This Event is Hosted by: The Town of Payson
Fiddle and Food Festival
September 4th-6th, 2025
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Event Details
UPDATED EVENT!
The Fiddle and Food Festival is now held at the Payson Event Center in collaboration with the Northern Gila County Fair!
Payson is proud to host Arizona’s State Fiddling Championship for the 55th year. Come one, come all and enjoy the musical offerings of Arizona’s most talented fiddlers. From the youngest (small fry) to the eldest (senior), we’re sure that you will be delighted by their talent. Bring the family and lawn chairs and join us at the Payson Event Center for a truly enjoyable weekend full of music and amazing food trucks. Divisions will go in order, times not guaranteed.
When
September 4th – 6th, 2025
Where
Payson Event Center –
at the Northern Gila County Fair
For complete details about the Northern Gila County Fair, please visit the link below.
Thank you to our Event Sponsors
Register for this Event
Ready to compete? Fiddle Competition registration is now open—just follow the link below to secure your spot!
Vendor Opportunities
We are no longer accepting food vendors for this event. If you are interested in being a vendor at a Town of Payson Event, please visit the link before for vendor request form.
PRICING
QUICK LINKS
Scroll down for more information on the lineup, schedule, and more!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH
Stollshine
Payson Event Center | Event Admission
5:30pm-6:30pm
Father daughter duo- with harmonica and guitar, playing best hits and some country, and contemporary songs for all to enjoy!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH
Donny Grubb Band & the Twin Fiddles
Payson Event Center | Event Admission
7pm-10pm
Donny Grubb is an Arizona musician who entertains crowds with his unique blend of country and roots rock infused with his furiously recognizable guitar style. He has performed all across the United States and Canada and is known for his personable and engaging performances.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH
Arizona Wildflowers
Payson Event Center | Event Admission
5:30pm-6:30pm
The Arizona Wildflowers are a talented family band from Casa Grande, Arizona, blending bluegrass and western swing with youthful energy and remarkable musicianship. Led by 16-year-old Ranelle Dietrich—an eight-time fiddle champion—the group features siblings Brie (14) and Aspen (12) on guitar and fiddle, Sawyer (9) on Bass and Isley (7) on Fiddle.
Known for their polished arrangements and heartfelt performances, The Arizona Wildflowers bring a fresh take on traditional roots music wherever they play.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th
Desert Knights Band
Payson Event Center | Event Admission
7pm-10pm
Doug Deatherage, also known as “The fiddler” won the Arizona Country Music Associations National Instrumentalist of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Under the leadership of Doug Deatherage , the Desert Knights band won Arizona country music associations vocal group of the year 1993/94 and 1st place in the Payson country music festival in 1989. Doug Deatherage has opened up for country greats such as Toby Keith, Doug Stone, Tracy Lawrence, Jerry Reed, Waylon Jennings, The Dixie Chicks and has worked with country music’s hall of fame Hank Thompson and David Frizzell.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH
Fiddle Festival
Payson Event Center | $5 Admission
Come out to the Payson Event Center for a family-friendly day filled with live fiddle music, great food, and plenty of fun. Enjoy a variety of food trucks on site serving up delicious eats all day long.
Note: Divisions and Competition categories may appear earlier or later than the time expressed on the schedule based on participation. Times are not guaranteed.
J.W. & Vertielee Floyd Memorial – Arizona State Championship
Contest begins at 10:00am
10:00am | Introductions & National Anthem
10:15am |Contest Divisions:
Small Fry Division (ages 8 and under)
Junior Junior Division (ages 9-12)
Junior Division (ages 13-17)
*10-Minute Break*
Awards Annnouncement/Tie Breaker for Small Fry, Junior Junior, and Junior Divisions
Young Adult Division (ages 18-39)
Senior Division (ages 65+)
Adult Division (ages 40-64)
12pm-1pm | Lunch Break
Awards Annnouncement/Tie Breaker for Young Adult, Senior, and Adult Division
2:00 pm
Twin Competition
2:30 pm
Trick Competition
3:00pm
Band Competition
4:00pm
Fiddlers Jam (if time allows)
Fiddle Contest participants can register at the below button.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH
Fiddle Festival
Payson Event Center | $5 Admission
Come out to the Payson Event Center for a family-friendly day filled with live fiddle music, great food, and plenty of fun. Enjoy a variety of food trucks on site serving up delicious eats all day long.
Note: Divisions and Competition categories may appear earlier or later than the time expressed on the schedule based on participation. Times are not guaranteed.
J.W. & Vertielee Floyd Memorial – Arizona State Championship
Championship begins at 11:00am
11:00 am | Grand Champion Division – Round 1
12:30pm – 1:30pm | Lunch Break
1:30pm | Open Talent Competition
2:00 pm | Grand Champion Division Round 2
Final Awards Announcement and Prize Presentations
Fiddle Contest participants can register at the below button.
Contestant Check-In & Entry Information
All fiddle contestants must check in at the designated event booth near the Northern Gila County Fair ticket entrance. Upon check-in, each contestant will receive a participant wristband, along with two additional wristbands for family members to attend the event free of charge.
A complimentary parking pass will also be issued to each contestant (valid for one vehicle per entry). This pass must be clearly displayed on the dashboard at all times. Failure to show the pass may result in a required parking fee charged by the fair staff.
If you have any questions regarding check-in, please contact Payson Parks and Recreation at 928-472-5110.
Event Safety Information
No Alcohol or Smoking
There will be no alcohol or smoking allowed at Payson Event Center. This rule is strictly enforced by staff and Law Enforcement. Violators may be asked to leave the venue and/or face charges.
§ 93.12 Parks and Natural Areas Criminal Conduct
No Ground Stakes
We encourage you to bring shade if desired, however, weighing down canopies is mandatory. (If you do not have your canopy properly weighed down, you will be asked to take it down for safety reasons).
If you bring a canopy, please be prepared to weigh it down with sand or another weight.
§93.04 Usage Rules (G)
No Charcoal Grills
Charcoal Grills are not allowed on Town Property.
§ 93.04 Usage Rules (I)
This event is proudly put on by our Payson Parks and Recreation Department. For questions and to follow our updates, please follow our social media accounts or reach out to our office.
928-472-5110 | ppr@paysonaz.gov | 1000 W. Country Club Dr. Payson, AZ
#playpayson
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Phone | (928) 472-5110
Email | ppr@paysonaz.gov
1000 W. Country Club Dr.
Payson, AZ 85541
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Phone | (928) 472-5110
1000 W. Country Club Dr.
Payson, AZ 85541
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