Fiddle Fest Celebrates 10th Year on February 28
February 12, 2026 – In the tradition of the McFarland Mall Bluegrass and Fiddle Championship and the Black Warrior Fiddle Fest, Fiddle Fest and the Southeastern Fiddle Championship will return to Shelton State Community College on Saturday, February 28 on the College’s Martin Campus. Now in its tenth year, the one-day festival will be a family-friendly event celebrating the rich sounds of bluegrass and fiddle music and its talented musicians. Arts, crafts, food vendors, and family activities will be ongoing throughout the day. Admission to the festival and entry in competition categories are free.
This project has been made possible by financial donations from the Community Foundation of West Alabama, Visit Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts with generous support from Shelton State Community College. With additional sponsorship contributions, Fiddle Fest serves as an ongoing effort to maintain the traditions of bluegrass and “old-time fiddle music.”
“It is difficult to believe that this is our tenth year,” shared Glenn Taylor, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of West Alabama. “Contestants for this year’s competition are coming from all over the country, so we anticipate a very exciting day of music and fun.”
Festivities of the day will include the 10th Annual Southeast Fiddle Championship. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. and competition will begin at 9:00 a.m. Over $10,000 in prize money will be awarded in a variety of categories with top prize money being awarded to the first-place bluegrass band, as well as the grand champion fiddle player.
Additional funding has been secured from other sponsors in the West Alabama community. These sponsors include American Fiberglass, Cartography Consulting, Coca-Cola United, Houston Hydra-Steam, SmartBank, and Tuscaloosa Radio with additional support provided by Greg Farris and the Ray Foundation.
For more information on the festival and a complete list of competition categories, follow @alabamafiddle on Facebook and Instagram or visit Fiddle Fest 2026. Registration remains open for all those interested in competing or volunteering.
For additional information about fine arts opportunities at Shelton State, visit sheltonstate.edu.
