carolina's colonial past.
The festival encourages attendees to respect the natural surroundings by not bringing outside food or coolers, supporting local vendors to minimize environmental impact.
Poplar Grove Plantation produces seasonal festivals and live-music events on its grounds, offering family-focused entertainment and community gatherings. The calendar highlights a holiday experience running November 28 through December 21 in Scotts Hill, presented as a themed display of lights with visits from Santa, food trucks, carnival games, and live music. A pre-sale promotion currently offers 10% off holiday tickets. Poplar Grove also hosts an inaugural Bluegrass in the Grove festival on June 14, featuring seven local artists, traditional dance lessons, and a lively jam session. Both events emphasize accessible, family-friendly programming with food trucks, beverage service such as a beer garden at the bluegrass festival, and activities designed for multiple ages. Tickets and dates are published in advance so visitors can plan visits and secure seats during pre-sale windows. Local performers and vendors are central to each event, reinforcing community support and predictable event experiences. Safety, clear scheduling, and a ticketed-entry format help manage crowd size and expectations. Visitors can expect a mix of live performance, seasonal ambiance, and hands-on activities that create memorable outings for families and groups. Poplar Grove Plantation positions itself as a reliable venue for community festivals by combining advance ticketing, publicized dates, and curated entertainment, making it straightforward for guests to book, attend, and enjoy seasonal and musical events. On-site amenities and varied vendor offerings create convenient options for meals and refreshments, while clear event information helps families plan logistics, parking, and accessibility for smooth, low-stress visits to each seasonal celebration and lasting traditions.
Book with Poplar Grove Plantation