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CARYVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- The 19th annual Louie Bluie Music & Arts Festival will be held at Cove Lake State Park on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Hello Craft Artisans!
We apologize for the tardiness in getting the 2026 application form live on louiebluie.org. But the good news is – it is now live!
It is our hope that the wonderful artisans interested in presenting their wares for purchase at the 2026 Louie Bluie Music & Arts Festival will log in and submit an application. Co-Chairs Nelsie Wooden and Karen Clear will – as always – give each application their thorough attention and feedback.
Please be aware that some products will not be accepted because they qualify as “farmers’ market”; or homemade consumables (including food), cosmetics, or supplements made without regulatory oversight. Homemade consumables may not meet hygiene standards set by regulatory bodies. And, we respect the hard working folks who bring their products to summer’s end farmers’ markets, so we don’t compete with them. Please see the Arts & Craft Vendor guidelines for a list of accepted categories.
Our mission is to support Traditional American crafts, valued for authenticity and sustainability, which are making a powerful comeback. Across the country, communities are reviving pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, and more—skills once fading, now celebrated. Timeless arts offer a hands-on way to connect with the past.
Join us as we work hard to produce the 19th annual Louie Bluie Music & Arts Festival at Cove Lake State Park, Saturday, September 26, 2026!
Our Performing Headliners this year
Candice Ivory, “Queen of Avant Soul” and multiple-Grammy-nominated jazz/blues/soul vocalist who promises a nuclear power performance. She and her band also perform at two public middle schools on Friday before the festival.
Sean ‘Mack’ McDonald, singer-songwriter, master of blues styles on the guitar, known for his unique blend of folk, rock, and pop influences whose performances are electrifying.
Sparky & Rhonda Rucker, consecutive performers for 19 years. James (Sparky) is the 2025 Tennessee Governor’s Arts Folklife Award recipient.
Our website and traditional media releases will bring you more names of performers month by month, and follow on Louie Bluie Festival FaceBook, also.
Mark your calendars for The Louie Bluie Festival, proudly produced by the non-profit Campbell Culture Coalition on September 26, 2026, 10 am to 6 pm at Cove Lake State Park in Caryville. You won’t want to miss the energetic sounds of live music and the striking displays of Appalachian crafts and art. This is the 19th festival that celebrates the music and art legacy of Campbell County’s own master string band musician – Howard ‘Louie Bluie’ Armstrong.
The 2026 Louie Bluie Music & Arts Virtual Festival is funded, in part, by the Tennessee Arts Commission and TAC Specialty License Plates program through the General Assembly. We extend thanks to all our sponsors who have supported past festivals.
Are you interested in getting your name included as a festival sponsor? Contact Manual Mesa mmesa82@outlook.com. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Additional festival information is available at HERE. For information about the Campbell Culture Coalition, visit the website.
Don’t forget to follow the Festival on FaceBook. Traditional media and other social media will be active as well. See you in September! (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-04/24/2026-6AM)