Abingdon Fiddlers Convention

The Washington County Fairgrounds Board of Directors is proud to announce the return of its Third Annual ABINGDON, VIRGINIA OLDTIME, BLUEGRASS, & BLUEGRASS GOSPEL FIDDLERS’ CONVENTION, Fiddlin’ At The Fairgrounds, June 21-23, 2024. We are excited to announce that in our third year, we are adding another day of competition to the schedule. Not only will we have the traditional old-time and bluegrass band and individual competitions; this year we are adding a Bluegrass Gospel Band Competition following the Fiddlers’ Fellowship Bluegrass Service on Sunday, June 23rd.

With the support from local government, regional businesses, and numerous music enthusiasts, this event has been created to bring people from across the country to Washington County, VA for a week of Fiddlin’ fun, fellowship, and to compete with other old-time, bluegrass, and bluegrass gospel musicians for over $8,500 in prize money and prizes. Several Pre-Fiddlers’ Convention events are scheduled by local businesses beginning on Sunday, June 16th and going through the Convention weekend as the community has joined us in creating Fiddlers’ Week (June 16 – 23, 2024) in Washington County, VA. As we continue to grow and offer unique opportunities for competitors, this year, we have partnered with Billy Blue Records of Hendersonville, TN. One of the prizes the winner of the Bluegrass Band Competition will receive is one day of recording at their recording studio for free. The quality of talent that has walked across the stage the last two years has been incredible and having this opportunity opens the door for the next generation. In addition, there will be other incentives for competitors to win door prizes donated from local
businesses, allowing everyone a chance of winning, regardless of skill level.

More than a competition, you will be able to walk through the campground to find heritage music being played throughout the contestants’ and spectators’ campsites. Within the campsite jams, you may come across flat foot dancing or find a professional musician taking the time to play music with a young child that is just starting out. There will be educational opportunities for those wanting to improve their skills throughout the weekend by well-known musicians. Numerous vendors will be set up selling local goods, promoting their businesses, and organizations. A Fiddlers’ Convention is not complete without good food. Local food trucks will be selling their tasty treats. Our first two years brought over 2,700 Old-Time and Bluegrass fans from 11 different states to Abingdon, including over 150 competitors. This is an exciting opportunity for Washington County. The Board of Directors is looking forward to this third event and its continued success. The Convention is a fundraiser for the Fairgrounds to raise money for capital improvement projects of the property and create opportunities to host more community events throughout the year at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Additionally, a youth scholarship is being created to help further music education to our next generation. More information to follow.

The event will be held outside with an inside option for inclement weather. Camping will be offered for an additional fee.

Ticket Prices: Friday- Adult @ $10.00, Youth @ $3.00. Saturday- Adult @ $15.00, Youth $3.00. Sunday @ $5.00 Adult, $3.00 Youth.
Weekend Bands are $25.00 Adults and $5.00 Youth. Kids under 12 are free. Competition is free. Dry RV Camping $35.00, Tent Camping
$10.00 per tent.

Welcome Fiddlers – Pre-Events to Kick Off Fiddlers’ Week in Washington County, VA
June 16, 2024- Bluegrass & BBQ at the Washington County Park on South Holston Lake – Sponsored by Washington County Park Authority
June 17, 2024- Bluegrass at Friends of Smyth Chapel Event and Gathering Space in Meadowview, VA
June 18, 2024- Bluegrass during the Abingdon Farmers Market -Sponsored by The Crooked Road
June 19, 2024 – Music at Sonder Stay/Home on Main Street in Abingdon, VA
June 19, 2024- Campground Opens at 11:00 AM
June 20, 2024 – Open Jam Session & BBQ Dinner on the Lawn of the Martha Washington Inn & Spa in Abingdon, VA
June 21-23, 2024 – Abingdon Fiddlers’ Convention at The Washington County Fairgrounds
June 23, 2024 – Free Fiddlers’ Fellowship Bluegrass Service – Sponsored by Simple Rhythms. Simple Rhythms Bluegrass Band, featuring
Daniel Davis.

As we move toward June, more events may be added to Fiddlers’ Week in Washington County, VA. For more information, to RSVP, or to be a vendor or a sponsor for the event, visit  www.abingdonfiddlers.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional updates.