We are excited to announce the Swain County Agricultural Fair’s inaugural “Battle of the Bands,” a four-hour music contest at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park. This is set to take place on Saturday, August 19th beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Battle of the Bands will feature six bands who are finalists competing for prize money.

Does your band have what it takes? We are currently accepting entries for the top 6 finalists to compete. The good news is there is not an entry fee to participate in this contest.

Bands must have a minimum of 3 members and be in one of the following music genres - acoustics only: Country, Bluegrass, Gospel, Americana.

Bands who are interested in competing to be a finalist must submit a digital file to the Swain County Agricultural Fair on or before May 15th. Contest entry form can be found at: go.ncsu.edu/swainfairbattleofthebands. The demo should include 2 original/covered songs.

Five (5) judges will review the entries and select 6 bands who will compete in the Battle of the Bands. Finalists will be notified by May 31, 2023.

The top 3 bands will be awarded prize money: First Place - $1,500, Second Place - $1,000, Third Place - $500

More information about contest rules and judging criteria can be found at: swainfair.org or by calling (828) 488-3848.