Every year over Memorial Day weekend in Oxford, Mississippi, the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest is held to provide an opportunity for pianists to compete and learn in a stimulating atmosphere, and to educate people about old-time piano music written prior to 1940. Through the years, the contest has provided more than $70,000 in prize money to more than 500 piano players from across the United States and from five foreign countries. Players in 2025 will participate in three divisions-Regular, Junior & Senior, competing for cash prizes, trophies and medallions. The New Rag Contest, where aspiring composers present their original tunes, will also have its own cash prize and trophy. A variety of other activities include presentations, guest artist performances, silent movies, a youth master class, and after-hours events every night on the Oxford Square.

This is a weekend packed with Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley and Standard tunes played by amazing piano players. You don’t have to play piano to enjoy music that will have your toes tapping. You’ll have the time of your life at the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest.

Schedule:

7:00 pm: Tune-ups Party at The Old Henry

An evening of non-stop piano playing by contestants and guest artists at the The Old Henry on the Oxford Square. This is your chance to catch the contestants in action in an informal setting, hear some phenomenal piano playing and get a flavor for what the weekend contests have in store. Enjoy your favorite drink while you reconnect with old friends and make some new friends while listening to all of your favorites.  Bar and food available on site.

Tickets:

Not included in all-event pass
$10 cover charge at the door

Click Here to Buy Tickets