Hoppin' John Fiddlers' Convention

08/05/2026

Contest Registration is now open! Advance registrations offer a more deeply discounted admission ticket, and contests are just fun. Even though Hoppin’ John offers plenty of programmed offerings like dances, workshops, concerts and family activities, like most fiddlers conventions, the contests are the heart. The prizes aren’t too bad, either! Categories: Old-Time, Bluegrass and Non-Traditional Bands; Fiddle, Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar, Folk Song, Instrument Duos, Song Duets and even Bass (although we may be dropping that one again if folks don’t start showing interest). There are competitions for kids and dancers, too!

📸 Photo by Todd E. Gaul

Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention takes place September 17-19, 2026 at Shakori Hills Community Arts Center in Pittsboro, NC. Visit www.hoppinjohn.org for more information.

07/24/2026

It’s time to poster the towns for Hoppin’ John!

We are looking for people living in/near and familiar with the following areas who are willing to poster for Hoppin’ John in August:

Apex
Asheboro
Bennett
Boone
Chapel Hill
Carrboro
Galax
Goldston, Bonlee
Graham
Lexington
Liberty
Maggie Valley
Mebane
Pittsboro
Sanford
Saxapahaw, Eli Whitney
Siler City
Southern Pines
Statesville
Asheville

💰🎫🎟️👀 Compensation:
• $18/hour + gas reimbursement
• OR volunteer hours can be traded for admission to Hoppin’ John or the Fall Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival.

If you enjoy supporting live music and don’t mind a little driving, we’d love to have you! Please email [email protected] for more information.

07/17/2026

👩‍🍳 Chefs needed! 👩‍🍳

Chefs needed! Registration is now open for this year’s Hoppin’ John Cook-Off. Whether you have a seasoned recipe or are trying your hand at this southern speciality for the first time, the cook-off is an enjoyable day of camp-style cooking, camaraderie and music. Then a few hundred of your friends will get a sample and a ballot and cast their vote for the best one.

📸 Photo by Todd E. Gaul

https://www.hoppinjohn.org/hoppin-john-cook-off

07/17/2026

We’re excited to welcome two incredible acts to the Friday night stage at Hoppin’ John.

First up is The Nest of Singing Birds, a group of Western NC ballad singers and musicians carrying on one of Southern Appalachia’s richest musical traditions. Featuring celebrated tradition keepers Donna Ray Norton, Sheila Kay Adams, and William Ritter, the group brings together generations of traditional songs, stories, and musicianship rooted in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Then stick around for A Different Thread, whose original songs blend folk traditions into a fresh, thoughtful take on storytelling through music.

Join us on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 7:00pm for a special night of songs, stories, and traditions you won’t want to miss.

www.hoppinjohn.org

07/09/2026

Chefs needed! Registration is now open for this year’s Hoppin’ John Cook-Off. Whether you have a seasoned recipe or are trying your hand at this southern speciality for the first time, the cook-off is an enjoyable day of camp-style cooking, camaraderie and music. Then a few hundred of your friends will get a sample and a ballot and cast their vote for the best one.

📸 Photo by Todd E. Gaul

https://www.hoppinjohn.org/hoppin-john-cook-off

06/27/2026

Great news!

Listening to Andy Edmonds play old-time tunes on his fiddle or banjo, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d traveled back in time to an earlier era of North Carolina music. 🎻🪕

Our co-founders Tim and Denise Duffy have known Andy since he was a teen. Andy released his early album "Me and My Fiddle" on the Music Maker label back in 2010, and his mentor Benton Flippen was a beloved Music Maker partner artist.

Sixteen years later, we were thrilled to reunite with this incredible artist in Fountain, NC to record him again at Music Maker Studios!

Take a peek behind the scenes of our recent recording session with Andy in this week’s photo slideshow at musicmaker.org. Look for Andy’s new album in 2027 from Music Maker!

📸 Old-time musician Andry Edmonds of Surry County, NC with Music Maker co-founder Tim Duffy. Fountain, NC, 2026. Photo by Tim Duffy.

06/25/2026

SAT 13 JUNE 2026. The Green Grass Cloggers had a wonderful time dancing at the 29th Bluff Mountain Festival sponsored by The Madison County Arts Council in Hot Springs, NC. Thanks to the French Broadcasters (Rob and John on fiddle, Marshall on guitar, Sarah on banjo, Julia on bass) for cranking some great dance tunes!