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: This is a free event to attend!
Brought to you by Shaniko Music Sanctuary — we raise money to support rural music education
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.
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.