ARTS/DATES
June - July - August 2026
No. 217
Publication of the Ashe County Arts Council
Ashe County Bluegrass & Old Time Fiddlers Convention Celebrates Traditional Music July 24-25
T
he Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention returns for its 55th year, continuing a long-standing tradition of celebrating the music and culture of our mountain community. For generations, this gathering has brought together musicians, dancers, and audiences to honor the sounds that define the Blue Ridge.
This year’s festivities begin even before the main event, with a series of three square dances leading up to the convention—offering a lively prelude to the weekend and setting the stage for what’s to Emily Spencer performs at the Fiddlers come. Convention. Photo by Martin Seelig.
A notable change for 2026 is the Friday night kickoff concert, which moves to the Ashe Civic Center for a more comfortable, seated experience. Headlining the evening is The Blue Ridge Opry, a nostalgic country music variety show inspired by the early days of the Grand Ole Opry and the golden era of artists like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Uncle Dave Macon, and The Carter Family. Hosted and produced by Kelley Breiding, the show features an impressive lineup of regional talent including Jim Lloyd, Kilby Spencer, Jimmy Tremor, Josh Scott, Emily Spencer, and Kelley & The Cowboys, along with comedy and dance performances. The Blue Ridge Opry Kickoff is a chance to experience authentic country music close to home, no trip to Nashville required. Saturday’s events return to Ashe Park with a full day of competitions for both youth and adult musicians and dancers. Contest categories include fiddle, guitar, banjo, dobro, bass, dance, and bands, with more than $4,700 in prize money awarded, including prizes for children’s competitions. Longtime emcee Dale Morris returns to guide the day’s events. The 580 WKSK Old Time and Bluegrass Radio Show will be broadcast live on Saturday morning from Ashe Park, featuring Sassafrass as this year’s guest band. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own instruments and participate in jamming to create the spontaneous, collaborative spirit that makes the convention so special. Ticketing has also been updated this year. Friday night’s concert is $20 with reserved seating, and that ticket serves as a weekend pass for the convention. Saturday admission alone is $10 at the gate. Whether you come to compete, to listen, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, the Ashe County Fiddlers’ Convention remains a cherished celebration of heritage, community, and music. Proceeds from the Fiddlers Convention support the Ashe County Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) Program providing instruction in guitar, banjo and fiddle for students in grades 3-8. A complete schedule of events, tickets, and competition times can be found on the Fiddlers Convention website.
FIDDLERS CONVENTION WEEKEND SCHEDULE THURSDAY Square Dance Ashe Arts Center Ashe Arts Center, 7 - 9 pm, Free!
FRIDAY Blue Ridge Opry in Concert Ashe Civic Center, 7:30 pm
SATURDAY Live Radio Show & Competitions Ashe Park, 11 am - 9 pm
Thank you to our
SPONSORS!
Find tickets, full schedule, and details on our website:
www.ashefiddlersconvention.org