BATTLE OF THE BANJOS
MEET THE FINAL THREE!
SEE THE FINAL THREE COMPETE LIVE THIS SATURDAY!
This Saturday, June 6th, we're hosting the very first Battle of the Banjos live finale at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Mills River, NC and we want you there. Three finalists. One stage. All of them fighting for a spot on the Earl Scruggs Music Festival stage this September. These are up-and-coming artists that are keeping this music alive and carrying it somewhere new. Come hear them do it live, then cast your vote for who you want on that ESMF stage. The FREE event runs from 2 to 5 PM. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is a pretty good place to spend a Saturday afternoon, and we think the music just might blow the roof off. This is what it's all about, y'all. Come be part of it.
The Battle of the Banjos is heating up — and now it’s your turn to decide who takes the stage at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival.
After an incredible round of submissions from rising bluegrass, Americana, and roots artists, we’re narrowing it down. These finalists represent the next generation of pickers, players, and storytellers — and one will earn a spot on the festival lineup.
Listen. Vote. Help crown the winner.
VOTE FOR THE NEXT BANJO CHAMPIONS!
WHAT THEY'RE PLAYING FOR
The winning artist will take home:
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TWO live performance slots at the 2026 Earl Scruggs Music Festival (9/3 and 9/6)
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$1,000 grand prize honorarium
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A feature interview on WNCW
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Festival passes for the full weekend
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Promotion across festival social media, email, and website
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Bluegrass Berm tent camping for the weekend
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A performance at Blue Highway Fest (October 8–11, 2026)
HOW IT WORKS
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ROUND 1: PANEL JUDGING
A panel of festival organizers and music professionals will review all submissions and select top 8 finalists based on musicianship, originality, and fit for the festival. Finalists will be announced on Friday, April 24.
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ROUND 2: FAN VOTING
Finalists will be featured on our socials throughout the month of May, and fans will be asked to vote for who they want to see on the stage! Voting will open to the public. Stay tuned for voting schedules and rules. Rally your fans to help you win the top spot!
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ROUND 3: FINALIST SHOWCASE
Our top 3 finalists will take the stage on Saturday, June 6 at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Mills River, NC to battle it out live. If you make the cut, you’ll need to be there to play your set and show the fans what you’ve got. Voting for the grand prize will end in late June.
WHO CAN ENTER
BATTLE OF THE BANJOS?
Battle of the Banjos is open to up-and-coming artists or acts that feature a banjo on at least one song, based in the Southeastern United States. Entrants must be 18 years or older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Applicants must be available to perform at the Battle of the Banjos Finalists Competition on Saturday, June 6 from 2–5 PM at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Mills River, North Carolina.
Finalists and the eventual winner must also be available to perform during Earl Scruggs Music Festival, held September 4–6 at Tryon International in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging for both appearances unless otherwise specified. By entering, applicants confirm they can attend both events if selected.
