Old Time Fiddlers’ Week tunes up every third full week in June, celebrating traditional fiddle music and culture. From June 21-27, 2026, musicians and fans gather in Weiser, Idaho, for a vibrant festival of competitions, workshops, and performances. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of old-time music, discover new talent, and join the rhythmic celebration.
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Expected Old Time Fiddlers Week Deals
As Old Time Fiddlers’ Week approaches, expect musical instrument retailers and local businesses to offer special promotions. While specific 2027 deals are pending, past years have seen discounts from brands like Guitar Center and Sweetwater on string instruments and accessories. Local Weiser businesses, including hotels and restaurants, often have special rates or menus. Even travel sites like Expedia and Booking.com may feature Idaho-specific travel packages. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 2027 approaches.
Platform Guide for Old Time Fiddlers Week
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #OldTimeFiddlersWeek. Share short clips of your favorite fiddle tunes or contest moments.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #OldTimeFiddlersWeek. Post photos and reels showcasing the vibrant festival atmosphere and talented musicians.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #OldTimeFiddlersWeek. Share real-time updates from Weiser, Idaho, and highlight your favorite performances.
Old Time Fiddlers Week Hero
Eck Robertson
History of Old Time Fiddlers Week
The contest began in 1953 when Blaine Stubblefield, a fiddle fan who was also secretary of the Weiser Chamber of Commerce, organized the maiden Northwest Mountain Fiddlers’ Contest. As the contest grew in popularity, yearly attendance soared, and more competitors came to grace the contest from various remote locations. In 1956, with the introduction of a regional division for out-of-area fiddlers, the contest was renamed the Northwest Oldtime Fiddling Championships. The National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest — as we know it now — was inaugurated in 1963. Since then, the week-long contest has continued to grow and now sets the standard for all national fiddling competitions. Widely regarded as one of the best in the United States, the Oldtime Fiddlers’ Festival has earned Weiser the iconic title of “The Fiddling Capital of The World!”
Even though the most prominent style of play in the fiddling competition is Texas Contest Style, many other fiddling styles are also played during the late-night jam sessions. There are seven divisions in the contest: Small Fry division (contestants eight years of age and younger); Junior-Junior division (contestants 12 years of age and younger); Junior division (contestants younger than 18 years); and Young Adult division (ages 18 to 36). The other divisions in the competition are the Adult division (ages 37 to 59); the Senior Division (ages 60 and above); and finally, the Grand Champion, which is open to competitors of any age.
No competitor may compete in more than one division, and inter-division competitions are not allowed. The Small Fry and Junior-Junior divisions compete in three rounds; the Junior, Young Adult, Adult, and Senior divisions have to compete in four rounds; and the Grand Championship lasts for six rounds.
Old Time Fiddlers Week timeline
Italian Andrea Amati begins making violins.
Fiddling is heard for the first time in Weiser, Idaho.
The first fiddling contest is held in Weiser.
The competition officially becomes the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest.
Old Time Fiddlers Week FAQs
When is Old Time Fiddlers' Week?
Old Time Fiddlers’ Week 2026 runs from Sunday, June 21, through Saturday, June 27, bringing a week of traditional music to Weiser, Idaho.
How many people attend Old Time Fiddlers' Week?
Roughly 10,000 attendees and nearly 350 fiddlers converge on Weiser, Idaho, each year for the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Week, making it a significant cultural event.
Where is Old Time Fiddlers' Week held?
The National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Week is primarily held at Weiser High School in Weiser, Idaho, with contestants often camping in the school’s sports fields.
What is old-time fiddling?
Old-time fiddling refers to a style of traditional folk music played on the fiddle, often characterized by dance tunes, strong rhythmic drive, and regional variations. It’s distinct from bluegrass or classical violin.
Old Time Fiddlers Week Activities
Compete
The National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest and Festival is open to anyone qualified to compete in any of the divisions. You can visit the contest’s official website to register.
Grace the festival
If you love fiddle music or are curious about what happens at the festival, you can take a trip to Weiser during the festival. Other than the contests, you’ll be awed by the side attractions at the festival.
Volunteer
The fiddling festival also welcomes volunteers to bring glamor and style to the events. Visit the official website to see how you can be a part of the volunteer force.
5 Interesting Facts About The Fiddle/Violin
What’s in the name?
The word ‘violin’ comes from the Middle Latin word ‘vitula’ which means ‘stringed instrument,’ and ‘fiddle’ comes from the Old English word ‘fithele’.
There’s a name for violin artisans
A person who makes or repairs violins is called a ‘luthier’ and the one who makes the bow is called an ‘archetier.’
It’s not an easy job
It may take up to 200 hours to make a good-quality violin!
To create a modern violin
Modern violins are made from over 70 pieces of wood.
Fiddling is helpful mentally and physically
Violinists can use both sides of their brain more easily and burn up to 175 calories an hour while playing the violin!
Why We Love Old Time Fiddlers Week
Promoting good old fiddling
This fiddling festival and contest is known for promoting old-time and traditional fiddling and related traditional arts. It continues to be the standard for all fiddling contests and festivals across the U.S.
For charity and education
Other than the contests and festivals, National Oldtime Fiddlers, Inc., the sponsoring corporation, also focuses on using the event for charitable and educational purposes. The corporation also conducts research, provides instruction, and maintains archives and collections on old-time fiddling and related traditional arts.
Rewarding ingenious fiddlers
For over 60 years, the contest has welcomed hobby and professional fiddlers from various locations. It also serves as a meeting point for fiddle fans, supporters, and enthusiasts.
Old Time Fiddlers Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 21–27 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | June 20–26 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | June 18–24 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | June 17–23 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | June 16–22 | Sunday–Saturday |
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