Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
200+ fiddlers attract thousands at popular North AL tradition, TN Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention, returning Sept 30-Oct 3
Reading time: 5 minutes
Sponsored
The nation’s largest fiddling convention has taken place right here in North AL for over 100 years, attracting over 10,000 patrons for an iconic timeless tradition full of live folk music, artisan vendors and family fun.
I’m talking about the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention—an event synonymous with fall in North AL that I believe everyone needs to experience at least once.
Find out about the local university that plans and hosts this four-day fiddling competition attracting the nation’s top folk musicians of all ages, and the meaningful purpose behind the event. 👇
59th Annual TN Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention unites folk music fans
There is music flowing from every direction you turn at the Fiddlers Convention. (Athens State University)
- Where: Athens State University (Founders Hall Main Stage, Brown Hall Stage + the Delmore Brothers Stage in McCandless Hall)
- When: Wednesday-Saturday, September 30-October 3, 2026
- Tickets: $20 day pass | $30 3-day pass (Wed = FREE Preview Night Gospel Concert)
Get your tickets now! 🎟️ Fun fact: All ticket proceeds benefit Athens State University Foundation scholarships.
Ad
Fall tradition brings 4 days of live music, craft vendors + food
Enjoy street performers, a music store and interactive artisan vendors. (Athens State University)
The Fiddlers Convention is one of Limestone County’s largest events, with a local economic impact of $3.5 million. The tradition of fiddling in Athens dates back 100 years to the original Athens Fiddlers Convention, first held in 1924. After a decades-long hiatus, the tradition was revived in 1967 as the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention and has been hosted at Athens State University ever since.
Here’s what to expect this year:
- 🎻 Live folk music + busking from 200+ musicians on sidewalks + three main stages
- 🎻 150+ artisan vendors with hand-crafted goods
- 🎻 Food trucks + fall treats
- 🎻 Music store with instruments, gear + accessories
- 🎻 $47,000 in cash prizes + giveaways
3 pro tips from one of the festival’s coordinators:
- 🎟️ Purchase tickets online to avoid long ticket booth lines.
- 🧺 Bring a lawn chair + picnic blanket.
- 🗓️ If you can only get a single day pass, go for Saturday + don’t miss the kids fiddling contest.
Ready to enjoy Athens’ quintessential fall event? Get your tickets now!
Ad
NEW: 100 years of the Delmore Brothers commemorative album
As one of the largest (and lowest cost) folk competitions in the nation, this event draws hundreds of string instrument players to compete.
The Delmore Brothers are an early testament to the competition’s impact. The Country Music Hall of Famers got their start as the winners of the Athens Fiddle Contest back in 1930, not long after the band’s competition debut in 1926. Their winning prize included an album recording in Atlanta, which launched their career as early influencers of the country music genre.
Now, their legacy is being honored:
- Delmore Brothers Exhibit: Located in the Nazaretian Alumni Welcome Center, the Delmore Brothers Exhibit will debut September 21 featuring memorabilia, photographs, awards and more honoring the Delmore Brothers, courtesy of Alton Delmore’s youngest daughter, Debby. Patrons can see Alton’s typewriter and original autobiography manuscript on loan from the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville through October.
- Commemorative Album: The Athens State University Foundation and Fiddlers Steering Committee worked with a producer in Nashville to create a commemorative album with 15 covers performed by regional musicians.
Ad
How Athens State University faculty + staff make the fundraiser possible
You will see several Athens State faculty, staff + students leading the event! (Athens State University)
Athens State University serves as more than just the stage for this event. As the official host since 1967, the University Foundation plans and executes the Fiddlers Convention every year as the university’s largest fundraiser.
Fun fact: The event is run by a team of 260+ volunteers—most of which are Athens State students, faculty and staff!
Athens State University is most commonly known as one of the nation’s few universities with programs built for adult learners and transfer students. Event proceeds keep their flexible programs accessible to all:
- 🤝 Proceeds from ticket sales fund 30+ endowed scholarships
- 🤝 Proceeds from food trucks support student organizations
“The Fiddlers Convention is a really great family-friendly event and a wonderful way to spend an early fall day.
There’s a really strong sense of community, and it’s a great opportunity to see true talent, hear lively music and watch the people who have come from all over—sometimes from around the world—to compete. You’re also helping Limestone County and our surrounding communities.
Plus, you’re helping our students achieve a bigger goal and providing support back to the university.”
Brandy Conway, Executive Director Foundation & Corporate Relations
Sponsored by:
Ad
