The competitors fee covers admission and registered competitors will gain entrance to all events including Friday night welcome party/concert with David Mayfield Parade featuring The Truckstop Preachers & The Loose Lugnuts. General admission tickets gain entrance to the competition only plus having your mind blown by the visual awesomeness that will ensue. Come celebrate the joys of folical art while consuming hopped beverages and hootin' n' hollerin'!
Remember contestants! You will only be able to enter one category, so choose wisely!
If you are unsure what category to enter, we will help you register during the couple hours prior to the competition.
Click to open the Registration Form »
Click to purchase a general admission ticket via the Chop Shop website »
Welcome to the land of the old north state where we believe in southern hospitality and breaking bread over sweet tea & BBQ. This year we are shifting our annual competition to the largest metropolis in the Carolina's, Charlotte, which also is home to our newest chapter. Excitement is an understatement of how stoked we are about the programming we have in place for this weekend. Mark your calendars and take off work for what will be a thrill ride of beards, beer, and great times!
Click on any category below to see an explanation of what is required to compete in that particular one.
NO - Styling aids NOT allowed
Your moustache as it grows naturally, the more natural the better! You may shape it but without the use of styling aids.
Definition: a natural moustache shaped without the use of any pomades, waxes, or other products.
YES - Styling aids allowed
This category includes WBMC recognized categories of English, Hungarian/Wild West, Dali, Imperial, and Freestyle.
Definition: a creatively styled and shaped moustache through the use of pomades, waxes, creams, and other products and styling tools.
YES - Styling aids allowed
NO - Freestyle NOT allowed
Must be a true sideburn, no natural or shaven gap by the ear. Chin is shaven and hair is optional on the upper lip.
Definition: a strip of hair grown down each side of the face in front of the ears that does not connect to the chin.
NO - Styling aids NOT allowed
Your goatee as it grows naturally, the more natural the better! Moustache is optional. Goatee and moustache can be accentuated but without styling aids. No curled moustaches! There must be a clean shaven section at least 4cm wide (the width of a razor blade) between the onset of the head hair and the beard.
Definition: a small, sometimes pointed beard extending from chin that does not connect to head hair.
YES - Styling aids allowed
NO - Freestyle NOT allowed
This category includes WBMC recognized categories of Musketeer, Fu Manchu and Imperial partial beards.
Definition: a natural beard that covers much of the face but does not connect entirely all the way around.
YES - Styling aids allowed (and encouraged)
Judged on pure creativity and originality.
Definition: a creatively styled and shaped beard through the use of pomades, waxes, creams, and other products and styling tools.
NO - Styling aids NOT allowed
NO - Moustaches NOT allowed
Your beard as it grows naturally, the more natural the better. Beard may be groomed or natural as it lays.
Definition: the "Abe Lincoln" is a thick beard fully covering the entire chin from ear to ear along the jaw line without connecting to a moustache (not to be confused with a "chinstrap" which does not fully cover the chin)
LADIES ONLY!
These beards follow the traditional and realistic structure of a beard and moustache. They can be creative in the use of materials, but with the goal of appearing realistic. The most realistic looking beard does not necessarily win. The "realism" of a beard is one factor among many to be judged, just as length does not win every comp but must be factored in with width, color and overall look.
Judged on: realism, craftsmanship, and overall aesthetic appeal.
LADIES ONLY!
These beard use creative materials in their construction. They do not necessarily follow the traditional structure of a beard or moustache in size or dimension. Rather, these beards can be artistic and abstract representations of beards and or moustaches.
Judged on: overall creativity, craftsmanship, and overall aesthetic appeal.
YES - Styling aids allowed
A highly groomed and manicured beard no longer then 1 inch. Shaping and manscaping encouraged.
NO - Styling aids NOT allowed
Full beard as it grows and left natural, the more natural the better! The moustache is seamlessly blended into the beard. Length and/or width measured from the bottom of the lower lip.
NO - Styling aids NOT allowed
Full beard as it grows and left natural, the more natural the better! The moustache is seamlessly blended into the beard. Length and/or width measured from the bottom of the lower lip.
NO - Styling aids NOT allowed
Full beard as it grows and left natural, the more natural the better! The moustache is seamlessly blended into the beard. Length and/or width measured from the bottom of the lower lip.
YES - Styling aids allowed
NO - Freestyle NOT allowed
This category includes WBMC recognized categories of Verdi, and Garibaldi.
Definition: the beard is rounded and shaped as it grows naturally and the moustache may be optionally curled and styled.
