Bristol Border Bash

Set in Historic Downtown Bristol TN/VA, the second of five “bashes” of the year will take place Friday, June 27th, at the 400 & 500 Blocks of State Street.  Border Bash will start with children’s activities, local arts and craft vendors, and concessions at 6:00 PM. Live music begins at approximately 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.  As always, Border Bash is free to the public!

6:30 PM – Craig Street Ramblers are a dynamic Americana band from Norton, Virginia, known for blending country, blues, and southern gospel with deep Appalachian roots. Founded in 2010 by Jacob Fields and Joshua Wingate, the band draws inspiration from their early musical experiences in church and the cultural heritage of the coalfields.

Their heartfelt sound has led to collaborations with artists like Dave Eggar, Amber Rubarth, and Max ZT. With standout singles like “Waiting,” “Count On Me,” and “Soul Shine,” the Ramblers bring a powerful mix of tradition and originality to every performance, capturing the true spirit of the mountains.

7:30 PM – Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies is a new rendition of an old Bristol favorite. Cruz Contreras is a powerhouse Americana artist with nearly 30 years in the game. From early days with Robinella and the Cstringband to leading the chart-topping Black Lillies, he’s graced stages like the Grand Ole Opry and Conan, with praise from Rolling Stone and NPR. Cruz got his start at 15, playing guitar behind his younger brother Billy Contreras at fiddle competitions—long before Billy became a world-renowned fiddler, known for his work with George Jones, Sierra Ferrell, Ricky Skaggs. But it was a moment in 1993 that sealed Cruz’s fate: finding himself in a room with the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe. That room, that sound, that presence—it lit a fire that’s never gone out.

Now touring behind his debut solo album Cosmico, Cruz is joined once more by a band of road-tested companions under the name Cruz Contreras and The Black Lillies. Together, they bring with them a catalog of songs that stretch across time — from the familiar past to the hopeful unknown.

Food and drink concessions for this Border Bash will be EZ Squeezy, Pins & Friends, Platter & Pour, Snapp’s Craft, and Sunset Slush.

Local artisans & businesses offering a booth at this event will be AR Workshop, Beaded Bliss, Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Boo-tique: a Crafts & Curiosities Shop, Bristol Moments & Memories, Highlands Realty, HollerHouse, Misty Mountain Designs, Only Burns Twice Chili Peppers, Sunflower Box Permanent Jewelry, and Vantastic Sublimation.

Children’s activities and face painting generously provided by Dr. Connor McCall, Annatomical Art, Appalachian Literacy Initiative, Bristol Public Library, Downtown Chiropractors (Muncy Family Chiropractic and Tri Star Spine and Sport Chiropractic), Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center & Park, Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians, Holston Home for Children, Isaiah House 117, and The Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf.

For more information, please visit believeinbristol.org or contact us at 423-573-2201 or info@believeinbristol.org.

Border Bash is hosted by Believe in Bristol and would not be possible without our community sponsors. Our sponsors in 2025 include City of Bristol, Tennessee, City of Bristol, Virginia, Karen Hester, Audrey Zaidi, Muncy Family Chiropractic, Edd Hill, Tommy Rivera, Anne and Ben Cowan Giving Fund, John & Brenda Fincher, Robin & Margaret Feierabend, Tom & Barbara Smith & Bank of America, and 99.3 The X.

Hospitality Sponsors for 2025 include The Bristol Hotel, The Corner Bristol, Delta Blues BBQ Bristol, Machiavelli’s, The Sessions Hotel, Southern Craft BBQ Bristol, and Stateline Bar & Grille.