Youth in Bluegrass Contest coming in May

Ozark Mountain Music Association reminds area residents and visitors to Branson to get your tickets for the Youth in Bluegrass Contest, to be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The competition is in its third year of being sponsored and hosted by OMMA, and again this year, the host venue is the Branson Event Center, 2527 St. Hwy. 248 in Branson. 

Bands will compete for a total of $7,500 in prize money, thanks to generous sponsors and supporters, and in addition, students will be able to talk with representatives from Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, and Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Both colleges offer bluegrass and traditional music programs of study, with scholarship funding opportunities. 

In addition to competition, Youth in Bluegrass offers plenty of fun and opportunities to meet—or reconnect with—other youth with similar interests. 

While the entries for young bands have been finalized and are no longer open for additional entrants, the public is invited to attend this entertaining event. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to support young musicians and enjoy some great music. Tickets are $26.44 and available via the link at  https://www.ozarkmountainmusicassociation.com/contest, where you’ll also find schedule information for competition rounds and the evening show. 

The contest is just one great way in which OMMA helps pass on traditional music skills to new generations of young people. For information about summer camps and other upcoming events, visit www.ozarkmountainmusicassociation or follow the Facebook page.