Bluegrass Roots & Rhythms: Celebrate the 5th Annual Broken Strings Bluegrass Festival
July 24, 2025 Places to Stay Things to Do
Photo Credit: Death Ridge Brewery
Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont region, Culpeper, VA may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of country or bluegrass but it should be. Rich in musical heritage and local pride, Culpeper has quietly cultivated a deep-rooted connection to American roots music. From stages shaded by pine trees to vibrant modern venues, the spirit of bluegrass is alive and thriving here.
A Legacy in the Pines
In the 1950s, a small stage tucked behind American Legion Post 330 on Rixeyville Road began to make big waves. Known as Legion Park, it welcomed legends like Loretta Lynn, George Jones, and Conway Twitty through the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. By the 1990s, that once-buzzing venue grew quiet but not forgotten. A recent article by Allison Brophy Champion of the Culpeper Star-Exponent highlights the efforts of local veterans to bring that music back.
The Music Lives On
Culpeper’s live music scene is now booming again, thanks in part to local venues like Death Ridge Brewery, which hosts Brunch and Bluegrass every Sunday. But the crown jewel of the season is undoubtedly the Broken String Bluegrass Festival, returning for its fifth year in 2025. Doors open at 11:00 am for a full day of the best in bluegrass, kicking off at noon! Musical performances include Nothin’ Fancy, Shannon Bielski and Moonlight Drive, Hammaville, Appalachian Road Show, and Lonesome River Band. Gather your friends and family, grab your tickets, and pull out your dancing shoes for a day full of bluegrass fun!
Between sets, grab a bite from some of Culpeper’s finest food vendors Talk of the Mountain Crab Cakes & More and Two Brothers Southwestern Grill. From seafood to southwestern spice, there’s something to keep every toe-tapping belly happy.
Stay the Weekend
Want to soak in every note of the festival? RV parking passes are available for guests who want to stay on-site. Prefer a more traditional stay? Consider nearby options such as:
Though it doesn’t boast the neon lights of Nashville, Culpeper stands tall as a keeper of bluegrass tradition. With a rich musical past and a vibrant present, it continues to write new verses in the story of Virginia’s soundscape.
Explore more Places to Stay, Things to Do, Places to Eat & Drink, and upcoming Events, while visiting or planning your visit. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @visitculpeperva to stay up to date on upcoming happenings.
