Old Time Fiddlers Week
Old-Time Fiddlers Week brings musicians to a small town in Idaho. Fiddlers tune up across parking lots, campsites, and gym floors.
Music fills every corner—fast, sharp, and full of energy.
Crowds gather near the stage or lean close to sidewalk jams. People clap, stomp, and listen hard. The entire place moves to the rhythm.
That day matters for more than just competition. Players test skill, timing, and style under pressure. Judges listen for clean notes and steady hands. Fans react to every strong finish.
The event brings people together through sound, sweat, and string. One day, packed with music that speaks without words.
How to Celebrate Old-Time Fiddlers Week
Here’s how you can join in, whether you attend in person or celebrate from afar:
Watch live contests and shows
Catch performances from each age group as fiddlers play lively rounds. You can hear hoedowns, waltzes, and one free‑choice tune, performed in multiple stages.
Fans cheer and watch as musicians show off timing and spirit.
Take part in workshops
Attend sessions where players share skills, styles, and techniques.
These events often lift your own play and invite questions. They include lessons on contest style and jamming, open to everyone.
Enjoy jamming around town
Move between informal jam sessions in parks, near campsites, or at vendor areas. Guests listen or join in.
Tunes swirl at the campsite well past dark, filling fields with rich, acoustic visits.
Join a parade or carnival fun
Step into the parade or visit fair‑style stalls full of crafts and food. These set a festive mood around the high school gym and park spaces.
Volunteer behind the scenes
Offer to help run contests, manage stalls, or welcome visitors. Many locals gather each year to make the event happen.
Your help can spark new friendships and access to local energy.
Stream or follow from home
If attending isn’t possible, follow livestreams or catch show recaps online. Many contests share video or audio highlights so fans everywhere enjoy the rhythm and skill.
History of Old Time Fiddlers Week
Old-Time Fiddlers Week began in a small Idaho town called Weiser. Early contests popped up around 1914 but didn’t last long.
Things changed years later when a local man named Blaine Stubblefield stepped in.
He worked for the Chamber of Commerce and wanted something special to bring people together. In 1953, he helped launch the first official event during a square dance festival.
The contest started small but grew quickly. By 1956, more musicians joined, and organizers gave the event a new name.
Seven years later, it became the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest. The week now includes multiple divisions, drawing players of all ages from across the country.
Every summer, the gym at Weiser High School turns into a stage. Fiddlers take turns playing fast-paced hoedowns, slow waltzes, and one tune of choice.
Outside, camps fill with jam circles that go well into the night. Food trucks and craft tents add to the fun.
Weiser now calls itself the “Fiddling Capital of the World.” What started as a local idea became a major tradition.
Thousands come each year, not just to compete—but to connect through music, stories, and the lively sound of string against wood.
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