Entertainment announced for 2026 Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

Entertainment announced for 2026 Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

Published 7:07 am Wednesday, March 18, 2026

The 59th installment of the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention is still a little more than six months away, but already guests who plan to attend the Athens event can take an early peek at its scheduled entertainment lineup. 

The Athens State University Foundation and the convention’s steering committee have announced five of the headlining artists who’ll be performing on the Athens State campus during this year’s Fiddlers Convention, which will unfold from September 30 – October 3. All of the concerts will take place on the Main Stage at Founders Hall, and can be enjoyed by anyone who purchases an admission ticket. 

Below is a listing of this year’s entertainment lineup for the 59th annual Fiddlers Convention:

• Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. – The Larry Sparks Show **This is a free preview night Gospel concert that is open to all guests. No admission ticket will be required.**
• Thursday, October 1 at 7 p.m. – Mike Compton & Andy Todd: Special Delmore Brothers Tribute
• Thursday, October 1 at 8 p.m. – Dale Ann Bradley
• Friday, October 2 at 6 p.m. – The Isaacs
• Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m. – The Del McCoury Band

Admission wristbands will be priced at $20 per adult for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday single day tickets; or $30 per adult for a festival pass that is valid for all three days of the event. Children under 12 will be admitted for free with a paid adult. The preview night concert scheduled for Wednesday evening (September 30) is free and does not require the purchase of an admission ticket.

Tickets are on sale online, and competition registration across the convention’s competitive categories is now open, at www.athensfiddlers.org.

All proceeds from the Fiddlers Convention benefit the Athens State University Foundation, which provides scholarships and assistance to the university and its students. The steering committee wishes to thank this year’s Fiddlers Convention sponsors, including Pettus Plumbing & Piping (Stage Sponsor), Redstone Federal Credit Union (Wristband Sponsor), Bryant Bank (Cash Giveaway Sponsor), Martin & Cobey (Jerry McGlocklin Music Store Sponsor), Nanny’s Old Fashion Lemonade (RV Campground Sponsor), Pepsi (Food Court Sponsor), TriGreen Equipment (Contestant T-Shirt and Shuttle Sponsor), and Bank Independent (Craft Vendor Sponsor).

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Brandy Conway, Executive Director Foundation and Corporate Relations, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 256-233-8190.

This project is supported through funding provided by the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area and the Alabama Department of Tourism.