Chattanooga will find itself at the center of the bluegrass world this October as the city welcomes the return of the Three Sisters Bluegrass Festival, hosts International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) programming and celebrates the reopening of the historic Tivoli Theatre with two performances by Billy Strings.

Nick Wilkinson, CEO of the Tivoli Foundation, said, "For decades, Chattanooga has steadily built one of the country's most authentic bluegrass communities. The Three Sisters Bluegrass Festival introduced generations of residents and visitors to world-class artists while helping establish the city's reputation within the genre. The arrival of IBMA expanded that foundation by bringing musicians, songwriters, industry professionals and fans from across the country to Chattanooga, elevating the city's profile as a national destination for bluegrass music.

"Billy Strings' performances at the newly restored Tivoli Theatre are a natural continuation of that momentum. As one of the most influential artists in contemporary bluegrass and American roots music, his appearance in Chattanooga during an already significant month for the genre underscores how far the city's bluegrass community has come."

Foundation officials said approximately 90 percent of those selected through the ticket request process are from Chattanooga and surrounding regional ZIP codes, "reflecting the extraordinary level of local and regional enthusiasm surrounding both Billy Strings and the reopening of the Tivoli Theatre."

Mr. Wilkinson said, "Interest in the performances far exceeded the number of available seats, a reflection of the combination of one of today's most sought-after touring artists performing in one of the Southeast's most intimate historic theatres. Foundation leaders said the overwhelming response demonstrates both Billy Strings' remarkable popularity and the excitement surrounding the Tivoli's return.

"What makes this so meaningful is that it is part of a much larger Chattanooga story. Three Sisters built an incredible foundation. IBMA has helped introduce Chattanooga to the broader bluegrass community and brought tremendous energy, visibility and relationships to our city. Billy Strings performing here as the Tivoli reopens is another exciting chapter in that continuing story.

"The enthusiasm surrounding these concerts reflects years of work by organizations, volunteers, musicians, civic leaders and supporters who believed Chattanooga could become one of America's great bluegrass destinations. We're honored to help carry that momentum forward."

He said the Billy Strings concerts also provide an early public showcase for the approximately $75 million restoration and expansion of the Tivoli Theatre. The project preserves the historic 1921 landmark while creating expanded public spaces, improved accessibility, education and rehearsal facilities, upgraded patron amenities and the Bobby Stone Theatre, positioning the venue to serve audiences and community partners for generations.

"The restoration has always been about creating opportunities for Chattanooga," Mr. Wilkinson said. "Billy Strings is an extraordinary artist, but he also represents the beginning of a much broader future that includes Broadway, concerts, comedy, film, educational programming and community events. We are excited to welcome audiences back to the Jewel of the South."

October is expected to generate significant activity for downtown hotels, restaurants, retailers and local businesses as visitors attend Three Sisters events, IBMA activities and performances throughout the city, he said.

"Between Three Sisters, IBMA, Billy Strings and the reopening of the Tivoli Theatre, October will be a remarkable month for Chattanooga," Mr. Wilkinson said. "Our community has worked for many years to build this momentum, and we're grateful to everyone who has contributed to it. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country while celebrating with our own community."