Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Association was formed in 1967 due to overwhelming support from two local fiddling contests, thus establishing the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. With a stated goal of reviving the tradition of old-time music, the annual event held on the historic campus of Athens State University is known as the “Granddaddy of Midsouth Fiddlers Conventions.”

In 2013, legislation was passed in the State of Alabama recognizing the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention as the official home of 14 state champions in the following categories: Harmonica, Bluegrass Banjo, Dulcimer, Old Time Banjo, Classic Old Time Fiddler, Buck Dancing, Mandolin, Dobro, Old Time Singing, Guitar – Finger Picking, Guitar – Flat Picking, Bluegrass Band, Old Time Band, and last but not least, Fiddler. Each year, hundreds of contestants come to Athens, Alabama to compete for these coveted titles, joining thousands of folks who come to listen or who bring their own instruments and play in impromptu jam sessions.

This year, the dynamic group FLATT LONESOME will play a free concert on Thursday, October 4 at 7:00 PM, and RHONDA VINCENT, crowned “the new queen of bluegrass” by the Wall Street Journal, will take the stage with her band THE RAGE on Friday, October 5 at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The competition will then begin at 7:00 PM and will end Saturday evening with the fiddle-off.

The experience is enhanced with dozens of food vendors and over 125 area craftsmen displaying their arts and crafts, offering unique and custom-made souvenirs. Convention proceeds support student scholarships and University projects. We hope you will join us!