MURFREESBORO, Tenn. Uncle Dave Macon Days: A Roots Rendezvous will return to Hop Springs, September 11, 12 and 13, 2026, for a full weekend honoring the music, stories and community traditions that helped shape Middle Tennessee’s cultural heritage.
Held at Hop Springs, 6790 John Bragg Highway in Murfreesboro, the family-friendly festival brings together bluegrass, Americana and roots music performers with old-time contests, local vendors, food, and a welcoming outdoor festival setting for music lovers of all ages.
Highlights for 2026
The 2026 festival marks 48 years of Uncle Dave Macon Days and continues the event’s mission of preserving and celebrating early American music traditions through live performance, education and community gathering.
- The return of national championship contests in Old Time Banjo, Bluegrass Banjo, Traditional Fiddle, Beginner Musician, Old-Time Singing, Dobro Guitar, Mandolin, Flat Pick Guitar and Shade Tree Pickin’ Band.
- A Saturday National Old-Time Banjo Contest begins at 10 a.m., featuring musicians who carry forward the clawhammer and old-time styles closely associated with Uncle Dave Macon’s legacy.
- Three days of live music, storytelling and community celebration rooted in bluegrass, Americana and Tennessee traditions.
- Matilda Macon Artisan Village, A handcrafted vendor fair featuring local artists, makers and community partners like ‘Boro Art Crawl, Oaklands Mansion, Family Community Education by UT Extension Services, and Greenhouse Ministries.
- Food, craft beer and a relaxed festival atmosphere at Hop Springs.
- Other featured nonprofits are: Red Cross and We Remember You
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Festival Schedule September 11, 12, 13 2026 Doors open Friday, September 11, Opening at 4:30 p.m. · Opening Ceremony · MTSU String Band · The Cripple Creek Cloggers, · Howlin’ Brothers · Joey Fletcher Band Saturday, September 12 Open 9:00 am · Start at 10 am-4:00pm National Old Time Banjo Contest and Old Time Contests · Saturday evening, September 12, starting around 4:00. to 10:00 p.m. · Leroy Troy · Noelle Goodin · Jackson Harris · Jake Leg Stompers · The Monroeville Band Sunday, September 13, 1-5:30pm · Lisa Law and the Gospel Showcase · Delyn Christian and the John Prine Tribute Band, · De Jam Band |
New for 2026
New for 2026: Roots Rendezvous expands its festival identity at Hop Springs with a renewed focus on immersive roots-music experiences, connecting live shows, old-time contests, Shade Tree Pickin’ Contest, education and community programming across the three-day weekend. All this includes rural life experiences like wagon rides pulled by mules and a farm animal petting zoo.
The 2026 event also places special emphasis on the festival’s historic setting near Uncle Dave Macon’s old homeplace and Coleman Cemetery, creating a meaningful connection between the performances, the contests and the place where the music legend’s story continues to inspire new generations.
About Uncle Dave Macon Days: A Roots Rendezvous
Uncle Dave Macon Days honors Uncle Dave Macon, the pioneering entertainer whose banjo style, showmanship and early influence on country music helped shape the sound of the Grand Ole Opry. Through competitions, performances and educational outreach, the festival supports the preservation of roots music and expands opportunities for students, families and communities to experience traditional music firsthand.
For festival information, schedules, artist announcements and updates, visit rootsrendezvous.com. Parking $10 per car
Media Contact:
Uncle Dave Macon Days: A Roots Rendezvous
Email:gsc714@gmail.com
Phone: 615.668.0475