Bluegrass festival offers free fun, music for all

It's part of the five-day World of Bluegrass, the International Bluegrass Music Association's annual industry event with a business conference, awards show and a lot of bluegrass music. Tickets are required for the main stage concerts at the Red Hat Amphitheatre. Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas; The Sam Bush Band; and the Steep Canyon Rangers are just a few of the names to headline.

But Raleigh streets and the Raleigh Convention Center also are packed with free music and experiences this Friday and Saturday as part of the Wide Open Bluegrass street festival. I've had a great time wandering the streets with my family, taking in the music, the sights and sounds. This is really great family fun.

There's also a youth stage with other young and family performers on Friday and Saturday at Lenoir and Salisbury streets. For kids and everybody else who loves to dance, a dance tent is set up at Fayetteville and Hargett streets.

Finally, nuvonivo, the downtown Raleigh children's clothing boutique, is planning a bunch of free events for families venturing downtown for some bluegrass.