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🎉Come visit Mountain City, Tennessee . . . Where Old-Time Music Found its Voice! 🎶
Event Highlights
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Official Mural Unveiling Celebration – Friday, October 3, 5:00 p.m.
The new mural of The Kody Norris Show by artist Tim White will be officially unveiled at Food Country, sponsored by The Friends of Kody Norris. A Celebration Meet & Greet will follow at Local’s Deli. -
Opening Night – Friday, October 3, 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Kick off the celebration with FREE live performances and the excitement of competition. -
Convention Day – Saturday, October 4
Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. and the music begins at 10:00 a.m. -
Grand Fiddle Champion Prize – A rare 1925 $20 Gold Coin valued at $3,000, honoring the year of the very first convention. The First Runner-Up will receive a custom Jason Barie fiddle.
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Cash Prizes & More – Over $14,500 in cash and prizes will be awarded.
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Workshops – Free educational opportunities for musicians and fans.
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Food Trucks & Vendors – Enjoy great eats and unique merchandise.
Live Performances
Special 100th Anniversary performances at Heritage Hall Square will feature:
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Pete Denahy – Friday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m. & Saturday, October 4 at 12:30 p.m.
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Wyatt Ellis Band – Friday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m.
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The Kody Norris Show – Friday, October 3 at 8:00 p.m.
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Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers - Saturday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m.
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The Tennessee Bluegrass Band – Saturday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Admission & Details
Admission to all events is provided at no cost through the generous support of the Tennessee Arts Commission and Skyline National Bank. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs for this outdoor, rain-or-shine celebration. Competition entry fees are $15 per person/per category. Due to the nature of the event, the schedule will be free-flowing with no exact times for each competition category. The schedule is subject to change.
Why It Matters
The Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention is widely regarded as one of the most influential music gatherings in American history. In 1925, it brought together musicians whose artistry shaped the recording industry and preserved the sounds of Appalachia for the world. Today, as Johnson County honors its heritage, the convention stands as both a tribute to the past and a vibrant celebration of the future of old-time and bluegrass music.
Learn More!
Full event details, competition information, and schedules are available at:
👉 www.MountainCityFC.com
100th Anniversary of the
Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention
October 3–4, 2025
Heritage Hall Theatre in Mountain City, TN
This October, Johnson County takes center stage in the world of Old-Time and Bluegrass music as The Kody Norris Show presents the 100th Anniversary of the Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention.
What began in 1925 as a gathering of local musicians has since been called a “watershed moment” in the birth of country music. Now, a century later, Mountain City proudly welcomes visitors from near and far to celebrate this living legacy.
The Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention is more than just a renowned music competition — it’s a living piece of Appalachian history. The first convention was held in May of 1925, at the very same location that now houses Heritage Hall Theatre. That original gathering of fiddlers and string bands helped spark the old-time music revival of the 20th century, influencing legendary performers and shaping the soundscape of American folk and country music for generations to come.
Get to Know Us
Embrace our great outdoors . . .
Breathe in our fresh clean air . . .
Revel in the sound of an aviary symphony each morning . . .
And gaze up at our beautiful starry sky!
You'll quickly come to love our way of life as you enjoy our spirit of adventure . . . rich musical heritage . . . and some of the most incredible scenery anywhere in the US.
Located in the Northeast tip of Tennessee, we have become a popular vacation destination offering exciting outdoor adventures, fun on the beautiful Watauga Lake, fine dining experiences and welcoming trademark festivals.
Situated at the highest valley in the area, you will want to make Mountain City in Johnson County an annual trip!
