Showcase Your Talent at the Charlie Poole Festival's Contests
The Charlie Poole Festival contests are the beating heart of our festival, where tradition meets talent in a celebration of music. Every year, we open the stage to artists from all walks of life, inviting them to share their passion, showcase their skills, and perhaps even write their own chapter in the rich history of American music. Whether you're a seasoned musician or have never performed outside your living room, the Charlie Poole Festival contests offer a platform to shine.
Registration is onsite – registration for a category is open until that category’s competition begins.
Friday, June 12, 2026
The Youth Competition starts at 4:00 pm. Our youth categories cater to those 16 years old and under.
- Youth – Solo Vocal
- Youth – Duet Vocal
- Youth – Open Instrument
- Youth – Guitar
- Youth – Fiddle
- Youth – Banjo
- Youth – Band
Saturday, June 13, 2026
The Adult Competition will start at 10:00 am. People of all ages can join.
- Solo Vocal
- Duet Vocal
- Folk Song
- Charlie Poole Song
- Open Instrument
- Finger Style Guitar
- Flat Pick Guitar
- Bluegrass Fiddle
- Old Time Fiddle
- Bluegrass Banjo
- Clawhammer Banjo
- Bluegrass Band
- Old Time Band
- Grand Champion Banjo - Old Time 3 Finger Banjo
Rewards and Recognitions
Cash prizes and ribbons are awarded for the top five places in all categories to include individual (cash prizes of $50, $40, $30, $20, & $10) and bands (cash prizes of $500, $400, $300, $200, and $100), except forGrand Champion - Old Time 3-Finger Banjo, which is winner-takes-all - $1,000 cash prize + Grand Champion Ribbon.