Reviewed by: Elizabeth Hobbs
Get ready for the best fiddlers festival in the Tennessee Valley this October
Reading time: 3 minutes
Mark your calendars, music lovers. The 58th Annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention is back in Athens, and will include more than 200 musicians.
Hosted by Athens State University, the event regularly attracts between 15,000 and 20,000 people to Athens for the convention. Here’s why:
What to know about the Old Time Fiddlers Convention
Why do so many folks descend upon Athens for this event? Well, when you look at the lineup of events, you’ll see exactly why. The music is just one reason to attend.
In addition to the concerts and music competitions, the event includes arts and crafts vendors, a fiddlers trade show, tutorials and more.
The 2025 Fiddlers Convention’s concert line-up includes:
- Wednesday, October 1 at 7:30PM – FREE Preview night featuring Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (Special Gospel Concert)
- Thursday, October 2 at 7:00PM – Pitney Meyer
- Friday, October 3 at 6:00PM – Jimmy Fortune
- Saturday, October 4 at 7:30PM – Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
All concerts will take place on the Founders Hall Main Stage. Access to all Fiddlers Convention entertainment is included with the purchase of an admission ticket.
The fiddle competitions have become the most anticipated part of the festival.
- Competitions will begin at 7:30PM on Friday, October 3, resume at 9AM on Saturday, October 4, and conclude with the crowning of the Tennessee Valley Fiddle Champion that Saturday evening.
Aside from the music, check out these attractions:
Bank Independent Cash Giveaway
Convention guests will also have the opportunity to enter the annual Bank Independent Cash Giveaway. Drawings will be held twice a day for a total of $500 on Thursday, $1,000 on Friday and $1,000 on Saturday.
Arts, Crafts and Food Vendors
Approximately 150 booths featuring old-fashioned arts and crafts will be open for business in the Nanny’s Old Fashioned Lemonade Craft Vendor Area.
Convention goers will see everything from traditional artwork to handmade crafts. Food vendors will also be on hand at the Pepsi Food Court to provide anything from a quick snack to a full meal.
Strings Workshops
Free strings workshops for emerging musicians of all ages and abilities will be offered in Kares Library. The workshops are located outside of the convention gates and are therefore open to the public with no admission ticket required.
Get your tickets now
“The Fiddler’s Convention is an iconic Athens tradition, and something every local needs to experience at least once in their lifetime.
My favorite part is strolling the artisan vendors while listening to the fiddle tunes in the background. With the leaves falling on Athens State campus, it makes for the most picturesque fall event straight from a Hallmark movie.”
Elizabeth Hobbs, Content Producer at Hville Blast + Athens native
Here’s some ticket info:
- Single day admission: $20/adult for Thursday, Friday or Saturday
- 3-Day Weekend Pass: $30/adult
- Children under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult
- Preview night concert on Wednesday evening: Free
Tickets can be purchased online at www.AthensFiddlers.org. The purchase of an admission ticket includes access to all convention entertainment, events and activities as well as entry to one competition category.
Additional competition entries may be purchased for $5 each or $10 for a band.
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