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About the Old Fiddlers' Convention in Galax, Virginia
Environment Space & The Outdoors , Culture & Art
Festivals & Fairs , United States
Ends: Aug 09, 2025
DESCRIPTION:
THE OLD FIDDLERS' CONVENTION
APPALACHIAN MUSIC AT ITS BEST
The Old Fiddlers' Convention is the world's oldest and largest gathering of traditional and bluegrass musicians. First held in the spring of 1935 by members of Moose Lodge #733 to raise funds and promote their lodge, the convention's mission from the outset was "keeping alive the memories and sentiments of days gone by and make it possible for people of today to hear and enjoy the tunes of yesterday."
Each year, the event draws more than 30,000 attendees—quadrupling the roughly 7,000 residents of Galax—as musicians and fans converge for concerts, contests, and camaraderie. Contestants—ranging from solo fiddlers and banjo players to full old-time and bluegrass bands—must register fee-free in advance. Competition categories include both individual and group performances, with cash prizes totaling thousands of dollars. Camping onsite is another popular draw for attendees.
The convention distinguishes itself by its organic atmosphere featuring staged performances and late-night jam sessions around campsites, where musicians, dancers, and listeners intermingle freely. This informal vibe forms a potent part of its cultural significance.
Its importance lies in preserving and fostering the intergenerational transmission of traditional Appalachian music. With the addition of youth divisions in 2000, children and teens now perform alongside seasoned players, reaffirming the event's role in cultural continuity. Coverage by NBC in 1967, presidential recognition, and acclaim as one of the Southeast's top events further underscore its cultural weight.
Though rooted in Virginia, the convention attracts participants from across the U.S. and abroad—from Norway to Australia—reinforcing its international influence. The Old Fiddlers' Convention remains a living testament to the enduring power of traditional mountain music—one tune at a time.
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