Athens Named Music Friendly Community by Texas Governor

The city will celebrate its 95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest with new state certification.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:33pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration using bold black shapes and bright red and white colors to represent the vibrant energy of live music and community celebration in Athens, Texas.Athens' new Music Friendly Texas certification will amplify the city's rich musical heritage and energize its thriving live performance culture.Athens Today

The City of Athens, Texas has been named a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by Governor Greg Abbott. The designation comes as the city prepares to host its 95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest, a long-running music festival that attracts musicians from across the nation.

Why it matters

The Music Friendly Texas certification from the governor's office recognizes Athens' longstanding commitment to live music and culture, and will help the city continue to attract musicians, music-related businesses, and music tourism to boost the local economy.

The details

The Texas Music Office, a division of the governor's office, works with communities across the state to help them earn the Music Friendly Texas certification by creating a dedicated Music Friendly Texas Liaison position in the local government. The certification ceremony will take place on April 18 during the 95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest.

  • The City of Athens will celebrate the 95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest in April 2026.
  • The certification ceremony will take place on April 18, 2026.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who announced the Music Friendly Texas certification for the City of Athens.

Aaron Smith

The Mayor of Athens, Texas who commented on the city's long history of valuing music as a cultural asset.

Texas Music Office

A division of the Texas Governor's office that works with communities across the state to help them earn the Music Friendly Texas certification.

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What they’re saying

“Congratulations to the City of Athens on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. With support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounts for more than 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates over $31 billion in annual economic activity statewide. Together, we will continue to work alongside communities in every region of our state to create good-paying jobs and boost economic growth.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

“The City of Athens has always valued music as a cultural asset. This year, Athens will celebrate the 95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest. Musicians from all over the nation come to show their skills and compete against some of the very best. The Music Friendly Texas certification will be very meaningful to the citizens of Athens, verifying their long and continuing commitment to live music.”

— Aaron Smith, Mayor of Athens

What’s next

The City of Athens and the Texas Music Office will host a certification ceremony on April 18, 2026 during the 95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest to officially recognize Athens as the newest Music Friendly Texas Certified Community.

The takeaway

The Music Friendly Texas certification from the governor's office is a significant achievement for the City of Athens, validating its long history and ongoing commitment to supporting live music and music culture as an economic and community asset. This designation will help Athens continue to attract musicians, music-related businesses, and music tourism to boost the local economy.