Southeast Bluegrass Banjo Championship 2026 Poster
Common John Brewing Co. · Manchester, TN

Southeast Bluegrass
Banjo Championship 2026

The Southeast's premier bluegrass banjo competition returns to Common John Brewing Co. Multiple categories, cash prizes, and instrument giveaways. Come pick, play, and compete.

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Family Friendly

All ages welcome at Common John Brewing Co. Bring the family for a day of incredible bluegrass music and good beer.

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Instrument Sponsors

Sponsored by Nechville, Deering, Gold Tone, Banjo Ben Clark, Crossrock, Jim Wood Music, and Stone Fort Music.

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Big Prizes & Bigger Talent

Cash prizes across every category, plus a Nechville "Midnight Phantom" banjo and a Gold Tone dobro for top winners.

The Story Behind The Event

Hosted in collaboration with Common John Brewing Company — a brewery known for its passion for independent artists — and champion musician Joey Gipson, the Southeast Bluegrass Banjo Championship brings some of the region's most talented pickers to Manchester for a day built on real competition and real bluegrass tradition. Whether you're here to compete or just to watch, you'll see performances that carry on everything this event started with.

Instrument Sponsors
Jim Wood Music Nechville Banjo Ben Clark Crossrock Deering Gold Tone Stone Fort Music
September 26, 2026
Common John Brewing Co. · 210 Woodbury Highway, Manchester, TN 37355
Registration opens at 8:00 AM. First contest begins at 9:00 AM.
Entry fee: $20 per category (free for 12 and Under).
Bonus incentive from Banjo Ben Clark: $100 gift card for all 1st place winners, $50 for all 2nd place winners.

Categories & Prizes

Old Time Singing $20 entry 1st: $250 · 2nd: $100 (includes a recording session)
Guitar $20 entry 1st: $500 · 2nd: $250 · 3rd: $100
Banjo Preliminary $20 entry Top 3 advance to finals
Dobro $20 entry 1st: $250 · 2nd: $100 Winner also receives a Gold Tone dobro
Banjo Finals $20 entry 1st: $500 · 2nd: $250 Winner also receives a Nechville "Midnight Phantom" banjo
Jr Fiddle (13–17) $20 entry 1st: $300 · 2nd: $200 · 3rd: $100
Mandolin $20 entry 1st: $500 · 2nd: $250 · 3rd: $100
Sr Fiddle (18+) $20 entry 1st: $500 · 2nd: $250 · 3rd: $100

12 and Under — Open to All Instruments

Entry is free for 12 and Under.
1st Place: $200 + choice of banjo
2nd Place: $100 + remaining banjo
3rd Place: $50

General Rules for All Categories

  1. Banjo: three-finger bluegrass style only, any song.
  2. Fiddle: any style.
  3. Guitar: flat pick only.
  4. Dobro: finger or flat pick.
  5. Format: 1 song prelim, top 3 play 1 more song for final placement.
  6. 3-minute limit per song.
  7. Judges may allow do-overs for broken strings or uncontrollable issues.
  8. All judges' decisions are final.

Questions? Email bull@commonjohnbc.com

REGISTER NOW →

Register to Compete

Fill out the form below. Select at least one category. Entry fee is $20 per category (free for 12 and Under).