Annual Music Events
A year-round calendar of the festivals, conventions, and weekly gatherings where Southwest Virginia’s music is played live.
Music Year-Round
You can hear traditional music in Southwest Virginia almost any week of the year. Summer brings the great outdoor conventions and festivals; spring and fall offer smaller community gatherings; and the Friday Night Jamboree in Floyd runs every single week. Always confirm dates on the event’s website before traveling — schedules shift with the seasons.
Event Calendar
Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention
Galax, VA
The oldest and largest old-time music gathering in the world.
Visit websiteFries Fiddlers’ Convention
Fries, VA
A community fiddlers’ gathering in the mill town where the New River Trail begins.
Visit websiteMount Airy Bluegrass & Old-Time Fiddlers’ Convention
Mount Airy, NC
A major annual convention just across the state line.
MerleFest
Wilkesboro, NC
One of the largest roots music festivals in the US, honoring Doc Watson’s son Merle.
Visit websiteFloydFest
Floyd, VA
A major multi-day music festival near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Dock Boggs & Kate Peters Sturgill Festival
Norton, VA
An annual festival honoring Dock Boggs and Wise County musician Kate Peters Sturgill.
Friday Night Jamboree
Floyd, VA
A weekly gathering of old-time music and flatfoot dancing at the Floyd Country Store.
Visit websiteDid You Know?
- The Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention has drawn thousands of musicians and campers each August since 1935.
- MerleFest, founded in memory of Doc Watson’s son Merle, is one of the largest roots-music festivals in the United States.
- The Friday Night Jamboree in Floyd is weekly — you don’t have to plan a whole trip around it.
Combine Music and the Outdoors
Plan a trip that pairs a day on the New River Trail with the living musical heritage of Southwest Virginia.