Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention – 100th Anniversary

Mountain City, TN
October 3–4, 2025
Free Admission

About the Event

This fall, the heart of Appalachia will echo with fiddles, banjos, and ballads as the Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention marks its 100th Anniversary.

• Free Admission thanks to the Tennessee Arts Commission and Skyline National Bank

• Over $14,500 in Cash & Prizes

• Exclusive Re-release of the original 1925 album

• Nationally Recognized Performers

• A milestone celebration of old-time and bluegrass music

The convention isn’t just a competition — it’s a living piece of Appalachian history. The very first event was held in May 1925 on the same site that now houses Heritage Hall Theatre. That gathering helped spark the 20th-century old-time music revival, influencing legendary performers and shaping American folk and country music.

Event Highlights

Friday, October 3

• 5:00 PM – Official Mural Unveiling
  New mural of The Kody Norris Show by artist Tim White at Food Country.
  Sponsored by Friends of Kody Norris. Celebration Meet & Greet to follow at Local’s Deli.

• 6:30–9:00 PM – Opening Night
  Live performances and the kickoff of the competition.

Saturday, October 4

• 8:00 AM – Registration Opens

• 10:00 AM – Competition Begins

Grand Prizes & Awards:

• Grand Fiddle Champion – 1925 $20 Gold Coin (valued at $3,000)

• First Runner-Up – Custom Jason Barie fiddle

• Cash Prizes – Over $14,500 total

Other Features:

• Free music workshops

• Food trucks & local vendors

Special Performances (Heritage Hall Square)

Friday, October 3

• 6:30 PM – Pete Denahy

• 7:00 PM – Wya Ellis Band

• 8:00 PM – The Kody Norris Show

Saturday, October 4

• 12:30 PM – Pete Denahy

• 6:30 PM – Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers

• 7:30 PM – The Tennessee Bluegrass Band

Admission & Details

• Free Admission (thanks to sponsors)

• Bring your own chairs

• Rain or shine event

• Competition entry fee: $15 per person, per category

• Schedule is free-flowing; times subject to change

Why It Matters

The 1925 Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention brought together musicians like G.B. Grayson, Clarence Ashley, and Dudley “Fiddlin’ Dud” Vance, shaping the recording industry and preserving Appalachian sounds for the world.

Today, the 100th Anniversary honors that legacy while celebrating the future of old-time and bluegrass music.

Learn More

www.MountainCityFC.com
www.VisitMountainCityTN.com

Contact: 423-430-0792
Email: MountainCityFiddlersConvention@gmail.com