MURFREESBOREO, TN (WGNS) - We’re just a week away from a Rutherford County traditions: Uncle Dave Macon Days — A Roots Rendezvous, coming Friday through Sunday, September 11–13, 2026, at Hop Springs, 6790 John Bragg Highway. It’s more than a festival; it’s a celebration of the life, music, and legacy of Uncle Dave Macon, the Grand Ole Opry’s first true superstar. The weekend brings a family‑friendly mix of early American roots music, bluegrass, Americana, and plenty of stories tied to the man himself. Hop Springs sits just around the corner from Uncle Dave’s old homeplace in the Coleman Community, where he ran his mule‑drawn delivery service between Murfreesboro and Woodbury. He’s buried in the historic Coleman Cemetery on the Old Woodbury Highway — a stone’s throw from where thousands will gather next weekend to honor his legacy.
National Championships Highlight the Weekend
A major draw is the return of the National Championships, including Old Time Banjo, Bluegrass Banjo, Traditional Fiddle, Beginner Musician, Old-Time Singing, Dobro Guitar, Mandolin, Flat Pick Guitar, and the lively Shade Tree Pickin’ Band. The prestigious National Old-Time Banjo Contest kicks off Saturday, September 12 at 10 a.m.
Matilda Macon Artisan Village Debuts
Saturday also marks the debut of the Matilda Macon Artisan Village, showcasing local handwork, foodways, and rural heritage traditions such as quilting, basketry, blacksmithing, and other hands-on demonstrations throughout the weekend.
Family Fun Rooted in Local History
Kids and adults alike will enjoy mule-drawn wagon rides, a farm animal petting zoo, and plenty of space to roam across Hop Springs’ 83 pristine acres. It’s fitting, considering Uncle Dave himself often warmed up for Opry performances by singing with the whittlers on the Murfreesboro square before catching the Greyhound bus to Nashville.
A Tradition Nearly 50 Years Strong
The festival traces its roots to July 1, 1978, when Jessie Messick and Uncle Dave’s grandson David Ramsey Macon launched the very first event on the Murfreesboro square. Local historian Gloria Christy soon joined in, helping grow the festival into an internationally recognized celebration of Uncle Dave’s claw‑hammer banjo style and storytelling songs.
Next weekend continues that tradition: Friday opens at 4:30 p.m. Saturday contests begin at 9:00 a.m. Sunday features gospel music starting at 1:00 p.m.
Admission is free, with a $10 parking fee per car — and everyone inside gets in at no charge. It’s a full weekend of music, heritage, and homegrown fun, right here in the heart of Rutherford County.
