If you’ve ever wished for a music festival without the long walks, blazing sun, and crowded parking lots, organizers of the Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival have a simple promise: this may be “the easiest festival you’ll ever attend.”
The 14th annual Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival returns to Mocksville on Saturday, September 12, bringing a full day of live music, family activities, and nationally recognized performers to the 68-acre Carolina Bible Camp campus at 1988 Jericho Church Road.
Headlining this year’s festival is Grammy Award-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, one of bluegrass music’s most celebrated acts. Cleveland and his band will take the stage at 4 p.m. for a special performance that will close out the festival.
Festival organizer Greg Brewer says the event’s laid-back atmosphere is part of what makes it unique.
“Bring your own chair, pick a shady location near the Front Porch Stage, and enjoy the best of bluegrass for an afternoon,” Brewer said.
The campus offers large audience tents, abundant shade trees, and air-conditioned dining areas, making it easy for guests to stay cool and comfortable throughout the day.
A Full Day of Music
Gates open at 10 a.m., with the opening ceremony beginning at 10:45 a.m. Live music starts at 11 a.m. and continues until approximately 5:30 p.m.
This year’s lineup includes:
- Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, the Grammy-winning bluegrass powerhouse headlining the festival.
- Lucas Ross, a Muppet artist and the “banjo advisor” to Kermit the Frog, who also serves as Community Outreach and Promotion Director for the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma.
- Ettore Buzzini, an 18-year-old banjo prodigy known for his progressive bluegrass style.
- Blue Diggity, a traditional bluegrass group from Wheeling, West Virginia.
- The Biscuit Eaters, the popular family band returning for its third consecutive appearance after recent success at the Galax Fiddlers’ Convention.
Festival organizers have also announced a special closing tradition. Following Michael Cleveland’s set, children will participate in the annual Parade of Kids, during which the 2027 festival lineup will be revealed. The event will conclude with a festival-wide performance of the classic bluegrass gospel song, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Festival Schedule
10:00 a.m. — Gates open
10:45 a.m. — Opening ceremony featuring the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
11:00–11:30 a.m. — Lucas Ross presents his “Banjo Farm” puppet segment, followed by a free banjo craft activity in the AGAPE of NC Kids’ Activities Tent
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Blue Diggity performs traditional bluegrass favorites and original songs
12:45–1:45 p.m. — Ettore Buzzini and his band showcase progressive bluegrass
2:00–2:45 p.m. — The Biscuit Eaters return for their third consecutive festival appearance
3:00–3:45 p.m. — Lucas Ross returns for a second set featuring stories, music, and a group performance of “The Rainbow Connection”
4:00–5:15 p.m. — Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper perform
5:15 p.m. — Parade of Kids and announcement of the 2027 festival lineup
5:30 p.m. — Festival finale with “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”
During Cleveland’s set, the winner of WAME Radio’s free fiddle giveaway will be announced and invited to the stage to receive a fiddle signed by Cleveland.
Fun for the Entire Family
The Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival isn’t just about music. Families will find a full schedule of activities designed especially for children, including:
- Music Time with Miss Laura
- Ga-Ga Ball demonstrations
- Nature walks
- “When I Grow Up, I Want to Be…” with North Carolina State Highway Patrol Motorcycle Trooper Brady White
- Banjo-themed crafts at the AGAPE of NC Kids’ Activities Tent
Children’s author Karen Handy will also be on site with Vegas, the 120-pound Great Dane featured in her Vegas, One Lucky Dog book series. Handy will read from her books and give children an opportunity to meet the gentle giant in person.
Lucas Ross will entertain younger guests with his “Banjo Farm” puppet segment, featuring puppet characters that teach audiences about the banjo. During his afternoon set, children who participated in the festival’s banjo craft activity will be invited to join Ross at the stage for a performance of “The Rainbow Connection.”
Community Support Makes the Festival Possible
The Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival is made possible through the support of local businesses, organizations, and media partners from across the region. Sponsors for the 2026 festival include Davie County Chamber & Tourism, Brewer and Brewer Attorneys at Law, Mocksville Tourism and Development, Carolina Hearing Doctors, Spectrum Hospitality Management, and Branch River Ranch.
Additional support comes from DavidSon Home Crafters, AGAPE of NC, Integrity Security, and hospitality partner Comfort Inn & Suites of Mocksville. Media partners include WAME Radio, the Signal Hill Media Partners family of radio stations, YES! Weekly, and The Wilkes Record.
Their support helps keep ticket prices affordable while allowing the festival to continue offering a full day of bluegrass music, children’s activities, and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of Davie County.
Tickets and Camping Information
Advance tickets are just $20, and children ages 12 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for general admission seating under the festival tents and shade trees.
A limited number of campsites are also available on the festival grounds for those who want to extend their stay. Held rain or shine, the festival has become a favorite annual tradition for bluegrass fans across the region.
For tickets, the complete schedule, and additional information, visit www.cbcbluegrass.com or contact festival executive director Lisa Brewer at (336) 262-6325 or by email at spchwoman@aol.com.
Festival at a Glance
When: Saturday, September 12
Where: Carolina Bible Camp & Retreat Center, 1988 Jericho Church Road, Mocksville
Time: Gates open at 10 a.m.; music begins at 11 a.m.
Admission: $20 in advance; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult
What to bring: Lawn chairs and your love of bluegrass music
Whether you’re a lifelong bluegrass fan or simply looking for an easy, family-friendly day trip, the Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival offers an afternoon of music, fun, and fellowship in the heart of Davie County.
