Back in 2000, as the first buildings were being constructed on the Tri-State Exhibition Center site, a group of those involved with establishing Tri-State thought it would be a great idea, as an awareness tool for the Center and a wonderful event for the community, to have a Bluegrass Music Festival right here in Cleveland.

So, the idea was born. The first White Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival was held in July 2001 and was a raging success! There were over 2,000 folks in attendance and a fine day (and night) of music and fun was had by all.

In the years since the inaugural Festival, the focus of the event has shifted a bit from being an awareness tool to being a fund-raiser for the Tri-State Exhibition Center. And, from our humble beginnings - holding the Festival under a barn with the temporary stalls removed and the stage being a flatbed truck - to now having a 70,000 + square foot covered arena under which to host the Festival, a dedicated stage, and for the first time in 2007 going to a multi-day event... we have come a long way!

Over the years, we have featured many legendary and nationally recognizable Artists such as the Jim Lauderdale Bluegrass Band, The Biscuit Burners, The James King Band, Blue Moon Rising, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, The Mike Snider String Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and The Grascals. Every year we strive to provide the best entertainment possible with a good mix of national, regional, and local Artists.

We have been very fortunate to have a great deal of support from our Sponsors over the years. This support allows us to put on a great Festival and yet keep ticket prices low for our audience. Please make a point to familiarize yourself with our Sponsor's and let 'em know that you appreciate them. We sure do!!! And thanks to the folks in our community and beyond who have supported us by being at the Festival each year.

We look forward to seeing everyone again this year!