The Banjo & Fiddle Contest celebrates its 45th event on September 12, 2026 from 10:00AM to 6:00PM.
The event is free for contestants, as well as all traditional music fans who would like to come and listen. Never been to a banjo and fiddle contest before? Bring your lawn chairs and settle in to watch the friendly competition and get in touch with our country’s musical roots.
We’re happy to announce the judges for the 2026 Lowell Banjo & Fiddle Contest! This year, we’re welcoming back one familiar face, and thrilled to have a new judge joining us:
Tim Rowell - www.BostonBanjoTeacher.com
Natalie Rae Padilla! www.nataliepadillamusic.com
Both Tim and Natalie will be leading free workshops at 10AM the morning of the contest — Tim on old-time banjo, and Natalie on bluegrass fiddle.Whether you’re brushing up before competing or just want to join in, everyone’s welcome.
In addition to the contest, informal jams will take place throughout the day.
There will be workshops in bluegrass banjo, old time fiddle and ethnic/bluegrass fiddle.
Registration takes place on-site.
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO DOWNLOAD, FILL OUT AND BRING THE CONTEST REGISTRATION FORM for Single Contestant or Dual Contestants
A DAY OF MUSIC AND COMMUNITY...
Expect a full day of music and community, beginning with morning workshops and organized jam sessions, followed by on-site registration through midday. The Banjo & Fiddle Contest runs from noon until the final performer wraps up, after which judges tally scores and award prizes, typically around 5:30 PM.
Who loves a FREE workshop? This year you have the opportunity to attend more than 1 workshop!
Start your day off right with workshops! at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m! In addition to the fabulous workshops by judges Tim Rowell and Natalie Padilla, you can choose from sessions in yodeling, Bluegrass banjo, and Old Time fiddle.
Complete List of Workshops and times:
10 a.m. - 11 a.m
Bluegrass Fiddle - Breaks, Fills, and Harmony - with Natalie Rae Padilla. Other instruments are also welcome to attend!
Old-Time Clawhammer Banjo - Mace Bell's Civil War March in Sawmill Tuning" with Tim Rowell
Demystifying Yodeling - with Alan Kaufman
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Old Time Fiddle - Move from basic tune melody to the rhythmic groove of southern, OT sound" with Cathy Mason
Bluegrass Banjo - Getting the most out of Back-up and Fills” with Gretchen Bowder
We have some NEW, FAMILY FRIENDLY experiences to enjoy this year at the 45th annual Lowell Banjo & Fiddle Contest!
Beginning at 12 p.m
Banjo Petting Zoo - Look at, learn about, and try out interesting, and old, banjos from across New England. Hear their stories and share in the fun! If you have a cool banjo and you want to share it with others, bring it along. The more the merrier!
Kids Art Tent - Stop by to color and create a LBFC button, or decorate a wooden banjo or fiddle decoration to take home (while supplies last).
At the Banjo & Fiddle Contest, we invite you to come celebrate musical heritage. The repertoire of tunes played during the Contest is what folklorists refer to as traditional music – music practiced by groups of people who share a common ethnic heritage, geographic region, or way of life.
Tunes are shared within families and communities and are passed on over generations.
For More Info: Contact us at: info@lowellbanjoandfiddlecontest.org
PLEASE VISIT US ON FACEBOOK FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFO!
Support the Banjo and Fiddle Contest!
At the Banjo & Fiddle Contest, we invite you to come celebrate musical heritage.
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