Ashe County Bluegrass & Old Time Fiddlers Convention

08/04/2026

07/28/2026

2026 Adult and Youth Winners Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention

07/24/2026

Catch the WKSK Old Time and Bluegrass Radio Show LIVE at Ashe Park on Saturday!

Featuring Sassafras Bluegrass Band at 11 am

(Entry $10 at the gate at Ashe Park on Saturday, free admission on Saturday to Veterans, Police, First Responders, and Children 12 and under with a paying adult.)

One of the Ashe County Fiddlers Convention’s favorite traditions returns on Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m. as 580 WKSK’s Old Time and Bluegrass Radio Show broadcasts live from Ashe County Park. Hosted by longtime radio personality Tom Hartman, this special edition of the beloved program will feature an exciting live performance by North Carolina bluegrass Sassafras.

Rooted in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sassafras has earnedSassafras Bluegrass Banda reputation for blending the timeless sounds of traditional bluegrass with fresh musical influences. Drawing inspiration from pioneers like Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs, the band also incorporates elements of Newgrass, country, folk, western swing, and original compositions, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted in tradition and unmistakably their own.

Over the years, Sassafras has shared stages and recording studios with some of the most respected names in acoustic music, including Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, Mark O’Connor, Mac Wiseman, and the Kruger Brothers. Their performances have taken them to renowned festivals and venues across the United States and around the world, including MerleFest, the Walnut Valley Festival, Song of the Mountains, IBMA events, and tours throughout Europe, Japan, and New Zealand.Visitors are invited to experience the live broadcast in person at Ashe County Park or tune in on 580 WKSK to enjoy the music from wherever they are.

Admission to the Fiddlers Convention is $10, which includes access to the day’s competitions and festivities. Best of all, proceeds from the Fiddlers Convention directly support the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) Program, helping ensure that the rich traditions of old-time and bluegrass music continue to be passed on to future generations.

07/23/2026

BBQ for A Cause on Saturday at the Fiddlers Convention

Come hungry to the Fiddlers Convention because the food is just as good as the music!

On Saturday, July 25th, at Ashe Park, the Todd Ruritan Club will be serving up their famous BBQ plates and sandwiches with all the fixings.

A longtime festival favorite, the Ruritan’s booth not only fills your plate but also supports local service projects rooted in “Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service.” Every meal purchased helps support the Ruby Trivette Scholarship Fund and assists individuals and families in need throughout the Todd community.

This year will feature BBQ Sauce from Beaver Creek Biscuit Company!

It’s a tradition you can feel good about supporting—and it tastes great, too. So grab lunch, enjoy an afternoon of world-class bluegrass and old time music, and know you’re helping make a difference with every bite.

Pictured: Volunteers for the Todd Ruritan Club serve up some BBQ.

07/23/2026

Thank you to Conncert Music World West Jefferson for being a stage sponsor for the Fiddlers Convention!

Join us this weekend for the 55th annual convention!

For 45 years Conncert Music has been the premier choice for its customers. Experienced and trained personnel to work to ensure customer care and satisfaction. They offer top selling brands including Taylor, Gibson, Fender, Martin, and Yamaha. They have a wide selection of electronic and acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers, mandolins, banjos, drum sets, electric drums, percussion, digital pianos, and keyboards. They also carry mixers, PA speakers, monitors, and microphones. So whether you're looking for a ukulele, guitar, or piano, they will be happy to serve you. Their success is built on our talented employees and quality musical gear at an affordable price.

07/22/2026

Competitors, are you ready?

We are excited to see you at the 2026 Ashe County Fiddlers Convention! We have $4,700 in cash prizes ready for the weekend and can't wait to hear you play!!

See competition categories in the post!

Find out more information on our website: https://ashecountyarts.org/fiddlers-fest/

07/22/2026

Thank you to Dr. Timothy Rector for being a stage sponsor!

Dr. Rector offers Family Dentistry and new patients are welcome. Their caring staff looks forward to providing your family treatments for your entire dental needs

Family Dentistry Office Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed Wednesday. Additional phone number: 336-246-9266

07/21/2026

Join us for the Old Time Square Dance
Thursday, July 23
Ashe Arts Center
7 – 9 pm

Free admission, donations gratefully accepted

Band – Big Ivy Stringband
Caller – Clarke Williams

This project is funded by an IBMA Foundation Project Grant.
The IBMA Foundation supports programs and initiatives that foster the growth of bluegrass music. The Foundation helps donors create a bluegrass legacy through charitable donations and planned giving by supporting programs focused on bluegrass-related arts and culture, education, literary work, and historic preservation. Information about all grants and scholarships awarded by the IBMA Foundation may be found at https://bluegrassfoundation.org.

The Ashe County Arts Council Heritage Dance Series is a community dance program designed to preserve and promote bluegrass and old-time traditions through participatory square dances, live music, and accessible instruction. Featuring local musicians, experienced callers, and beginner-friendly teaching, the series offers free, intergenerational cultural experiences that strengthen community connection, elevate the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program, and sustain traditional dance and music in northwestern North Carolina