Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention

All competitions will take place simultaneously in the Summit Trail Solarium. Adults and youth will be judged in separate categories, and prizes will be awarded accordingly.

Registration Information

Competitions will take place on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, starting at 9:30 a.m.

A registration table will be located in the foyer outside the Summit Trail Solarium in the Plemmons Student Union. The registration table is for BOTH Adult and Youth Competitions.

Registrations close 15 minutes prior to the respective competition. 

1. Judges will be looking for performances representative of old-time Appalachian traditions.
2. Youth competitions are open to ages 16 and under.
3. Competitors may only register for one (1) instrument competition (this does not include Dance or String Band).
4. If an individual placed first (1st) in a previous youth competition, they will be required to compete in the adult competition the following year.
5. All contestants and bands can perform up to three minutes (3:00) or will not be considered for prizes. 
6. The order of registration will determine the order of play.
   • Be mindful of the competition schedule in order to not miss your competition's time slot.
   • Registered competitors who fail to appear when their name is called will be disqualified from that competition.
7. Individual contestants may play alone or have one rhythm accompanist.
8. A band competing in the string band contest must consist of at least three (3) but not more than seven (7) members. 
9. ALL prize winners must bring a valid form of ID and the ribbon they received to claim their prize.
   • Youth competition winners must have a parent/guardian present with their ID if applicable.
10. All prizes will be awarded after the last competition at 5:15 pm, no earlier.

Competition Schedule