Gathering in the Gap Music Festival - 2026

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to wander the park grounds, browse fine regional crafts, and enjoy some delicious food while listening to premier performers.

In addition to the evening entertainment, there will be several other opportunities throughout the day to enjoy the musical traditions of the region. The Acoustic Arbor, Competition and Gathering Place stages will have performances all afternoon by a variety of musicians and songwriters, and are free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Town of Big Stone Gap, the Gathering Place Beer and Wine Garden offers spirits from local wineries, breweries and/or cideries.

Other activities available as part of the Festival:

• Gathering in the Gap boasts a variety of activities for children, such as crafts and games, as well as the "Pint-Sized Pickers" tent, sponsored by Mountain Empire Community College.
• The Museum will be open from 10am-5pm and will feature the annual "A Stitch in Time" Quilt Exhibition.
• Various programming such as tours of the Interstate 101 Railcar and the historic Poplar Hill neighborhood. Schedule TBA.
• Craft and Artisan Vendors, Demonstrators, and Food Vendors will be open from 11am-7pm.
• NEW THIS YEAR - the Johnny Cubine Camp & Carve will be offered as part of the Gathering in the Gap Music Festival. This will be held at the nearby Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground.

Shuttle Info: A free shuttle will be available to transport guests from the parking area at Bullitt Park to the main festival site (the grounds of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park) as well as to the Camp & Carve site. This will be available on Saturday ONLY and will begin at 10am.

Click here for the official Gathering in the Gap website.

Info: Volunteers will be on hand to help children with various crafts, games and activities. Face painting and scavenger hunts will also be offered throughout the day. Additionally, the Gathering in the Gap Music Festival has partnered with Mountain Empire Community College to offer "Pint-Size Pickers", which will give children the opportunity to try their hand at playing different types of traditional instruments.

Info: The Gathering Place is sponsored by the Town of Big Stone Gap, Moon Dog Pizza & Seven Dogs Brewpub. In addition to selling beer and wine throughout the event, there will also be a stage in the area with live music throughout the day. Must be 21 or older to access this area.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, 10 West 1st Street North, Big Stone Gap, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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