The City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department has unveiled the highly anticipated lineup for this year’s Covered Bridge Days Festival, scheduled to take place from Friday, Sept. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 22. The weekend-long celebration will feature free performances by renowned artists across a range of musical genres.

Friday, September 20 – The festival kicks off with celebrated bluegrass performer Daniel Grindstaff. Known for his exceptional banjo skills, Grindstaff has made a name for himself in the Bluegrass, Americana, and Country music scenes. A native of East Tennessee, he has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and made numerous national television appearances. Grindstaff is also a nominee for the 2024 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Collaborative Recording of the Year and Song of the Year for “Forever Young,” a collaboration with Paul Brewster and Dolly Parton.

Saturday, September 21 – Taking the stage on Saturday is the legendary Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. A true icon in the world of country and bluegrass music, Skaggs has earned multiple Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame, IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, and Country music’s greatest honor, the Country Music Hall of Fame. Along with his three previous inductions into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Association’s Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Musicians Hall of Fame, all six awards display his ability to masterfully cross genres with versatility in styles and instruments.

His illustrious career spans decades, with hit songs like “Highway 40 Blues” and “Heartbroke” becoming staples in the genre. Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder’s return appearance to Covered Bridge Days is set to be a highlight of the weekend, offering a blend of traditional bluegrass and country that showcases his unparalleled talent and passion for music.

Sunday, September 22 – The festival will conclude with a performance by Grammy-winning gospel and country artist Jason Crabb. Known for his powerful voice and inspirational songs like “Through the Fire” and “He Knows What He’s Doing,” Crabb has received two Grammy Awards and 22 Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards. As the youngest inductee into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, Crabb’s emotive and engaging performances make him a fitting closing act for the event.

“We are incredibly excited to bring such an outstanding lineup of performers to Covered Bridge Days this year,” said David Nanney, Director of the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department. “Each of these artists brings something unique to the table, and we are confident that their performances will create an unforgettable experience for all attendees.”

In addition to the musical performances, the festival will offer arts and craft vendors, local food trucks, and family-friendly activities. The event is made possible thanks to the support of generous sponsors, including Tour Carter County, the Elizabethton Chamber, Eastman Credit Union, and Select Seven Credit Union.

For more information and updates, visit Elizabethton.org under the Parks and Recreation tab or follow the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook @elizabethtonparksandrecreation. For inquiries, contact the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department at 423-547-6441.