Accredited Contests

These state and regional championships are accredited by the Walnut Valley Association, complying with rules, regulations, and protocols set forth by Walnut Valley Association.  The winner of these championships receives one free Full-Festival Ticket to the Walnut Valley Festival and is guaranteed entry into their respective international, national or regional championship held each year, the Third Weekend of September at the Walnut Valley Festival. 

Indiana String Fest

July 24th – 25th, 2026

Events start Friday Afternoon

Location:

Brown County Playhouse
70 South Van Buren Street
Nashville, Indiana 47448

Contest Info:

indianastringfest.com

Utah State Instrument Championships

August 15th, 2026

♫ Utah State Banjo Championship
♫ Utah State Old Time Fiddle Championship
♫ UTah State Finger Style Guitar Championship
♫ Utah State Flat Pick Guitar Championship
♫ Utah State Mandolin Championship

Location:

Sugar Space Arts Warehouse

132 S 800 W.

SLC, UT 84104

Contest Info:

Event Phone: 801-603-3075

Event Website:  https://utaholdtimefiddlers.org

IBMA Picking for The Prize Guitar Contest
A Flat Pick Guitar Championship

October 20-24, 2026

Event Website:     worldofbluegrass.org

Event Phone:     (615) 256-3222

Event Email:     info@ibma.org

Friday, May 8, 2026 through Sunday May 10, 2026

Congratulations to Mark Gilston
the 2026 Texas State Mountain Dulcimer Champion.

Congratulations to Daniel Jordon,
the 2026 Texas State Hammer Dulcimer Champion.

Location:

Oakdale Park
1019 NE Barnard St
Glen Rose, TX  76043

Contest Info:

Lone Star State Dulcimer Society
Lssds.com