2026 Info

Dear Friends,

As time for the 90th Annual Old Fiddlers' Convention will soon be here, we have provided a program schedule including youth competition and registration form for the open competition on this website for your convenience.

Please read the rules and be sure you are familiar with all the changes.  Camping gate will open at 7:00 AM on Sunday, August 2nd.  Walk in campers will not be admitted until after 4:00 PM.

Youth competition will be held on Monday, August 3rd at 5:30 PM.  No advance registration for youth competition.   Registration will be held from 2:30 PM until 4:30 PM for the youth on Monday, August 3rd.  Youth can compete in both the youth and open competition, but must be pre-registered for the open competition.  See rule 3b on youth folk songs and dance.  Also, we will be giving youth contestants ages 12 - 15 who compete on Monday a weekly arm band.  Any youth contestant below the age of 12 gets in free with paid escort.  Click here for full details about the youth competition.

Open competition will start on Tuesday night, August 4th.   Registration deadline is July 15, 2026.   Remember to register band members as well as any individual you wish to register.  If playing in individual competition, please be sure to register in the specific category you wish to compete, but only one.  Click here for a complete list of rules for the competition. 

All registered contestants must check in at the main gate and identify themselves as registered contestants and the specific category or band they are registered.  A picture ID is required at check in, both at the gate and at the registration table.  Please read all the rules, and make anyone you register aware of our rules.  Any handicap person that wants to use a golf cart must contact the Galax Moose Lodge Administrator 30 days prior to receive approval and sticker.  Must have approved notice and sticker to bring golf cart in park.  This will be enforced this year.  Additional rules have been added.  Click here for contact info.

Due to the declining numer of registered contestants competing at the Convention, the Fiddler's Committee has found it necessary to decrease the number of prizes given in each category.  Beginning this year the top seven contestants in each individual category and the top ten bluegrass and old-time bands will receive cash prizes and ribbons.  The prize money for each of these winners will remain the same.

Register early.  If there is any possibility you will participate, be sure to send in your registration.

Open competition starts at 6:00 PM each night and noon on Saturday.  Youth competition starts at 5:30 PM on Monday.

REGISTRATION MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JULY 15, 2026.  IF NOT RECEIVED BY JULY 20, YOU WILL NOT BE IN THE PROGRAM BOOK.

If you want to confirm your registration, please send a self-addressed stamped postcard along with your registration form, and we will sign and return it to confirm your registration.  We appreciate your cooperation in making the 90th Annual another success, and we hope to see you August 3 - 8, 2026.

Sincerely yours,
Robin Smith
Administrator