The Alleghany County Fiddler’s Convention is proud to present its annual gathering of string musicians, dancers and fans in Sparta, NC. Bluegrass and old time musicians will compete (in no particular order) on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Then on Saturday night, the top 15 senior bluegrass and top 15 senior old time bands will return to the stage for a hot pickin’ championship playoff!

Musicians come for friendly competition, camaraderie, and to show and hone their skills. Others come to see and hear the contest, scout around the fairgrounds for hot jam sessions, kick up their heels, see their friends and neighbors, and sample the fare of a variety of vendors.

The Saturday night show is 100 percent hot pickin’ bands. The top 15 bluegrass and top 15 old time bands (as judged in Friday night and earlier Saturday competition) return to the stage starting at 7:30 p.m. for the grand championship senior band playoffs.

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, July 20, 2023

4 p.m. – Songwriter Circle Jam

Friday, July 21, 20223

5 p.m. – Opening entertainment

6 p.m. until – Competition for all categories (except dance)

Saturday, July 22, 2023

11 a.m. – Competition continues for all categories (except dance)

5:30 p.m. – Senior, junior and children’s dance contests

7:30 p.m. – Senior band playoffs

Around 11:30 p.m. – Presentation of awards

Fest Date: July 20 - 22, 2023

Location: Alleghany County Fairgrounds - 1375 US Highway 21 South Sparta, NC 28675

Click here for more information.