Old-time musicians from across the region will gather at Hagood Mill Historic Site for the annual South Carolina Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention, featuring the official SC State Fiddling Championship, on Friday and Saturday, September 18–19, 2026.

This beloved, state-sanctioned two-day event brings together competitors, music lovers, and families for a memorable weekend of traditional music, history, and community.

The festivities begin Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Pavilion with a special concert featuring Blindhouse — Cody Bauer, Duck Ryan, Ryan Dunaway, and George Colyer — along with the Blue Wall Ramblers — Becky Stovall, David White, Patrick Powers, and Walter Harris.

On Saturday, the SC State Fiddling Championship begins at 9:00 a.m. Competitions will be held in fiddle, guitar, banjo, open, and old-time string band categories, with both youth and adult divisions. The championship continues into the evening, so visitors are encouraged to plan for a full day of music and tradition.

Saturday night’s concert begins around 7:30 p.m. and will feature George Jackson with Tall Poppy String Band and the Blue Ridge Rounders — Bob and Amy Buckingham and Jamie Carter.

Ticket Options:

Weekend Camping Package, Friday–Sunday: Includes two camping passes, two Friday and Saturday concert tickets, and general admission to Saturday’s State Fiddling Competition — $60
Camping Only: $10 per person for one night or $15 per person for both nights
Friday or Saturday Concert Tickets Only: $10 each
Saturday Competition Tickets Only: $7
Children ages 9 and under: Free admission

Order Tickets ==> https://visithagoodmill.com/event/old-time-fiddlers-convention-2026

The historic water-powered gristmill will be operating on Saturday, with fresh stone-ground products available for purchase. Guests can also enjoy living-history demonstrations, artisan vendors, food trucks, and lively open jams beneath the cedar tree beside the site’s 1791 log cabin.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for the performances.

For contest registration, rules, prize details, and more information, visit visithagoodmill.com/sc-old-time-fiddlers-competition. Registered competitors receive one free general-admission ticket to Saturday’s event.

Come experience the music, heritage, and welcoming community spirit that make Hagood Mill Historic Site a South Carolina treasure.

About Hagood Mill Historic Site

Located in the heart of Pickens, South Carolina, Hagood Mill Historic Site is a treasured destination dedicated to preserving and celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage. Established in 1845, the site features a historic gristmill, cultural exhibits, and a vibrant calendar of events showcasing traditional arts, music, and history.

Home to the South Carolina Rock Art Center, Hagood Mill serves as a hub for education, discovery, and preservation of Native American rock art and other significant cultural artifacts. Through its programs and initiatives, the site fosters a deep connection to the past while inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect South Carolina’s unique history.