SC Old Time Fiddler's Competition

RULES

Note: Online registration for the competition is closed.  You can register onsite beginning at 7:30 am on Saturday, September 20.

Old-time musicians from across the region will gather at the Hagood Mill Historic Site for the annual South Carolina Old Time Fiddler’s Convention, featuring the official SC State Fiddling Championship, on Friday and Saturday, September 19–20, 2025. This beloved, state-sanctioned two-day event draws competitors, music lovers, and families for an unforgettable weekend of traditional tunes, history, and community.

The festivities begin Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Pavilion with a special concert featuring:

  • Kristen Harris

  • Taylor Trew

  • Ben Riesser

  • Evan & Mick Kinney

On Saturday, the SC State Fiddling Championship kicks off at 9:00 a.m. Competitions will be held in fiddle, guitar, banjo, wildcat, and old-time string band—each in youth and adult divisions. The championship runs late into the evening, so visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly.

The Saturday night concert will begin around 7:30 p.m., featuring:

  • The Blue Ridge Rounders (featuring Bob and Amy Buckingham)
  • Dan Gellert and “Fiddling Henry” Barnes (BARNES)

Contestant Registration 

We’re excited to welcome musicians from across the state and beyond to compete in the 2025 SC State Fiddling Championship at Hagood Mill Historic Site! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a rising talent, this is your chance to showcase your skills on a state-sanctioned stage and be part of a beloved old-time music tradition.

How to Register

  • Register Online:  Click the appropriate button above to register.

  • Register On-Site: Available the morning of the competition, space permitting.

Competition Divisions

  • Youth Division: Ages 16 and under

  • Adult Division: Ages 17 and over

  • You may register for one or more competitions (fiddle, guitar, banjo, wildcat, and old-time string band).

  • Youth competitors may compete in either the Youth or Adult category, but not both.

  • Contestants may only play in one band for the Old-Time String Band category.

Fees & Benefits

  • Registration Fee: Fees are per category and can be found on the online Registration form.

  • Free Admission: Each registered competitor receives one free general admission ticket to Saturday’s event.

Rules & Judging

Competition rules, prize amounts, and judging criteria can be found by clicking the button labeled RULES above.

We strongly encourage contestants to review the rules in advance to ensure eligibility and preparedness.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

  • Start Time: 9:00 a.m. – Competition may run as late as 8:00 p.m.

  • Location: Hagood Mill Historic Site, Pickens, SC

Come ready to perform, connect with fellow musicians, and keep South Carolina’s old-time music traditions alive!