Hoppin John Festival

Hoppin’ John Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddler’s Convention

Pittsboro, NC – Get out your fiddle, mandolin, guitar or banjo because the Hoppin’ John Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddler’s Convention is coming to Shakori Hills in Pittsboro on September 19-21, 2013.

Hoppin’ John Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddler’s Convention

Hoppin’ John has a simple setup – bring your tent, bring your instrument, bring your dancing shoes and you’re set to go for the weekend.

The central focus of the weekend festival is given over to casual jams in the rolling woods and plains of Shakori Hills. Folks just start playing under the old oaks, other folks join them, soon a crowd gathers and dancing spontaneously breaks out.

But there are also a full parade of scheduled workshops and performances including:

  • Instrument contests (guitar, mandolin and bass)
  • Singing contest
  • Dancing tent
  • Kids’ tent
  • Clawhammer banjo workshop
  • Hayride
  • Clogging performance and workshop
  • Traditional Square dancing
  • Rowdy Square Dancing

I always wanted to try Clawhammer banjo playing. I’m not even sure I know what Rowdy Square Dancing is, but it sounds like fun! See all full schedule.

Sunday morning features gospel singing with the Maudlin Brothers.

You can even volunteer for a few hours and get free admission and free camping for the weekend.

Hoppin’ John is an all-volunteer event and that certainly keeps prices sheap – $6 admission on Thursday, $8 on Friday and $12 on Saturday. Camping is $10/vehicle and $15/RV per night. More info at Tickets and Camping.

Event Details

Hoppin’ John Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddler’s Convention
September 19-21, 2013

Shakori Hills
1439 Henderson Tanyard Rd
Pittsboro, NC 27312

More info on Hoppin’ John.


Photo from HoppingJohn.org.