By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(Sept. 17, 2026) The Berlin Fiddler’s Convention returns for its 33rd year this weekend with a name change and rebrand intended to feature the traditional blue grass, country and classic old-time music while also highlighting the area’s distilleries and breweries.

The event’s 2026 iteration, set for Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19, is officially titled the Annual Fiddler’s Convention and Spirits Festival. Hosted by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, the event this year also will shine a light on local spirits.

The chamber announced the slate of musical performances last week. Friday night’s roster, to play onstage near The Sterling Tavern, includes Danny Paisley and Southern Grass from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Flatland Drive from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The music convention will showcase two Saturday stages: the traditional Main Stage located on Pitts Street and a local band stage next to and sponsored by The Sterling Tavern.

Saturday’s Pitts Street Main Stage will feature The Stringbuzzards from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Amateur Competitions and The Folk Villains from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Sons of Pirates from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Over on the local’s stage on Saturday, Stevenson’s Crossroads will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Berlin Airlift will go on at 3 p.m. and wrap up around 5 p.m.

Chamber President David Fitzgerald said this second stage is intended to feature local bands “and give attendees options if fiddlers’ music is not their taste.”

Organizers have advertised this year’s event as not just a music-only celebration. To support local businesses, Eastern Shore distilleries and breweries will be downtown during the concerts to offer guests a sample of their products.

The regional alcohol businesses planning to appear are Berlin Beer Co, Burley Oak, Forgotten 50, and Lyon Rum.

The chamber president noted that his team hopes adding a spirits component to the weekend will increase attendance and prop up the area’s beer and liquor enterprises.

“We hope this change will attract additional attendees to support our local breweries and distilleries,” he said.

Food vendors will also be at this weekend’s festival. Also, spectators are invited to browse booths from non-profits and craftspeople between acts.

Anyone interested in serving on an event committee can contact the chamber’s office. Fitzgerald said the organization is currently forming a committee for next year’s Jazz and Blues Festival.

In the meantime, the chamber is encouraging residents and visitors to listen to this weekend’s music.

“Bring a chair and enjoy the Friday night and Saturday event,” Fitzgerald said. “There’s lots of great music and vendors, and also support our local restaurants and businesses.”