30th Annual Blind Willie McTell Music Festival
Introduction
When thinking about things to do in Charlotte, NC, one might consider the vibrant music scene, the bustling Uptown area, or the numerous family-friendly events that dot the city’s calendar. However, this year, music enthusiasts will have to look a bit further afield for one of the most anticipated events in American roots music: the 30th Annual Blind Willie McTell Music Festival. Instead of being held in Charlotte, NC, this year’s festival will take place in Thomson, Georgia, on Saturday, September 7, 2024. This blog post will guide you through the details of the festival, its activities, and how it fits into the broader context of things to do in Charlotte, NC.
Event Description
The 30th Annual Blind Willie McTell Music Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of American roots music. The event will feature an all-day showcase of exceptional music, with headliner Wynton Marsalis and his septet. Other notable performers include Shinyribs from Austin, Texas, Lafayette Louisiana’s The Revelers, Atlanta’s Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, and New York guitarist Jerron Paxton.
The festival site is located at 965 Stagecoach Rd NE, Thomson, GA 30824. Gates will open at 11:00 am, and the first artist will begin at noon. The event is family-friendly, but there is no designated play area for children. Outside food and drink are not permitted, but local vendors will offer a variety of food and beverages.
A free kickoff concert will be held on Friday, September 6, in Historic Downtown Thomson, featuring blues guitarist Selwyn Birchwood and his band. This concert will jumpstart a great weekend of incredible music in Thomson.
Location and Amenities
While the festival is not in Charlotte, NC, it is still worth noting the amenities and attractions that Thomson, Georgia, has to offer. Thomson is a charming town with a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere. The festival site itself is easily accessible, with clear signage and ample parking available adjacent to the festival site.
Broader Context of Charlotte Activities
For those who are looking for things to do in Charlotte, NC, around the same time as the festival, there are plenty of other events and activities to enjoy. Here are a few highlights:
– Charlotte Jazz Festival: A celebration of jazz music featuring local and national artists.
– Charlotte Pride Festival: A vibrant event promoting diversity and inclusivity.
– Charlotte Knights Baseball Game: Catch a minor league baseball game at Truist Field.
– NASCAR Hall of Fame: Explore the history and legends of NASCAR.
These events offer a mix of music, sports, and cultural experiences that are quintessential to the Charlotte, NC, scene.
Need a Place to Stay in Charlotte, NC?
If you are planning to stay in Charlotte, NC, while attending the festival, Trifecta Corporate Housing offers excellent short-term rental options. Their listings are located in the 1st Ward, 3rd Ward, and 4th Ward neighborhoods of Uptown Charlotte, providing easy access to the city’s best attractions.
– Trifecta’s listing in 1st Ward Neighborhood (505 E 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202): Walking distance to Bank of America Stadium and Uptown Charlotte’s best attractions.
– Trifecta’s listing in 3rd Ward Neighborhood (305 W 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202): Close to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and other major landmarks.
– Trifecta’s listing in 4th Ward Neighborhood (450 Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202): Conveniently located near the Charlotte Knights Baseball Stadium.
Trifecta’s listings are spacious, better priced than a hotel, and come with amenities like fully stocked kitchens, comfortably furnished rooms, free enclosed private parking, and high-speed gigapower fiber WiFi. They also offer a year-round saltwater pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and are pet-friendly with dog parks.
Book directly on their website at [https://staywithtrifecta.guestybookings.com/properties?city=Charlotte ](https://staywithtrifecta.guestybookings.com/properties?city=Charlotte ) or find them on Airbnb at [https://www.airbnb.com/users/164488739/listings ](https://www.airbnb.com/users/164488739/listings ).
Event Venue Details
For those interested in the venue itself, the Blind Willie McTell Music Festival Site is located at 965 Stagecoach Rd NE, Thomson, GA 30824. The site offers ample parking, handicap restrooms, and a family-friendly atmosphere. While there are no designated play areas for children, the event is highly kid-friendly. For more detailed information about the venue, it is best to contact the organizers directly.
F.A.Q.
Q: When is the 30th Annual Blind Willie McTell Music Festival?
A: The festival will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Q: Where is the festival located?
A: The festival site is located at 965 Stagecoach Rd NE, Thomson, GA 30824.
Q: Who are the headliners for this year’s festival?
A: Wynton Marsalis and his septet will be the headliners.
Q: What other performers will be at the festival?
A: Shinyribs, The Revelers, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, and Jerron Paxton will also perform.
Q: What time do the festival gates open?
A: Gates open at 11:00 am.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks to the festival?
A: No, outside food and drink are not permitted. Local vendors will offer a variety of food and beverages.
Q: Is the festival family-friendly?
A: Yes, the festival is family-friendly, but there is no designated play area for children.
Q: Are pets allowed at the festival?
A: No, pets are not allowed. Service dogs are permitted according to ADA guidelines.
Q: Is there parking available at the festival site?
A: Yes, free onsite parking is available adjacent to the festival site.
Q: How can I purchase tickets for the festival?
A: Tickets can be purchased online starting July 1, 2024. Advanced tickets are $40, and day-of tickets are $50. Children 12 and under get in free.
Q: Are there any other events happening in Charlotte, NC, around the same time as the festival?
A: Yes, there are several events, including the Charlotte Jazz Festival, Charlotte Pride Festival, Charlotte Knights Baseball Game, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Q: What accommodations are available in Charlotte, NC?
A: Trifecta Corporate Housing offers short-term rental options in the 1st Ward, 3rd Ward, and 4th Ward neighborhoods of Uptown Charlotte.
Q: How can I book accommodations with Trifecta Corporate Housing?
A: You can book directly on their website at [https://staywithtrifecta.guestybookings.com/properties?city=Charlotte ](https://staywithtrifecta.guestybookings.com/properties?city=Charlotte ) or find them on Airbnb at [https://www.airbnb.com/users/164488739/listings ](https://www.airbnb.com/users/164488739/listings ).
References
– [Post and Courier](https://www.postandcourier.com/northaugusta/calendar/) Retrieved from https://www.postandcourier.com/northaugusta/calendar/
– [Greater Irmo Chamber](https://business.greaterirmochamber.com/events/details/30th-annual-blind-willie-mctell-music-festival-5593) Retrieved from https://business.greaterirmochamber.com/events/details/30th-annual-blind-willie-mctell-music-festival-5593
– [Blind Willie McTell Music Festival](https://www.blindwillie.com/info) Retrieved from https://www.blindwillie.com/info
– [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30th-annual-blind-willie-mctell-music-festival-tickets-899117152607) Retrieved from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30th-annual-blind-willie-mctell-music-festival-tickets-899117152607
– [Blind Willie McTell Music Festival](https://www.blindwillie.com) Retrieved from https://www.blindwillie.com