When: Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday May 23, 2026
What’s at Stake: Grand Prize: $3000 | Runner-Up: $2000 | 2nd Runner Up: $1000
Where: Shaniko, Oregon
Why: Fundraiser to Support Music Education in Rural Oregon + Build the Central Oregon Bluegrass Community
Brought to you by Shaniko Music Sanctuary — we raise money to support rural music education
Online Qualifying Submission Guidelines
Bands interested in competing in the Championship will submit an online application for consideration. The online application portal is open through the last day of December 2026.
Eight bands will be selected to perform live in Shaniko, Oregon at the Bluegrass Championship on May 23, 2026 to compete for prize money and to play for a reputable panel of judges. Invitations will be sent out on February 1, 2025 and must be accepted by February 15 to hold your spot in the Bluegrass Band Championship.
Eligibility
Each band must consist of three or more performers.Typical bluegrass instrumentation includes banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass, and/or dobro, though other acoustic instruments are welcome if they fit into the traditional bluegrass style.
Amateur, semi-professional bands, and touring professional bands may enter
There are no residency requirements. The members of the band in the video must be the same as those that will appear at the competition.
Selection Process
Online submissions will open on November 15th and close the last day of December and should include an audio or video clip of your band.
A decision will be made and shared with online applicants the first of February. Eight qualifying bands will be invited to compete in at the Bluegrass Band Championship live in Shaniko, Oregon on May 23, 2025.
If a qualifying band is unable to commit to playing in Shaniko by February 15, we will move to invite bands on the waitlist to compete.
How to Enter:
Bands must submit a recently-recorded (within the last 12 months) self-made video audition reel with 2 songs/tunes representative of the music your band would play at the championship — along with an application fee of $30 (upon submitting the form, you will be taken to a payment page to compete the transaction)
At the beginning of your recording, tell us your band name and where you are located before performing both pieces in a row without any cuts or edits.
We expect cellphone recordings — no need for professional videos. Consider filming your audition in a quiet location (e.g., living room, backyard, etc.) for best results.
The online submission portal will be open for applications through December 31 at 11:59pm.
Thanks for supporting Bluegrass Music in Rural Oregon!
Submit Your Entry for the 2026 Bluegrass Band Championship:
May 23rd Band Competition Details
Bands invited to compete must play live in Shaniko, Oregon on May 23rd to be eligible to win the Bluegrass Band Championship.
Judging Criteria
Musicianship: 25 Points | Technical skill, timing, and tone
Vocal Harmony: 25 Points | Blend, balance, and intonation
Stage Presence: 20 Points | Engagement, professionalism, and audience connection
Bluegrass Style & Authenticity: 20 Points | Faithfulness to genre and tradition
Originality: 10 Points | Creativity and arrangement
Judging Panel & Prizes
First place in the bluegrass band championship will receive $3000, 2nd place will receive $2000, and the 3rd place winner will receive $1000.
The Shaniko Bluegrass Band Championship will be judged by a panel of carefully-selected judges. Stay tuned while we coordinate. Judges will be listed here by December 1, 2025.
Competition Format
Each selected band will perform 3 songs on stage, at least one of which should be a traditional bluegrass song/tune.
Original compositions are encouraged but should maintain the bluegrass spirit.
The festival provides a standard sound setup and a sound engineer. Bands do not need to bring their own PA systems.
A Little about Shaniko, Oregon
Shaniko Hotel
The Shaniko Hotel is a town staple. Built in 1897, it has recently reopened as a functioning hotel. Bring some hootin’, hollerin, and singin’ to the hotel steps or into the hotel saloon.
Shaniko Chapel
Built in the late 1800’s, ths building was originally a schoolhouse and now serves as a chapel and music space. We’re currently fundraising to revitalize this historic space.
Shaniko Barn
Shaniko was the sheep capital of the world in the early 1900’s. The iconic Shaniko Barn is a memory of the economic boom that swept through the town at the beginning of the century.