Time is running out for aspiring singers to take their shot at one of Arkansas’ premier music competitions.
The deadline to enter the 2026 Cave City Sweetest Voice Contest is Monday, July 13, 2026.
Held during the 46th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival, the contest gives talented performers from Arkansas and across the Mid-South the opportunity to compete for a $500 grand prize and perform before thousands of festivalgoers.
Festival Director Amy Finster told Bob Connell on ArkansasRadio.com’s Open Mic program, “The contest continues to grow each year, attracting contestants from multiple states and providing performers with valuable exposure.”
Contestants must submit a video of a live acoustic performance to watermelonfestival@cavecity.us by July 13, 2026. Singers may accompany themselves with an acoustic instrument or have another musician perform with them, but only 1 vocalist may compete. Karaoke tracks, backing tracks, voice manipulation and full bands are not permitted.
The Top 10 finalists will compete live at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, on W. South Street in Cave City.
The first-place winner receives $500 and the opportunity to open for country music star Sammy Kershaw during the festival. The second-place winner will open for Confederate Railroad.
Finster says also said, “Last year’s winners have continued performing throughout the region after opening for Diamond Rio, proving the contest can help launch a musical career.”
Whether you’re an experienced performer or simply love to sing, this is your opportunity to shine.
Event Information
Sweetest Voice Contest
Thursday, July 23, 2026
8:00 p.m.
W. South St.
Cave City, Arkansas 72521
🚨 ENTRY DEADLINE: MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026 🚨
Submit your audition to:
watermelonfestival@cavecity.us
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