Contests 

MerleFest is a participatory experience and what better way to participate than by testing your talent and skill against others in our ever-popular contests!

We feature three instrument contests- guitar, banjo, and mandolin. All instrument contests are held during the festival, with registration on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.

MerleFest also hosts the renowned Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. The CASC requires entry in the months prior to the festival with only the finalists competing during MerleFest.

For more information on our contests, visit their respective pages.