As children growing up in Galax, Virginia, Lindsey Nale and her sister found their first instruments in their grandparents’ house. “If we were willing to learn, they’d pay for lessons,” she remembers. At six-years old, Nale started an all-girls blue-grass band — and The Loose Strings Band is still going strong. Today, Nale heads up the JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) Program, which serves local students. “It’s so fulfilling to see it sparking the first love of music, which has brought a lot of people into this community who have fallen in love with it,” she says.
Regarded as the World’s Capital of Old-Time Mountain Music, Galax is best known for hosting the Old Fiddlers’ Convention for nearly 90 years. The convention lasts one week in August, but its reverberations are felt throughout the year. Here’s where to interact with the vibrant arts, music, and outdoor recreation in this mountain town located just an hour northwest of Winston-Salem.
Welcome to Galax, where music, art, and outdoor recreation converge. Enjoy live music, explore the local arts scene, stroll downtown, hike scenic trails or simply relax. Perfect for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts, Galax offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and Appalachian heritage.
When Art Director Chris Pollins and the City of Galax launched the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts 18 years ago, they made a powerful prediction: “If you’re looking for entrepreneurial growth, look to artists, who are risk-takers,” Pollins says. “In a creative economy, they are the multipliers.”
Fast-forward to today, where the school — housed in the historic downtown Galax First National Bank building — contains studios for metal work, glass blowing, drawing, print making, music, and fiber art. A nearby studio hosts pottery and woodworking classes. People of all ages and skill levels can take a 90-minute Art for Life class, designed to be an introduction to various disciplines, and to the studios.
The JAM Program works with local students to connect the next generation to Galax’s musical heritage. Photography courtesy of Galax Tourism
CCSA also houses the JAM Program, led by Nale. This program is dedicated to teaching bluegrass and old-time music to the next generation, helping to ensure that the heritage music tradition lives on. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, students gather for an afternoon of picking and strumming.
Whether it’s art, music, or a combination of the two, the school of the arts is uniquely positioned to reach visitors and foster each individual’s creativity and skill development. “We want to make arts accessible because it’s transformative, ” Pollins says. “When you use your hands and heart to make things with others, it creates joy.” To experience the talents of local Galax artists, visit the CCSA art gallery in the school’s main building or the City Gallery on South Main Street.
Keep your eyes peeled for various species of birds — from woodpeckers to cardinals — around the New River while out on the trail. Photography courtesy of Galax Tourism
The New River Trail in Galax is a scenic and serene pathway that stretches over 57 miles. This multi-use trail follows the historic route of the Norfolk and Western Railway, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
The trail meanders along the New River, offering opportunities for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. It features numerous access points, picnic areas, and campgrounds, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The trail’s well-maintained, crushed stone surface ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience, while its relatively flat terrain makes it accessible to visitors with varying levels of fitness.
Explore the diverse terrain through Matthew’s State Forest by mountain bike. Photography courtesy of Galax Tourism
For those seeking a more challenging terrain, Matthew’s State Forest, boasts a network of trails where you will encounter a diverse landscape of dense woodlands, open meadows, and serene streams. Nine miles of biking trails will leave you feeling refreshed and connected with nature.
If you’re into paddling, take your kayak or canoe to one of Galax’s two public boat ramps: Delps Beach or Riverside Drive. If you have a day to explore the New River, start at the northern riverside and make your way down to Delps Beach.
The Old Fiddlers’ Convention is a week-long celebration of stringed instruments, flatfoot dance, folk singing, and more. Photography courtesy of Galax Tourism
In Galax, music lovers are in for a treat starting with the famed Old Fiddlers’ Convention. Held annually since 1935, this event is the largest and oldest fiddlers’ convention in the world, drawing musicians and enthusiasts from across the globe. It showcases a week-long celebration of traditional Appalachian music, featuring competitions, jam sessions, and performances that highlight the rich musical heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In addition to the famed and celebrated fiddlers’ convention, Galax is home to the historic REX Theater. It originally served as a movie theater but now hosts a wide variety of live performances including old-time and bluegrass music shows and local community theater. The historic venue draws music-lovers from around the world who come out for a front row seat to Galax’s musical heritage.
The Old Fiddlers’ Convention welcomes multigenerational musicians, like the band The Biscuit Eaters from Surry County. Photography courtesy of Galax Tourism
About a 15-minute drive southeast of Galax on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Blue Ridge Music Center is on a mission to preserve and present American Roots music. From bluegrass, old-time, and folk to Americana, country blues, and gospel, live music is performed May through October on a covered breezeway from noon to 3 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day, the center’s Saturday Night Concert Series brings big-name bands who serenade audiences watching from blankets and lawn chairs.
Ready to find your rhythm in Galax? Whether you’re visiting for bluegrass, outdoor adventures, or the arts scene, click here to start planning your getaway.
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