Believe in Bristol Announces 2026 Border Bash Lineup

2026 Artwork by Logan Schmitt

Believe in Bristol (BiB) is excited to unveil the official lineup for the 26th annual Border Bash, the region’s premier free outdoor summer concert series held along State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol. This year’s series will feature five high-energy shows headlined by The Wilson Springs Hotel, Hannah Dasher, Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo, Sunny Sweeney, and Moga Family Band; each bringing a unique sound and stage presence to the heart of the twin cities.

Presented in partnership with the Birthplace of Country Music, this season’s Border Bash will serve as a preview for the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, showcasing select artists who will also take the stage at the internationally celebrated music festival scheduled for Sept. 11-13 of this year.

Border Bash lineup is as follows:

• June 12: The Wilson Spring Hotel w/ Appalachian Roulette The Downtown Center | 800 Block of State Street

• June 26: Hannah Dasher w/ TOGEAU 400/500 Block of State Street

• July 10: Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo w/ Blue Mountain Saints 700 Block of State Street

• July 24: Sunny Sweeney w/ Kasey Williams 400/500 Block of State Street

• August 14: Moga Family Band w/ Freezer The Downtown Center | 800 Block of State Street

Border Bash activities will begin at 6 p.m. with music starting at 6:30 p.m. for each event.

Kicking off the series on June 12, Virginia-based The Wilson Springs Hotel delivers a high-energy folk sound that has earned them spots at renowned festivals like DelFest, FloydFest, and Rooster Walk.

On June 26, Fender Next artist and consummate live entertainer Hannah Dasher brings her signature country-rock style to the stage, along with the charm of her viral Stand By Your Pan cooking series. Dasher recently signed a book deal with HarperCollins to publish her bold, crowd-pleasing recipes “Stand By Your Pan: 100 Easy and Affordable Comfort Food Recipes So Good They’ll Hurt People’s Feelin’s (A Cookbook to Help You Enjoy Delicious Nostalgia with Some Modern Sass)” - available now.

July 10 features two of the finest flatpicking guitarists of this generation, Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo, whose shared passion for acoustic bluegrass results in a powerful blend of two guitars, two voices, and an electrifying late-night jam vibe.

Texas-born singer-songwriter Sunny Sweeney takes the spotlight on July 24, channeling the influence of legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings, and Loretta Lynn in her latest album Rhinestone Requiem, a return to classic country roots.

Closing out the series on August 14, Nashville-based Moga Family Band brings their genre-bending contemporary blues sound and “sensory-overloaded” live performances that have made them stand out as true trailblazers.

Each headlining act is paired with standout regional and local openers, making every night of Border Bash a full showcase of must-see talent.

All Border Bash concerts are free and open to the public, offering a fun, family-friendly atmosphere complete with a Kid Zone featuring games and crafts, a wide selection of food and craft vendors, and access to Bristol’s vibrant locally owned downtown businesses.

Vendor applications for the 2026 series are now open, with opportunities available for food vendors, artisans, and community organizations looking to engage with thousands of attendees throughout the summer.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Support from sponsors plays a critical role in keeping Border Bash free to the public while enabling Believe in Bristol to bring high-quality musical acts to the stage each year.

Border Bash is hosted by Believe in Bristol and would not be possible with our community sponsors. Special thank you to the City of Bristol, Tennessee, City of Bristol, Virginia, Explore Bristol, The Bristol Hotel, The Sessions Hotel, media sponsor WCYB, and tourism partners Virginia is for Lovers, Tennessee Vacation, Visit Southwest Virginia, and Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. 

For more information about the Border Bash concert series, vendor applications, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit BelieveinBristol.org or contact BiB at events@believeinbristol.org.