Border Bash

Border Bash Border Bash is a free summer concert series held annually on State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol, TN/VA--The Birthplace of Country Music!

Border Bash is hosted annually by Believe in Bristol and the Cities of Bristol, TN/VA. The roving mini-fest is held twice-monthly, May through August, along the stateline in the Birthplace of Country Music’s historic Downtown Bristol, TN/VA. The free concert series has grown to include children’s activities and vendors, and much more. Border Bash takes place on the first and third Fridays, May through August.

Every great band has a first big stage. Border Bash has been a stepping stone for more than a few over the past 26 years...
08/13/2026

Every great band has a first big stage. Border Bash has been a stepping stone for more than a few over the past 26 years.

This Friday, we're excited to welcome local band Freezer to the Border Bash stage!

Freezer is a newly formed local high school band that recently won this year's high school talent show with an energetic performance that quickly caught the community's attention. As part of Border Bash's commitment to supporting the next generation of local music, we're excited to give these young musicians the chance to perform for a Downtown Bristol audience and introduce everyone to one of our community's newest up-and-coming bands.

Come early, cheer them on, and help us give Freezer a welcome they'll never forget. Music starts at 6:30 PM before The Moga Family Band closes out another incredible Border Bash season! 🎶

07/24/2026

Trust us, we’ve got our eyes on the skies!!

We are set up and ready to go. Kasey Williams is taking the stage now! And we may have Sunny Sweeney take the stage a little early just in case! Come on down before 7 and get ready to dance with us!

WEATHER UPDATERAIN OR SHINE, WE'RE STILL PARTYING ON STATE STREET. 🤠We've been getting lots of calls asking if Border Ba...
07/24/2026

WEATHER UPDATE
RAIN OR SHINE, WE'RE STILL PARTYING ON STATE STREET. 🤠

We've been getting lots of calls asking if Border Bash is still happening outdoors tonight, and the answer is YES!
Based on the latest forecast, we're planning to stay right where we belong on the 400/500 Block. A few scattered showers won't stop the music!

🎶 6:30 PM Kasey Williams
🎶 7:30 PM Sunny Sweeney
🍔 Food Vendors
🍻 Beverage Garden @ The Corner Bristol
🛍️ Local Vendors & Children's Activities

We recommend bringing a rain jacket or umbrella just in case, but we're looking forward to another great night of live music in Downtown Bristol.

We'll see you tonight at 6:30 for another great Border Bash!

City of Bristol TN City of Bristol, VA Special Events Explore Bristol WJHL Kelly Goetz WJHL WCYB

Before the honky-tonk gets rolling Friday night, we're kicking things off with some incredible local musicWe're excited ...
07/24/2026

Before the honky-tonk gets rolling Friday night, we're kicking things off with some incredible local music

We're excited to welcome local singer-songwriter Kasey Williams to the Border Bash stage!

Originally from East Tennessee, Kasey Williams blends folk, rock, and Appalachian roots into songs that are deeply personal and full of heart. What began as a creative outlet while pursuing acting in New York became something much bigger after the loss of her father in 2009, when songwriting became a source of healing and purpose.

Since then, Kasey has toured around the world, recorded her music, and continued sharing stories through songs that invite listeners into her world. Her latest album, Solid Ground, was recorded right here in Bristol at Audioasis, and she's currently working on new music while performing throughout the Tri-Cities.

Come early, grab a spot, and help us give Kasey a warm welcome before Sunny Sweeney takes the stage. Music kicks of at 6:30pm this Friday on the 400/500 Block! 🎶

Friday nights are better with live music, local vendors, fun activities and good eats. 🤠Here's who's joining us on the 4...
07/21/2026

Friday nights are better with live music, local vendors, fun activities and good eats. 🤠

Here's who's joining us on the 400/500 Block this Friday:
🍔 Food & Drinks
• Build-A-Bowl
• EZ Squeezy
• Snapp’s Craft
• Sunset Slush Bristol
• beer garden at The Corner Bristol

🛍️ Vendors & Community Partners
• 99.3 The X
• AR Workshop Bristol
• Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
• Misty Mountain Designs
• Sunflower Box Permanent Jewelry

🎨 Children's Activities
• Annatomical Art Face Painting
• Bristol Virginia Democrats
• Celebrate Recovery
• Club America
• Friends of Rhoda Blackwell
• Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park
• The Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf

Grab dinner, do a little shopping, support some amazing local businesses, and join us for an incredible night of live music with Kasey Williams at 6:30 PM and Sunny Sweeney at 7:30 PM.

We'll see you Friday night at Border Bash!

Another Border Bash Friday is on the horizon, and this week's headliner is bringing a whole lot of honky-tonk to Downtow...
07/21/2026

Another Border Bash Friday is on the horizon, and this week's headliner is bringing a whole lot of honky-tonk to Downtown Bristol. 🤠

We're excited to welcome Sunny Sweeney to the Border Bash stage!

