Every year old-time and bluegrass musicians travel from all over the world to Galax, VA to compete in the Old Fiddler’s Convention. Galax has hosted this granddaddy of the fiddler’s conventions nearly every year since 1935. Folks flock to Felts Park in Galax to play or simply enjoy great old-time mountain music. The 2023 convention, to be held August 7-12, will feature various musicians competing for cash prizes and bragging rights.
History of the Old Fiddler’s Convention
The Moose Lodge in Galax started the Fiddler’s Convention in 1935 to raise funds and promote publicity and — as one early news article put it, to keep 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. It has grown over the years from a single day competition to a multi-day event.
The Competitions
Have a seat in the grandstand for a grand view of the competition, or bring a chair to get closer to the stage. Young fiddlers compete in the youth competition. More experienced competitors compete in various categories, including old time fiddle, dobro, mandolin, claw-hammer banjo, autoharp, guitar, old time band, bluegrass band, folk song, and flatfoot dance.
Jam Sessions
Though the competition garners most of the attention at these types of events, I like to wander among the campsites and take in the great music being played there. Musicians rehearse and tune their instruments and play with whoever wants to join in. Often dancers and players join in these jam sessions even though they would not dare step foot on the main stage.
Vendors
You can find music, food and other vendors peddling their wares.
Schedule and Tickets
Places to Stay Near the Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention
You can camp on-site or for future visits, consider Pilot’s Perch Cabins in Fancy Gap, VA, just 30 minutes away.
More Info
Contact Info:
Old Fiddler’s Convention
P.O. Box 655
Galax, VA 24333
(276) 236-8541
