BATTLE OF THE BANJOS
WIN A SLOT AT SCRUGGS FEST!
Are you a rising bluegrass, Americana, or roots band looking for your big break? Here’s your chance to take the stage at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival alongside some of the genre’s best, plus a special interview on WNCW-88.7!
Grand Prize Includes:
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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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Set at Blue Highway Fest (October 8-11, 2026)
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.
HOW IT WORKS
Entry is free. Fill out the form below by Tuesday, April 14. One entry per band.
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ROUND 1: PANEL JUDGING
A panel of festival organizers and music professionals will review all submissions and select top 10 finalists based on musicianship, originality, and fit for the festival. Finalists will be announced on Tuesday, April 21.
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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.
