Competitions

Competitions

Competition
Stage Schedule

Registration Ends Competition Begins Category
12:15pm 12:30pm Mandolin
12:45pm 1:00pm Guitar
1:15pm 1:30pm Bluegrass Banjo
1:45pm 2:00pm Old Time Banjo
2:15pm 2:30pm Bluegrass Fiddle
2:45pm 3:00pm Old Time Fiddle
3:15pm 3:30pm Band Competition
— 4:00pm Songwriting Finalists

Competition Information

Main Stage and Acoustic Arbor performers receiving compensation are not eligible to compete.

Instrument Competition

Competition rules and regulations have been revised. Please read carefully.

Registration & Fees

  • Each contestant must complete a registration form for each competition entered and pay applicable fees before the posted cutoff time for each category.
  • For bands, they must enter the name of the song they plan to perform.
  • Fees:
    • $10 for the first instrument
    • $5 for the second instrument
    • Bands: $15
  • Payment will be taken at the registration booth.
  • No late registrations once a category begins.
  • If a category has only one competitor, they may perform, but the category will be considered uncontested.
    • Competitors will receive a performance recognition certificate and a reduced prize amount.
    • Full placement awards will not be given.

Performance Rules

  • Old Time songs must have been composed prior to 1945.
  • Each contestant will play two tunes: one fast and one slow (subject to adjustment based on entries).
  • Medleys are allowed but must not exceed 5 minutes. If more than five minutes, points will be deducted.
  • Contestants must announce the song name before playing. If they do not, points will be deducted.
  • No tuning or jamming near the stage area.
  • No warming up or tuning once on stage unless a particular song requires special tuning. If this occurs, points will be deducted.
  • If an instrument issue occurs (e.g., broken string), the contestant may fix it and return to play. If it cannot be quickly corrected, the next contestant will play, and the affected contestant will return later.
  • If a performance does not meet genre standards (Bluegrass or Old Time) regardless of the instrument being played, it will be disqualified and not scored.
  • No singing in individual instrument categories.
  • One backup instrument is allowed.
  • Only acoustic instruments permitted.
  • Sportsmanship is required. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification without refund.
  • In the event of a tie, contestants will compete in an elimination round.

Awards

  • Individual Categories:
    • Cash prizes and certificates for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
    • Certificates for all participants under age 18.
  • Band Category:
    • Bands must have 3+ members and at least two different instruments.
    • Cash prizes and certificates for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
    • Certificates for all participants under age 18.
  • After winners are announced, all participants under 18 and winners should go to the awards table for certificates and prize money.
  • Bands and individuals hired to perform at the festival are not eligible to compete.
  • Judges’ decisions are final.

Additional Info for Band Category

  • If there aren’t at least two entries in each category (Bluegrass and Old Time), they will be judged as one combined competition.
  • If a band does not meet genre standards (Bluegrass or Old Time), it will be disqualified and not scored.
  • If a category has only one registered competitor, they may perform but will receive a performance recognition certificate and reduced prize amount (no full placement awards).

Songwriting Competition

  • The Gathering in the Gap Songwriting Competition celebrates outstanding, yet often under-recognized, songwriters who embody the spirit and traditions of Appalachian culture. Both traditional and newer styles of songs are encouraged. Song topics may fall into one or more of these general areas:
    • Americana and related themes
    • Historic or current events
    • Genres rooted in Appalachian culture, such as Old Time, Bluegrass, Folk, Country, Gospel, Blues, Americana, and Rockabilly
  • Entry is $10 for the first song, $5 for each subsequent song. Entry fees are non-refundable. Cash will not be accepted. Check or money order must be made to: Friends of Southwest Virginia Museum.
  • Entry deadline is April 24, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. Submissions must be received by this date, not postmarked.
  • CD submissions can be mailed to Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum, 106 West 1st Street North, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or dropped off during regular business hours at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park. The Gathering in the Gap music festival is not responsible for late, damaged, misdirected, insufficient postage, or misappropriated entries.
  • Submissions can be submitted via email to swvamuseum@dcr.virginia.gov.
  • Electronic submissions must be submitted in MP3 format. No other formats will be accepted.
  • Each song submission must be accompanied by an entry form.
  • Each song entry must also contain the lyrics typed and double-spaced.
  • Cds and Lyric sheets must be labeled with the following information: name, phone number, email, co-authors if applicable, and song title. Musical production and performance quality will not be considered.
  • Song genre should be related to Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Old Time, Gospel, Blues, and Rockabilly.
  • Panelist will judge each song based on the following criteria: originality, lyrics, melody, and style.
  • Cds and lyrics will not be returned.
  • Up to ten finalists will be chosen to perform their song in the final round of the competition at this year’s Gathering in the Gap on May 23, 2026. Each finalist will receive a free ticket to the main stage concert and a festival t-shirt. The top three winners will also receive cash prizes and a plaque.
  • New this year: The first-place winner will perform on the main stage at Gathering in the Gap and at the 2026 Blue Highway Fest!
  • For more information call the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park at 276-523-1322.