The Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax, Virginia is one of the biggest and oldest tradition music festivals in the U.S..
Traditional musicians from all over the country attend this event in southwest Virginia to participate in competitions at the youth and open levels. There are individual contests for autoharp, banjo (bluegrass), banjo (clawhammer), bluegrass fiddle, dobro, dulcimer, flatfoot dance, folk song, guitar, mandolin, and old-time fiddle. There are also old-time band and bluegrass band competitions.
Not everyone who attends the convention in Galax comes to compete. The competitions draw large crowds of spectators and many attend the event to enjoy six days of first-rate music.
Camping is popular for the event and informal jam sessions often spring up throughout the festival campgrounds.
The Galax Old Fidders’ Convention is held on the second week of August at Felt’s Park in Galax, Virginia.