Carter Family Fold
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The Carter Family Fold is a live-music venue and museum in Hiltons, in Southwest Virginia’s Scott County. Run by the nonprofit Carter Family Memorial Music Center, it celebrates the Carter Family’s musical legacy with old-time and bluegrass performances, a museum, and a relocated cabin where A. P. Carter was born. Shows are generally held on Saturday evenings from February through November, but check the official schedule before planning a visit.[1]
What to expect
The Fold is centered on live performances that keep old-time, bluegrass, and folk traditions in the room—not just in the exhibits. The center says its weekly performances serve fans of old-time country and folk music, and encourages visitors to enjoy the music and dancing.[2][3]
The experience connects a concert night with a family-history visit: the center says the A. P. Carter cabin and birthplace has been moved to a spot near the Fold and Carter Family Memorial Museum.[4]
Why the Carter Family matters
A. P. Carter, Sara Carter, and Maybelle Carter began recording together in 1927 at the Bristol Sessions, according to the Fold’s history overview. Their influence is the reason this small rural venue draws visitors interested in the roots of country and folk music.[5]
A. P. Carter’s daughter, Janette Carter, founded the Carter Family Memorial Center in 1979 to honor the original group and sustain bluegrass and folk music traditions. The center is now directed by her daughter, Rita Forrester.[6]
Plan a visit
The Fold is at 3449 A. P. Carter Highway, Hiltons, VA 24258. For questions, the center lists 276-594-0676; check its official contact page before setting out.[7]
The venue describes Saturday evening shows from February to November as its usual season, but dates, start times, and ticket prices vary. Check the current show calendar and buy tickets through the official site; advance purchase is encouraged. Tickets are generally general admission unless a listing says otherwise, and the venue says door tickets are cash-only.[8][9]
The Fold says concessions are available onsite and alcohol and tobacco use are not permitted. As details can change, review the venue’s visitor guidance before attending.[10]
Nearby
Hiltons is in Scott County, within the region often called the Heart of Appalachia. For a broader Southwest Virginia music itinerary, see The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. The nearby city of Bristol, Virginia is closely connected to the Carter Family’s 1927 recordings.
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Home, Carter Family Fold. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Home, Carter Family Fold. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Know Before You Go, Carter Family Fold. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Home, Carter Family Fold. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Home, Carter Family Fold. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Home, Carter Family Fold. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Contact Us, Carter Family Fold. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Home, Carter Family Fold. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Know Before You Go, Carter Family Fold. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Know Before You Go, Carter Family Fold. Retrieved 2026-10-24.