Hammons Family Fiddle & Banjo Contest | World Class Jam - September 26, 2026

The Hammons Family Fiddle & Banjo Contest is a free, community-centered celebration of Appalachian music traditions held in Marlinton, West Virginia. The event honors the musical legacy of the Hammons family, whose music was documented in important field recordings and continues to influence old-time musicians across the region.

The contest brings together fiddlers, banjo players, families, listeners and local businesses for a full day of competition, jamming and traditional music throughout town. With categories for fiddle and banjo players, youth participation, cash prizes, ribbons and informal jam opportunities, the event helps keep Appalachian music visible, accessible and alive.

Rooted in Pocahontas County’s musical heritage, the Hammons Family Fiddle & Banjo Contest is designed to welcome both longtime tradition-bearers and new players, creating a space where music is shared the way it has always survived: person to person, tune by tune, and generation to generation.