YES - Styling aids allowed in MOUSTACHE ONLY
NO - Styling aids NOT allowed in beard.
The moustache is distinct from the beard & may be styled as in other moustache categories. Styling aids are permitted on the moustache only. The beard appears as it grows and left natural. The more natural the better! No styling aids are permitted on the beard.
YES - Styling aids allowed (and encouraged)
Styling aids allowed. Judged on pure creativity and originality.
Final Round - 1st Place Winners Only!
We will host a BEST of BAM category with all the first place winners competing for the overall title of "Best In Show!"
The BAKU Gallery - 3200 N Davidson St, Charlotte NC 28205
(Right next to FU's TATTOO shop)
Start the weekend off right with some fine locally crafted artwork showcasing a subject near and dear to all of us: Beards and Moustaches! Come meet the talented artists behind these wonderful pieces. Presented by Culture Initiative and The Beard and Moustache Club of North Carolina (hey that's us!) the artwork will hang from March 6th until March 31st.
The Visulite Theater - 1615 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte NC 28204
Continue the evening with some fine locally crafted beer, lively entertainment and a chance to meet and greet your fellow contestants! Entertainment for the follicle festival will start at the Visulite Theater on Friday night where there will be live music by The David Mayfield Parade as well as local talents Truckstop Preachers, Loose Lugnuts & Alex Kastanas.
Click here for more on the bands.
NoDa Brewing Company - 2229 N Davidson St, Charlotte NC 28205
Gear up for the ensuing competition by loading up on some quality food and award-winning locally brewed beers! It's also another great opportunity to meet and network with more of your fellow contestants. Food will be provided by the amazing OooWee BBQ food truck and music will be provided by one of Charlotte's favorite DJs, Aswell. We also plan to have a "Bearded Fun Run" so come out and enjoy a taste of Charlotte!
Click here for more on the DJ.
The Chop Shop NoDa - Address and Map Below
Be sure to secure your spot in the competition by PRE-REGISTERING today! We will be opening the doors 2 hours prior to the competition in order to allow those last minute contestants to register. We strongly encourage pre-registering before the day of the event to keep this process as smooth as possible!
If you would like some assistance in selecting a category to compete in, send us an email, find us on Facebook, or just show up during this time and we will help you out!
The Chop Shop NoDa - Address and Map Below
Style up and get ready because this is going to be insane in the men's mane! On top of a carnival of good times we have 17 judged categories, a plethora of vendors with merch to buy, photo booths, and live entertainment. Our own member That Guy Smitty will be on decks providing soundtrack all night so you can bet you'll be breaking a sweat! We will also be graced by the Papi Queso food truck, which will absolutely delight your taste buds!
Tap here for more on the DJ.
Birdsong Brewery - 2315 N Davidson St, Charlotte NC 28205
For those who wish to stay the night of the competition and have the time and energy for one last hoorah in the morning,
we're holding a casual brunch at the Birdsong Brewery in NoDa (near the competition site). Food will be provided by the Chrome Toaster food truck and NoDa's own Carlos "The Hotdog Man" will be slinging his famous "Latin Relish Hotdogs" along with some tasty sausage and peppers, and of course Birdsong will have on tap some of Charlotte's tasiest local brews ($1 of every beer sold will go to benefit
Safe Alliance). We will also be featuring live music by local
Charlotte favorites Sinners & Saints who just recently opened up for Flogging Molly at the Filmore!
Needless to say this is a perfect way to end your weekend so be sure to stick around!
Click here for more on the band.
5100 Equipment Dr, Charlotte NC 28269
(Sugar Creek Rd. exit 41 off I-85 - Known locally as "the good side of Sugar Creek")
Rate: $49 (plus tax) per night
(Ask for the "Beard & Moustache Club of NC Competition Rate")
LARGE GROUP? They are allowing up to SIX people per room without any extra charge!
3.1 miles from the competition site, interior doors, 24hr security. Gas, food, & bar within close walking distance - in fact the hotel is right next to a Cookout and a little soul food place called The Chicken Box.
3000 East Independence Blvd, Charlotte NC 28205
We've also secured a discounted rate of $52 (plus tax) per night - just say you are with the "Beard and Moustache Club." This hotel is only 5 miles away from the competition site.
(Urban Beardsman)
(Styling Expert)
(Seasoned Judge)
(Bearded Rocker)
(Beehives & Buzzcuts)
A judge's role is to award points according to how much they like the facial hair (highest points to the most preferred), which will then be added to other judge's scores to decide 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. There are no standard criteria for making the judgement - it is totally subjective to the desires of each judge.
