Uncle Dave Macon Days Brings Back National Banjo Contest

Tennessee's iconic roots music festival revives its historic banjo competition after a 7-year hiatus.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:25pm

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An abstract illustration featuring bold, geometric shapes in deep blue and bright yellow, conceptually representing the iconic banjo and the vibrant spirit of a music festival.The return of the National Old-time Banjo Contest injects new energy into Tennessee's beloved Uncle Dave Macon Days festival.Murfreesboro Today

The 48th annual Uncle Dave Macon Days and Roots Rendezvous festival in Murfreesboro, Tennessee will feature the return of the National Old-time Banjo Contest for the first time since 2019. The music competition, which was established 40 years ago with the help of former U.S. Representative Bart Gordon, will be part of a broader lineup of instrument contests including bluegrass banjo, traditional fiddle, and more.

Why it matters

The Uncle Dave Macon Days festival celebrates the legacy of the legendary banjo player and Grand Ole Opry star, who hailed from Rutherford County. The revival of the National Old-time Banjo Contest underscores the festival's commitment to preserving Tennessee's rich musical heritage and providing a platform for skilled musicians to showcase their talents.

The details

The music contests will take place on Saturday, September 12th, with judges roaming the Hop Springs grounds to listen to the various bands and solo performers. In addition to the banjo competition, the festival will feature contests for bluegrass banjo, traditional fiddle, beginner musicians, guitar, dobro, old-time singing, and mandolin. An arts program with on-site artists creating work will also be part of the 3-day event.

  • The 48th annual Uncle Dave Macon Days and Roots Rendezvous festival will take place from September 11-13, 2026.
  • The music contests, including the National Old-time Banjo Contest, are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

The players

Uncle Dave Macon Days

An annual arts and music festival in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that celebrates the legacy of legendary banjo player and Grand Ole Opry star Uncle Dave Macon.

Bart Gordon

A former U.S. Representative who helped get the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival and its National Old-time Banjo Contest officially recognized 40 years ago.

Deana Rothwell

A board member of the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival.

Aubrey Collins

The organizer of the Boro Arts Crawl, which will be part of the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival for the third consecutive year.

Gloria Christy

The president of the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to be taking some baby steps getting back in there. The reason we thought it was a great year to (bring the contests back) was because 40 years ago, Bart Gordon went to the House of Representatives to get Uncle Dave Macon Days listed as the official old-time banjo contest.”

— Deana Rothwell, Uncle Dave Macon Days board member

“Our goal this year is to create a space where art and local history come together. We are encouraging artists to create onsite. It's a great opportunity for artists to connect with the community, share their process and be part of a truly meaningful local tradition.”

— Aubrey Collins, Boro Arts Crawl organizer

“We are pleased to announce the revival of the contest in 2026. With the return of the National Old-time Banjo Contest, our festival acknowledges the significance of this distinctive Tennessee musical tradition, which continues to be celebrated by new generations of skilled musicians.”

— Gloria Christy, Uncle Dave Macon Days President

What’s next

The music contests, including the National Old-time Banjo Contest, will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026 as part of the 48th annual Uncle Dave Macon Days and Roots Rendezvous festival in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The takeaway

The revival of the National Old-time Banjo Contest at the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival underscores the event's commitment to preserving Tennessee's rich musical heritage and providing a platform for skilled musicians to showcase their talents in traditional instruments like the banjo. The festival's blend of music, arts, and local history creates a uniquely immersive experience for attendees.