Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association

Weekly Emerald City Contra Dance
2026-04-17 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, 98103
Emerald City Contra Dance
with the Seattle Folklore Society present Contra dancing every Friday at the Phinney Neighborhood Center
6532 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle (98103)
in the Community Hall of the brick building, near the lower parking lot
Beginner’s workshop at 7:00 pm (or thereabouts). Dance from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Admission prices (cash or check only):

Sliding scale $10-$20.
Students $5 with a school ID.
Free for people under the age of 16.

Admission limited to 100 people. This total includes paying & non-paying dancers, musicians, callers, children, and adults acting like children. (In short, everyone.)
First time contra dancers get a coupon for free admission to their next dance.
Coupon redemption limited to first five coupons on any single night.
Follow us on Facebook. Find items that you left behind on Facebook.
Please help the PNA achieve their sustainability goals. Consider carpooling, walking, biking, or riding the bus to the dance. If you drive, please park in the PNA parking lots.
All dances taught. No partner necessary.
Light, comfortable clothing recommended.
Please join us without perfumes, colognes, aftershave, scented lotions, etc.

More information for dancers.
Information for bands and callers.
Past caller set lists.
Bands and callers: we’ll have an online booking form available soon.
For information not already posted here: 206-440-9839 or emeraldcitycontra@pobox.com

Northwest Regional Fiddle Contest
2026-04-19 - 2026-04-20 | Trent Elementary Auditorium, 3303 N Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA, 99206
A two-day regional fiddle contest. We have all age divisions and welcome all skill levels. This is our second year adding a junior and adult picking division with top 5 prizes. We are a NOTFC Inc. certified regional contest. For more details, visit our website: www.northwestregionals.com

District 8 Monthly Jam (with a little meeting)
2026-04-19 14:00 - 17:00 | Mid-County Community Center, 10205 44th Ave E, Tacoma, WA, 98446, United States
3rd Sundays 2PM District 8 Meeting and Jam. We’ll have a short meeting followed by longer circle jam at 10205 44th Ave E, Tacoma 98446. Behind the school where there’s plenty of parking. Bring a friend and an instrument. Meet some nice people! Finger foods welcome.

District 8 - Circle Jam at Puyallup Senior Center
2026-04-20 13:30 - 15:30 | Puyallup Senior Activity Center, 210 W Pioneer Ave, Puyallup, WA, 98371, United States
Easy to find, Easy to park – great little circle jam in a nice space. All are welcome to join or listen

District 9 April Sharon Care Playdate
2026-04-22 15:30 - 16:30 | Sharon Care Center, 1509 Harrison Ave, Centralia, 98531
Hi Everyone: Please join us as we play our regular 4th Wednesday of every month playdate at Sharon Care Center on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 from 3:30pm-4:30pm. Sharon Care is located at 1509 Harrison Ave in Centralia. To find Sharon Care take the Harrison Avenue exit off I-5, then head west. Go around a mile, and take a left turn just after the Dollar General store. This is Fords Prairie Rd. Go all the way to the back of the facility, this is where the main entrance is. After you go in the main doors, take a left and then a right, follow the hallway and the Skilled Dining Room will be on your right.
We will be using the April playlist for this gig.
If you. Red more information or a copy of the April playlist please give me (Christie) a call or text at 369-791-5185.

Weekly Lake City Contra Dance
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:30 | Seattle Latvian Center, 11710 3rd Avenue NE, Seattle, 98125
Thursday nights; doors open at 7 pm
Dances: intro/refresher workshop 7:15 pm, dancing 7:30 till 10:00 pm
Admission on a sliding scale $10 – 20 – pay what you can
The hall is well-ventilated and air-conditioned!
For more information call 206-525-0932, or email sjnevins@gmail.com.

WOTFA District 16 4th Friday jam and (short) business meeting
2026-04-24 15:00 - 23:00 | Sisco Heights Community Club, 13527 99th Ave. NE, Arlington, 98223
The title says it all! – well, most.
This is a friendly, non-threatening, circle-jam, and a lot of fun. Acoustic instrument players of all ages and levels welcomed, as are listeners and (if we are lucky) dancers. Singing, sheet music and ear-learners all appreciated. Business meeting is short and non-contentious. We serve coffee and have cocoa and tea available; snacks are up to the participants.
2nd and 4th Friday jams continue through the year, with the exceptions of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving.

District 15 Jam
2026-04-25 11:00 - 15:00
Old Time Fiddle jam.
Tri Area Community Center

10 West Valley Rd., Chimacum

District 6 Jam
2026-04-25 13:00 - 16:00
We get together just to jam, learn and socialize once a month. It’s really a fun time to play music together. If there is interest, Bernie will teach a lesson on guitar or mandolin if you contact him ahead of time. All are welcome. Come anytime you like.

District 6 - Bonus Spring Jams
2026-05-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Des Moines Masonic Lodge, 2208 S 223rd St, Des Moines, WA, 98198, United States
We’ve added 2 bonus jams for 2026 because we still find we want to jam in May and June before we take a break in the summer. During these bonus jams, we get together just to play music, learn and socialize. It’s really a fun time to jam together. If there is interest, Bernie will teach a lesson on guitar or mandolin if you contact him ahead of time. Sometimes we have a short meeting. All are welcome. Come anytime you like.

Fiddlers on the Peak
2026-05-08 - 2026-05-09 | The Addy Grange, 1376 Main St, Addy, WA, 99101, United States
Old time fiddling and picking contest

District 16 Second Friday jam
2026-05-08 15:00 - 22:00 | Sisco Heights Community Club, 13527 99th Ave. NE, Arlington, 98223
Just an Old Time jam (mostly) where we sit around in a circle and pass the mic. All levels of players and all acoustic instruments welcome.
Coffee and snacks served, and more snacks are welcome!

