ARTS AND CULTURE

Cultural and performing arts activities abound in Bristol. Throughout the city and region, visitors can discover the wealth of culture by enjoying events conducted by Theatre Bristol, Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol Ballet and Bristol Art Guild. In addition, there are numerous musical performances by the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance and as well as rotating Art in Public Places.

Local colleges, theaters and civic centers also provide frequent entertainment for all ages. Viking Hall Civic Center, a popular entertainment facility, also plays host to a diversity of entertainment options.

Bristol is also fortunate to feature a wide array of astounding regional arts and entertainment venues. The William King Regional Arts Center, an affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Barter Theatre-The State Theatre of Virginia, can be found in nearby Abingdon. In Hiltons, Va., the Carter Family Memorial Music Center hosts concerts of traditional music each weekend. The Carter Family Fold is a tribute to Sarah, Maybelle and A.P. Carter, early pioneers of the country music movement. In nearby Jonesborough, Tn., is home to the National Storytelling Center.

Discover for yourself the wealth of fine arts and Appalachian culture Bristol has to offer.

Music

Throughout the city, residents can discover a wealth of culture and performing arts, including events conducted by Theatre Bristol, the Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol Ballet and Bristol Art Guild.  Come relax and listen to the sounds that inspired some of the greatest country music legends like Jimmy Rogers, the Carter Family and others. The old-time-mountain music and musicians of a 1927 recording sessions in Bristol went on to shape what country music is today.  Declared by the U.S. Congress as the Official Birthplace of Country Music, and known as the “Big Bang of Country Music”, Bristol remains true to its roots and keeps the music alive with performances year around, as well as live music throughout the week at venues such as State Line Bar & Grill, Bristol Bar & Grill, Cabaret at the Holiday Inn, Java J’s and free music throughout the spring and summer months at the Downtown Center.

Bristol has a multitude of performance venues, ranging from casual grills and eateries to intimate theatres and listening rooms. The Paramount Theatre (on State Street) often plays host to big-name national acts, but provides guests with a rare opportunity to hear the show up-close and personal. Each year the Paramount is just one of the many major venues for the popular Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion festival held each fall offering hundreds of national and local acts.

More casual venues, where food and spirits often accompany the music, include the State Line Bar & Grill, Bristol Bar & Grill, Cabaret at the Holiday Inn, Java J’s, Confetti’s, and Ireson’s Pub.

Theatre

Cultural and performing arts activities abound in Bristol. Evident throughout the city and region, visitors can discover the wealth of culture by enjoying events conducted by Theatre Bristol, Paramount Center for the Arts. In addition, there are numerous musical performances by the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance. 

Local colleges, theaters and civic centers also provide frequent entertainment for all ages. Viking Hall Civic Center, a popular entertainment facility, also plays host to a diversity of entertainment options.

Bristol is also fortunate to feature a wide array of astounding regional arts and entertainment venues. The William King Regional Arts Center, an affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Barter Theatre-The State Theatre of Virginia, can be found in nearby Abingdon. In Hiltons, Va., the Carter Family Memorial Music Center hosts concerts of traditional music each weekend. The Carter Family Fold is a tribute to Sarah, Maybelle and A.P. Carter, who are pioneers of the country music movement. And, in nearby Jonesborough, TN, is home to the National Storytelling Center. Discover for yourself the wealth of fine arts and Appalachian culture Bristol has to offer.