74th Cherokee National Holiday

Fiddlers' Contest

About the Event

Fiddlers of all ages are invited to participate in a lively and friendly music event. From young to seasoned fiddlers, all are welcome to join the competition and showcase their talents. Contestants are required to play three pieces of music, which includes a hoedown song, waltz song and one song of their choice in each division with the exception of ‘No Holds Barred’. Instruments will be acoustic only with guitars and upright bass allowed as accompaniment. Scoring is based per song.

Entry to participate is free and door prizes will be drawn during the contest.

Important Dates

Categories & Awards

Little Britches (Ages 10 & Under)
  • 1st Place: $300
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $200
  • 4th Place: $150
Junior (Ages 11-17):
  • 1st Place: $300
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $200
  • 4th Place: $150
Old Timers (Ages 62 & Over):
  • 1st Place: $300
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $200
  • 4th Place: $150
Open (Open to All):
  • 1st Place: $300
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $200
  • 4th Place: $150
No-Holds Barred (Open to All):
  • 1st Place: $1,000
  • 2nd Place: $500
  • 3rd Place: $250
  • 4th Place: 150

Divisions

Little Britches (Ages 10 & Under)
  1. Hoedown
  2. Waltz
  3. Tune of Choice
Junior (Ages 11-17)
  1. Hoedown
  2. Waltz
  3. Tune of Choice
Old Timers (Ages 62 & Over)
  1. Hoedown
  2. Waltz
  3. Tune of Choice
Open (Open to All)
  1. Hoedown
  2. Waltz
  3. Tune of Choice
No-Holds Barred (Open to All)
  1. One tune, any tempo, any style

Eligibility & Rules

Environmentally Friendly Reservation

Supporting Our Commitment

Osiyo, as good stewards of our Earth, the Cherokee Nation is committed to creating a more environmentally friendly reservation. In 2024, Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner signed an Executive Order to limit the use of single-use plastics, and we took the first steps toward implementing this initiative.

Now, in its third year, we are continuing to build on this commitment by further reducing plastic waste at the Cherokee National Holiday. This year, the use of plastic and Styrofoam containers remains prohibited as part of your vendor contract. This specifically includes food serving containers, utensils, cups, and beverages sold in plastic bottles.

We appreciate the progress made and ask for your continued support in using alternative, eco-friendly packaging such as biodegradable containers, paper products, and reusable materials. By working together, we can strengthen our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our events and promote a more sustainable approach to food and beverage service. We thank you for your cooperation and for being part of this important initiative. We look forward to another successful and environmentally responsible Cherokee National Holiday.

Event Details

Saturday
September 5
1:00 PM
 – 5:30 PM

Watch Now

Cherokee National Holiday Fiddlers Contest

Join in the celebration of Cherokee National Holiday. Watch this year’s events live or check out recordings from the past.

Continue the celebration all year by rewatching livestreamed events from past Cherokee National Holidays.

Schedule of Events

Sep

5

Contest Registration

Saturday
September 5
10:00 AM
 – 12:30 PM

Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, Chota Center Rooms 4 & 5

Sep

5

Fiddlers' Contest

Saturday
September 5
1:00 PM
 – 5:30 PM

Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, Chota Center Rooms 4 & 5