Weekly 3rd Thursday Afternoon Phinney Jam
2026-05-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, 98103
Thursday Afternoon Old-Time Jam
2:00 to 4:00 pm, 1st, 3rd, 5th Thursdays at the Phinney Center in Seattle
Please check the weekly update (on Facebook or email) to make sure it’s happening:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldtimeseattle
Email: oldtimeseattle@groups.io
Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle – Upper ‘Blue’ Bldg., Room 5 on the 3rd Floor, (Elevator accessible)

We play “Old-time” instrumental fiddle tunes from the Southern U.S., Midwest, and other regions for the most part, on traditional acoustic instruments like you would find at a square dance, such as fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandolin. No drums or amplified instruments. We play by ear and don’t use sheet music.

We welcome musicians of any age or experience level interested in playing with us, or learning more about this kind of music though this is not a slow or beginner jam

Weekly tune history: Thu Jam Tune List 2023 – Google Sheets

Please park in the free parking area adjacent to the ‘Blue’ building where we play, or in the lower lot near the brick bldg.

No need to bring a chair. Wear warm clothes depending on the weather: the windows are often open during the jam and it can get chilly

Attendance is free, but occasional volunteering for Phinney events would be much appreciated

No alcohol during the jam. There are plenty of opportunities for libations and food afterwards at nearby establishments!

We follow all Phinney Center rules and policies

Covid: Room 5, where we play, has high ceilings, large windows which we often open for air ventilation, and a HEPA air filter. Masks are strongly advised and please be vaccinated, boosted, and symptom free when you come to the jam.

Please see the weekly update beforehand: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldtimeseattle

Upper ‘Blue’ Building, 2nd floor, Room 5 (Street Level, but up the stairs from the upper parking lot)

We play “Old-time” instrumental fiddle tunes from the Southern U.S. (and other regions) for the most part, on traditional acoustic instruments like you would find at a square dance such as fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandolin.

We welcome musicians of any age or experience level interested in playing with us or learning more about this kind of music.

Introduction and Guidelines: https://sites.google.com/view/old-time-jam-introduction

Tunes Played: Thu Jam Tune List 2023 – Google Sheets

The center asks us to use the on-site free parking in the upper or lower lots adjacent to the Blue building, were we play, or adjacent to the lower brick building.

No need to bring a chair. Bring warm clothes. The windows are open during the jam and it can get chilly, even on warm days.

There is no cost, but our occasional volunteering for Phinney events would be much appreciated.

No Alcohol during the jam, but there are plenty of opportunities for libations and food afterwards at nearby establishments!

We adhere to all Phinney Center Rules and Policies.

Updated 7/12/2023

Celebration of Life for Denice Carter
2026-05-24 13:00 - 17:00 | 14000 NE 49th Street, 14000 NE 49th Street, Vancouver, 98682, United States
We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Denice CarterJanuary 5, 1962 – January 6, 2026
Denice was a beloved community leader, musician, and teacher whose passion for music and fellowship touched many. She served as Chair of District 10, where she fostered connection and growth across the region. Denice was also well known for organizing and running the annual fiddle contest at the State Fair, bringing joy to performers and audiences alike.
Friends, family, and all who knew Denice are welcome to gather in her honor for an afternoon of remembrance, music, and community.
Celebration Potluck & Jam Session
Sunday, May 24, 20261:00 PM
Location:14000 NE 49th StreetVancouver, WA 98682
This celebration will include a potluck meal — please bring a dish to share if you’re able. In keeping with Denice’s love of music, we’ll also host an informal jam session. Musicians are encouraged to bring instruments and contribute to a joyful tribute.
Let’s come together to honor Denice’s life, her leadership, and the many ways she enriched our community.

District 6 Meeting/Jam
2026-09-05 11:00 - 16:00 | Des Moines Masonic Lodge, 2208 S 223rd St, Des Moines, WA, 98198, United States
We get together to jam, learn, eat, socialize and have a meeting once a month. All are welcome. If you would like to have a lesson on mandolin or guitar, contact Bernie Turner (the organizer of this event) before the date to let him know. Come anytime you like but note that we stop for a short meeting at 1 pm and then eat lunch together after that. There is jamming before and after the meeting and lunch break. Any questions, email Jenny Swanson at timbuktoe@yahoo.com

District 6 Jam
2026-09-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Des Moines Masonic Lodge, 2208 S 223rd St, Des Moines, WA, 98198, United States
We get together just to jam, learn and socialize once a month. It’s really a fun time to play music together. If there is interest, Bernie will teach a lesson on guitar or mandolin if you contact him ahead of time. All are welcome. Come anytime you like. Any questions contact Jenny Swanson at timbuktoe@yahoo.com

District 6 Christmas Party
2026-12-05 11:00 - 16:00 | Des Moines Masonic Lodge, 2208 S 223rd St, Des Moines, WA, 98198, United States
The District 6 Christmas party is held the first Saturday of December every year at the Mason’s hall in DesMoines, Wa. We get together to jam, eat, and enjoy each other’s company. During the jam, we play mostly Christmas songs, but any song you pick will be accepted. There are people of every musical ability and age. Some people come just to sing or to listen to the music. All are welcome. The District provides a ham for the potluck and you are welcome to bring food to share, although that is not required. Doors open at 11 am and we eat as soon as most people have arrived. (usually around noon or a little later) Otherwise, we spend our time until 4 pm doing lots of jamming.