Sunny Sweeney has spent nearly two decades carrying the torch for classic country music with equal parts grit, heart, and honky-tonk spirit. Since her 2006 debut 'Heartbreaker's Hall of Fame', the East Texas native has released five critically acclaimed albums while building a reputation as one of country music's most authentic and fearless voices. Along the way, she's also become a trusted advocate for the genre as the host of SiriusXM's 'The Sunny Side of Life' on Outlaw Country and 'Sunny Side Up' on Willie's Roadhouse, where she shines a spotlight on both legendary artists and rising stars.

Her latest album, 'Rhinestone Requiem', reflects on life, growth, and resilience through songs inspired by the classic country sounds she loves most. Drawing influence from icons like Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, and Jerry Lee Lewis, Sunny blends traditional country roots with sharp storytelling, unmistakable Texas spirit, and a stage presence that's earned her fans across the country.

If you love your country music classic, honest, and full of heart, you won't want to miss this one. We'll see you Friday at on the 400/500 Block! 🎶

☔WEATHER UPDATELooks like Mother Nature wanted a better seat. 🌧️No worries! Border Bash is moving indoors to the Bristol...
07/10/2026

☔WEATHER UPDATE
Looks like Mother Nature wanted a better seat. 🌧️

No worries! Border Bash is moving indoors to the Bristol Listening Room. Same great music, same great night, just a little cozier.

🎶 6:30PM Blue Mountain Saints
🎶 7:30PM Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo
🍻 BiB Beer Bar
🛍 Artist and Organizer Merch
📍 24 7th Street, Bristol TN

Since we won't have our food vendors tonight, grab dinner from your favorite downtown restaurant and bring it with you! Then join us inside for a cozy night of live music.

Rain or shine, the music plays on. We'll see you tonight at the Bristol Listening Room!

➡️Full Details on Changes Tonight: https://www.believeinbristol.org/event-details-registration/moving-indoors-border-bash-larry-keel-jon-stickley-duo-with-blue-mountain-saints-2026-07-10-18-00


Explore Bristol WJHL Kelly Goetz WJHL WCYB WCYB StormTrack 5 99.3 The X Kristen Quon WCYB Casey Goetz WCYB

Another Border Bash Friday is on the horizon, and this week's headliner proves that sometimes two guitars are all you n...
07/10/2026

Another Border Bash Friday is on the horizon, and this week's headliner proves that sometimes two guitars are all you need. 🎸

We're excited to welcome the Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo to Downtown Bristol!

The Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo features two of the finest flatpicking guitarists of this generation. Both share a lifelong love of acoustic bluegrass guitar music made famous by influential duets Doc and Merle Watson, and Tony Rice and Norman Blake. Keel, Stickley, and other modern flatpickers like Billy Strings grew up studying these legends. These masters were role models who provided inspiration to both Larry and Jon to pursue careers as professional guitar players. Each has gone on to pioneer his own distinct interpretation of the bluegrass artform, as well as fusing genres from roots, jazz, prog, and beyond.

Now, Keel and Stickley have themselves become new masters of acoustic guitar. With this act, the two celebrate the pure joy of playing acoustic guitar music as a duo, effortlessly complementing each other's rhythm and lead playing while never losing their own individual personality. At the core of the Keel/Stickley Duo is an intimate conversation between two guitars and voices, done with superior skill and taste, with more than a hint of explosive late-night jam vibe.

We'll see you Friday on the 800 block for another ! 🎶

Every Border Bash needs great music, great food, and great local vendors... and this Friday checks all the boxes. 🎶Wheth...
07/10/2026

Every Border Bash needs great music, great food, and great local vendors... and this Friday checks all the boxes. 🎶

Whether you're grabbing dinner, treating yourself to something sweet, or shopping local before the music starts, here's who you'll find downtown this Friday:

Food & Drinks 🍽
• Brunch Box 423
• EZ Squeezy
• Sunset Slush Bristol
• Pins and Friends
• Wetzelstrucketn

Vendors & Community Partners 🛍
• Birthplace of Country Music
• Bristol Public Library
• Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park
• Bristol Virginia Democrats
• Sunflower Box
• Misty Mountain Designs
• Healthy Transitions - Frontier Health
• The Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf
• Anatomical Art Face Painting
• 99.3 The X

Join us this Friday at 6pm on the 800 block for another night of live music and summer fun!

Border Bash doesn't just end with a great headliner. It starts with great local music.We are kicking off the evening wit...
07/10/2026

Border Bash doesn't just end with a great headliner. It starts with great local music.

We are kicking off the evening with Blue Mountain Saints, a talented local group bringing a blend of folk rock, country, blues, and soul to the Downtown Bristol stage.

Born of "Folk Rock" and raised in country, blues, and soul, Blue Mountain Saints cover all the bases in their live shows. Five like-minded musicians from various backgrounds, with more than 100 years of combined stage experience, come together to deliver a fun-filled performance that's the perfect way to start your Friday night.

Come out early, support local music, and settle in for a fantastic night at . Music starts at 6:30 p.m. We'll see you Friday on the 800 block! 🎶

Address

State Street/Historic Downtown Bristol TN/VA
Bristol, TN

Telephone

+14235732201

Website

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