Headed to Wide Open Bluegrass? Here are 5 don't-miss stops if you're going with kids

There's a bluegrass business conference, a bluegrass ramble and the 30th annual IBMA awards. But for most of the general public who aren't involved in the business of bluegrass, the focus will be the two-day Wide Open Bluegrass festival, which runs this Friday and Saturday along Fayetteville Street and side streets.

Wide Open Bluegrass offers up all manner of free opportunities to watch world-class and up-and-coming bluegrass musicians perform, including, fo the first time this year on the main stage inside Red Hat Amphitheatre. And there's plenty for the whole family. Here are 5 don't-miss spots for families at Wide Open Bluegrass!

IBMA World of Bluegrass

On the Youth Stage, which is located in front of the Raleigh Convention Center, you'll see a mix of young musicians chosen through a formal juried process, along with college ensembles and youth bands affiliated with the Junior Appalachian Musicians program. It's a great opportunity for young musicians to check out what their peers are up to - and maybe dream of where they could be next year.

Dancing pretty much anywhere during Wide Open Bluegrass is allowed and encouraged. But there is a dance tent set up specifically for those who want to kick up their heels. You'll find it on South Street in front of the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts with a regular schedule of performers.

At the corner of Martin and Fayetteville streets, Boone's tourism group will bring out gem mining for the kids, a prize wheel for all and some giveaways, including candy courtesy of the Mast General Store and sunscreen, which might come in handy this weekend. There also will be some Boone-related photo opportunities for people who drop by. It's all free, including the gem mining, which is a big hit with the kids.

For those who need a break from the crowds, the event will have three quiet spaces set up on Market Plaza on the east side of Fayetteville Street between First Citizens Bank and the YMCA; inside Room 302A in the Raleigh Convention Center all week; and in the Alumni Meeting Room inside the Raleigh Marriott City Center, from Thursday to Sunday. These spaces are designed for people or families who need a low-sensory environment.