What started out as a single bluegrass concert, with a single bluegrass band, playing to a modest but enthusiast bluegrass loving crowd has grown to historic proportions.

Who knew, at the time, that from a spur-of-the-moment concert back in 1990 would be born a Southern Illinois tradition as rich with award-winning entertainers as it is with strong family bonding, great food, and fond memories.

Originally penned the Salem Bluegrass & Chowder Festival, this event evolved in 2006 to be known as the Southern Illinois Bluegrass Festival.  Taking up a huge portion of the 128 acre Bryan Memorial Park, in Salem, Illinois, this annual event is the home to one of a kind food concessionaires, award winning BBQ competitors, and (of course) absolutely amazing bluegrass music.

Each year brings more quality entertainment, more food, and more smiles from more and more people.

Since the beginning, this humble event has been the Southern Illinois home of bluegrass super-stars ranging from IBMA Winners such as Ralph Stanley, Cherryholmes, and David Davis and the Warrior River Boys to amazing up-and-comers like Vintage Jam, Midnight Flight and the Possum Trot String Band. 

Some of the very Grammy Award Winning bluegrass entertainers who have played the hallowed boards of the Grand Ole Opry, have kicked back in the 'homey' outdoor atmosphere of Bryan Memorial Park in Salem, Illinois. 

A true gem, the Southern Illinois Bluegrass Festival is sure to tickle the fancy of both the young and the young at heart!

Be sure to mark your calendars for the weekend after Labor Day and plan on kicking back with family and friends in Salem, Illinois for the Southern Illinois Bluegrass Festival!