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The 39th annual Old Settler’s Music Festival is now accepting entries for its 2026 Youth Talent Competition. Open to performers 18 and under, the competition gives young artists a chance to showcase their talent and receive professional feedback.
The competition is designed for emerging performers in bluegrass, country, blues, gospel, and traditional American roots music. Most contestants perform solo on a single instrument, though participants may include up to two supporting musicians.
The deadline to enter the contest is Feb. 28. Entries must be submitted in video format. There is no entry fee.
The first round of the competition is based off those video submissions. The second round will be live at Buda’s Birthday in Buda on Saturday, April 11 at 3 p.m.
Final round will be live at the 39th Annual Old Settler’s Music Festival, which is April 17-19 at Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood. The competition will take place on Sunday, April 19.
Cash prizes and mentoring are available for top three winners, and the first place winner also earns a slot on the festival lineup in 2027.
The 2025 winner, Ira Thorne, will be performing this year during the festival on Saturday, April 18.
For more information on the contest or the festival, visit www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org.
