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Driftwood Today
By the People, for the People
Youth Talent Competition Registration Open for Old Settler's Music Festival
Annual competition offers $300 cash prize and festival performance slot for young artists
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Old Settler's Music Festival in Driftwood, Texas is now accepting registrations for its annual Youth Talent Competition. The competition is open to musical artists age 18 and under who perform in American roots music styles like bluegrass, country, blues, gospel, or traditional. Winners receive a $300 cash prize and a full set on the following year's festival lineup.
Why it matters
The Old Settler's Music Festival is a long-running and popular event that draws music fans from across the region to experience a diverse lineup of modern and progressive bluegrass, Americana, and roots acts. The Youth Talent Competition helps nurture the next generation of artists in these genres and provides a high-profile platform for young musicians to showcase their talents.
The details
To enter the competition, artists must submit a video performance by February 28th. There is no fee to enter, and selected contestants will compete live at the festival from April 17-19. Depending on the number of entrants, there may be multiple rounds of live competition. Contestants can have up to two accompanists on stage, but only acoustic instruments are allowed.
- Registration for the Youth Talent Competition is open through February 28, 2026.
- The live competition rounds will take place during the Old Settler's Music Festival from April 17-19, 2026.
The players
Old Settler's Music Festival
An annual music festival held in Driftwood, Texas that focuses on modern and progressive bluegrass, Americana, and roots music acts.
What’s next
The festival organizers will select the competition finalists and announce the winner after the live competition rounds conclude on April 19th.
The takeaway
The Old Settler's Music Festival's Youth Talent Competition provides a valuable opportunity for young musicians in the bluegrass, country, and Americana genres to gain exposure and experience performing on a major festival stage.
