WILMINGTON EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Bluegrass in the Grove: Stringbands, Step-Dancers and a Sunlit Jam at Poplar Grove
A daylong bluegrass festival at Poplar Grove featuring live bands, traditional dance lessons, community jams, food trucks and a beer garden — this guide distills what to expect and what to bring.
Bluegrass in the Grove: Stringbands, Step-Dancers and a Sunlit Jam at Poplar Grove.
Join Poplar Grove for a daylong bluegrass festival that stitches together two stages, community-led jam sessions and traditional dance instruction — an outdoor celebration of acoustic music and family-friendly activities running through the afternoon and into the evening.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Traditional dance lessons and a stage performance
Cripple Creek Dance Studios hosts traditional dance lessons in the Heritage Barn throughout the day and also performs on the main stage alongside the event’s closing entertainers.
Gazebo pickers and an on-site jam session
Earl Jones Music School runs a jam in the gazebo where listeners can hear acoustic pickers, learn how to begin jamming and join in the play-along session.
Local performers sharing stage time
Local bands and community performers are a through-line of the day: from Heritage Barn lessons to stage performances, the festival foregrounds participatory music and dance across venues on the grounds.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The festival unfolds as an outdoor, all-day gathering of stringbands, dance classes and pick-up sessions: multiple scheduled sets on main and barn stages, dance instruction in the Heritage Barn, a gazebo jam for informal playing, and on-site food and drink options that keep the crowd moving between performances.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who will get the most from this festival — and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sun protection, chairs, blankets, umbrellas, beach towels and bug spray are specifically recommended for a comfortable day on the grounds.
Bring your own seating and shade (chairs, blankets, umbrellas) to set up near stages or under trees for the day.
Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and insect repellent; closed-toe shoes are recommended for moving around the grounds.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are pets allowed?
No — pets are not allowed at the festival.
Is the festival child-friendly?
Yes — children ages 12 and under are free and the event includes family-friendly activities.
What should I bring for being outdoors?
Bring chairs, umbrellas, blankets, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and bug spray; be prepared for typical southeastern North Carolina insects.
Can I bring a cooler or leave and re-enter?
Attendees are asked not to bring coolers; ticket holders can come and go with proof of purchase and the ticket is good for the entire event.
Are there food and drink options on site?
Yes — food trucks and a libations pavilion are on site, and free water stations are available.
What footwear is recommended?
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for moving around the outdoor grounds.
Will there be opportunities to join in musically?
Yes — the Earl Jones Music School hosts a gazebo jam where people can listen, learn how to start jamming and play along.