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BRISTOL — Selected by an expert panel and voted by readers, the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival is listed among the very best in the country in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel polls. Located in Historic Downtown Bristol, VA-TN, and celebrating 25 years in 2026, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has captured the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.

“This recognition from USA Today’s readers is incredibly meaningful because it reflects what our community and fans already know; there’s something truly special about Bristol,” said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director of Birthplace of Country Music. “To be named a top-five festival in the country, and the only one in the top ten from Tennessee or Virginia, speaks to the authenticity, spirit, and sense of place that define Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. This festival doesn’t just celebrate music, it brings our story, our streets, and our people to life.”

The Birthplace of Country Music was pleased to report that USA TODAY 10BEST voted Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion as #5 nationally in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Music Festival. Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is the only music festival to win in either Tennessee or Virginia, ranking it as the best for both states.

The 2026 Festival will be held from Sept. 11 through 13.

The top 10 winners for Best Music Festival are ranked as follows:

1. Musikfest — Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
2. Mile 0 Fest — Key West, Florida
3. Joshua Tree Music Festival — Joshua Tree, California
4. Festival Napa Valley — Napa, California
5. Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion — Bristol TN-VA
6. Summerfest — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — New Orleans, Louisiana
8. Waterfront Blues Festival — Portland, Oregon
9. Lollapalooza — Chicago, Illinois
10. Ohana Festival — Dana Point, California

These nominations were carefully curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10BEST editors before being voted on by the public. The official announcement is available at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-music-festival/.