MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - One of Middle Tennessee’s longest-running celebrations of traditional American music is preparing for another year of banjos, fiddles, folk songs, and regional artistry as organizers officially announced the return of Uncle Dave Macon Days: A Roots Rendezvous Music & Arts Festival for 2026.
Festival leaders gathered Tuesday, June 9, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling plans for the 48th annual event, which is scheduled for Sept. 11 through Sept. 13 at Hop Springs, located at 6790 John Bragg Highway in Murfreesboro.
For nearly half a century, the festival has served as a cultural showcase dedicated to preserving the musical traditions deeply rooted in Tennessee history. Organizers say the gathering continues to honor the sounds and storytelling styles that once filled porches, barns, churches, and community gatherings across the South while introducing those traditions to younger audiences.
A centerpiece of the upcoming celebration will be the return of the National Old-time Banjo Contest on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. The competition has long been regarded as one of the festival’s defining attractions and remains closely tied to the legacy of Uncle Dave Macon, the pioneering entertainer widely credited with helping bridge the gap between rural folk music and modern country music.
Contest categories for 2026 will include National Championship Old Time Banjo, Bluegrass Banjo, Traditional Fiddle, Beginner Musician, Old-time Singing, Dobro Guitar, Mandolin, Flat Pick Guitar, and Shade Tree Pickin’ Band.
The festival itself was recognized by the U.S. Congress in 1986 for its role in preserving Tennessee’s musical heritage and promoting the clawhammer banjo style popularized by Uncle Dave Macon.
According to historians, Macon became the Grand Ole Opry’s first major superstar and helped lay the groundwork for generations of country performers who followed. Organizers say the annual contest remains an important way to keep that influence alive through emerging musicians carrying on the tradition today.
“We are pleased to announce the revival of the contest in 2026,” said Gloria Christy, president of Uncle Dave Macon Days and Roots Rendezvous Music & Arts Festival. “With the return of the National Old-time Banjo Contest, our festival acknowledges the significance of this distinctive Tennessee musical tradition, which continues to be celebrated by new generations of skilled musicians."
Christy added that the gathering also highlights the historic connection between the event and Macon’s original homeplace in the Kittrell community while further establishing Middle Tennessee as a destination for music enthusiasts from across the country.
Beyond live performances and competitions, proceeds generated from the weekend festivities will support educational programs focused on American-made roots music in schools, community organizations, and regional arts initiatives.
Additional announcements regarding featured performers, schedules, and special attractions are expected in the coming months.
More information about the event can be found at Roots Rendezvous Music & Arts Festival. Festival organizers can also be reached by email at gsc714@gmail.com or by text at 615-668-0475.