** Any class that has twenty or more contestants will be divided, by random draw, into smaller groups. Each group will be scored using the point system above. Once all the divided groups have been scored, the top three of each group will then be judged and scored again to award a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
One of the rules of the competition is "Protest of any decision by the judges will incur disqualification from this competition!"
(Playing Friday evening @ Visulite Theater for the Welcoming Party)
If you've seen David Mayfield perform with The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, Jessica Lea Mayfield, or at Bonnaroo, you've caught the charisma, the heart, and the comedy, and it's likely you'll come back for more. David Mayfield grew up playing bass and touring with his family's bluegrass band. As a teenager he established himself as a hot picker collecting national awards for his dexterity on guitar and mandolin. His knack for colorful performances was evident as a backing player in his sister Jessica Lea Mayfield's band including their appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman." Conscious of not just being a musician, but an entertainer - something his father instilled in him in the family band - he certainly makes an impression live. But it's the strength of his songwriting and musicianship, combined with that charm and personality that keep audiences coming back again and again.
Visit their official website »
(Playing Friday evening @ Visulite Theater for the Welcoming Party)
When today's country music is driven by cowboy wanna-be's and prom queens who couldn't cut it on MTV, Truckstop Preachers make it a point to deliver freight loads of raw honky tonk music to their audience. Each member of the Truckstop clergy bring their own background to form the sound heard from the stage! This cross denominational background creates a unique mix of honky tonk that is hard to describe. Their trucking and rockabilly stylings have transformed audiences into loyal fans of the music and shows. It's clear to see that the interstates will run long and wide for these evangelists as they spread the good word of country music!
Visit their official website »
(Playing Friday evening @ Visulite Theater for the Welcoming Party)
Anchored by the Wilson brothers, Mark and Brian, the Loose Lugnuts have been playing old country music in the Queen City for over a decade. Their catalog of country classics is unrivaled during marathon shows and originals from their 2013 release "Half Tight" keeps the boots stomping while paying homage to their REAL country roots.
Visit their official website »
(Playing Friday evening @ Visulite Theater for the Welcoming Party)
A local darling of country goodness, Alex is a perfect blend of acoustic guitar, powerful vocals, and a drive to deliver her songs with a passion. If you have not ever had the pleasure of seeing her live do yourself a favor and get your butts out here early so you, too, can have all the feels that will be flying your way!
(Playing Saturday afternoon @ NoDa Brewing for the Lunch Meet & Greet)
He's a producer, emcee and DJ and most people know him for "Finger Drumming" on Maschine/MPC type devices. He's studied music since he can remember and started studying piano since age 10 or so. He also studied percussion in college and has stated "I pretend I can play guitar, cello and bass." Aswell appears in several music groups including "Mr. Invisible," "Kali Yuga," Murdered By Loved Ones, Vizionarium, The Vagabond Bros and Hectagons. He is currently studying jazz theory and works on mixing & mastering at Dubspot.
Listen to him on Sound Cloud »
(Playing Saturday Evening @ Chop Shop Noda for the BAM Competition)
Self described as a "simple purveyor of cosmic groove," his words do not lie. That Guy Smitty will take you on a subconscious journey through the depths of the audiosphere with his amazingly smooth DJ groove.
(Playing Sunday afternoon @ Birdsong Brewing for the Farewell Brunch)
Sinners & Saints is a folk rock band based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. The group is comprised of Perry Fowler (vocals, guitar, harmonica and floor snare) and Mark Baran (vocals, upright bass, banjo and kick). Together they play some of the finest good ol' whiskey drinkin', shit kickin', sweet lovin' music you'll ever hear. They recently opened up for the renown Flogging Molly at the Fillmore Charlotte!
If you have any questions or comments about the upcoming competition, don't hesitate to send us an email.
You can also find us on Facebook (quite often!)
The BMCofNC truly understands the power of giving and how small amounts from many sources can add up to greatness! Our very core principles revolve around volunteering in our community and raising money for worthy charity organizations. Even this entire competition is organized, funded, and carried out by volunteering members of the club who want it to be the best it can be!
We also know many of you out there are big supporters of our cause and if you would like to donate toward funding our competitions please click the button below to hit our PayPal donation page. 100% of your donations will be funnelled into our budgets and will go toward creating the biggest and best competition the Carolinas has seen yet! Thank you so much for your contribution to our cause!
You DO NOT need a PayPal account to donate, only a credit or debit card!