We’re looking for North Carolina’s most original performers to compete in the NC Folk Festival’s Not Your Average Folk contest—a celebration of next-gen artistry and boundary-pushing performance. Whether your roots run deep or your sound breaks every mold, this is your moment to shine.

WHAT YOU COULD WIN:

  • First Place: 2025 NCFF Performance on Saturday Morning, 10-hour recording session with Crimson Moon, "Artist Spotlight" newsletter/social post

  • Second Place: Official afterparty slot, 4-hour recording session with Crimson Moon, "Artist Spotlight" newsletter/social post

  • Third Place: Official afterparty slot, "Artist Spotlight" newsletter/social post

  • Honorable Mention: "Artist Spotlight" newsletter/social post


TIMELINE:

  • May 26: Submissions Open

  • June 13: Submissions Close (11:59PM EST)

  • June 16 - 27: Judges Adjudicate

  • June 30: Top 4 Announced and Public Voting Begins

  • July 18: Voting Ends

  • July 21: Winners Announced

ELIGIBILITY IN A NUTSHELL: 

  • Contestants, including half or more members of a group, must currently reside in North Carolina. 

  • Contestants, including each member of a group, must be 18 years or older to apply.

  • Contestants must submit an accurate application, defined in the Google form. 

  • Contestants, including each member of a group, must not be represented by an agent, booking firm, or talent agency, and must not have an outstanding contractual relationship with a major record label or publisher.

  • We can’t stress enough…PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE RULES HERE.

JUDGING IN A NUTSHELL:

  • Appeal of Performance (25%)

  • Incorporation of Folk / Traditional Elements (25%)

  • Musicianship (25%)

  • Uniqueness of Work Performed (25%)