International Home of the Legends Thumbpicking Weekend

Each year, the world’s most skilled guitarists gather in Muhlenberg County for the International Home of the Legends Thumbpicking Weekend, a prestigious event that honors the rich Thumbpicking tradition rooted in Kentucky. Held over a weekend at the Merle Travis Music Center, this event brings together both seasoned pickers and rising stars.

The weekend includes a contest that follows a thrilling format where the top five competitors in each category from the preliminary round advance to the finals. The stakes are high, with the winner in each category walking away with a coveted Gretsch guitar, complete with a hardshell case. The weekend also hosts the induction of members into the Thumbpicking Hall of Fame and a grand finale concert in the evening after the contest.