Mark your calendars for the return of The Louie Bluie Music and Art Festival, proudly produced by the non-profit Campbell Culture Coalition! On Sept. 20, 2025, Cove Lake State Park will once again come alive with the sounds of incredible live music and the vibrant displays of Appalachian art from 10 a.m., to 6 p.m.
Performers and their agents seeking gigs at the festival can visit louiebluie.org and fill out an online application. The new application can be found by clicking “Contact (Get Involved)” on the tab menu. A link to the applicant’s music and videos can be inserted, and a short bio which will be used in promotion/publicity if selected.
Crafter/Artisans whose work shows originality, craftsmanship, quality of design, and appropriateness to the Appalachian tradition are highly encouraged to apply now. Some past crafts have included pottery, jewelry, homemade soaps and candles, marshmallow launchers, walking sticks, children’s toys, local authors, and fine art. Booths are available for $60 per 10 x 10 ft. space, limited to two spaces. Electricity is available at an additional cost of $15/booth, but limited due to the number of park outlets. Register online now at louiebluie.org. The deadline for crafts is Aug. 15.
In the past, we’ve had around 8,000 visitors, so we need lots of food vendors to keep them from going hungry! Mobile food trucks and church and community groups are encouraged to apply. All applications will be reviewed by a committee and participation is subject to approval to prevent too many vendors from offering the same items. Food Vendor applications are on the louiebluie.org website. Register now online but deadline for food vendors is September 1.
As always, parking is free; admission to the festival is free, with donations gratefully accepted at the gate to support the Campbell Culture Coalition’s ongoing efforts to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of our community.
Be sure to follow the festival’s Facebook page and visit louiebluie.org for the latest updates and information.
Again this year, there will be talented musicians on the Louie Bluie; Sounds Like Home, and the Rickard’s Ridge Restaurant stage that will make you clap, holler, even dance! A quieter but no less exciting venue will be in the Park’s Pavilion, where you will find an outstanding exhibit of one of the most demanding fabric art forms: locally designed, created and judged quilts! (Most of these take two full years to create!) Talents of youth artists will be judged and exhibited in the ArtSpace tent. Musicians of any skill level are welcome to bring their stringed instruments and join in impromptu sessions at the popular Jam Tent.
“We are thrilled to continue the tradition of the Louie Bluie Festival in 2025, showcasing the extraordinary talents of both local and national musicians and artists,” said Jocelyn Woods Griffo, festival co-chair. “Hurricane Helene’s visit last year failed to deter our dedicated team from creating another unforgettable experience that captures the legacy of Howard ‘Louie Bluie’ Armstrong. Visit louiebluie.org and follow the Festival on social and traditional media as well.”
