MerleFest18.8K
Per day
1988
since
~40
Editions
Overview
About
MerleFest takes place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson, son of guitarist Doc Watson, it follows a self-described traditional plus line, rooted in Appalachian bluegrass and old time music and open to Americana, country and blues. It also serves as a fundraiser for the college.
On site
Practical info
Venue type
- Open air
Camping
- Camping on site
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
Kids & family
- Family friendly
- Kids area
- Free for kids
Transport
- Parking
- Shuttle service
Getting there
Location
1328 S. Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Get directionsArchive
Past editions
2026Apr 23–26, 202680+ artists
Blackberry Smoke
Corey Harris
Donna the Buffalo2025Apr 24–27, 202549 artists
Muireann BradleyDonna the Buffalo2024Apr 25–28, 202445 artists
Donna the Buffalo2023Apr 27–30, 202347 artists
Dom FlemonsDonna the Buffalo2022Apr 28 – May 1, 202233 artists
Donna the Buffalo2019Apr 25–28, 201937 artists
Steve Poltz2018Apr 26–29, 201827 artists
Donna the Buffalo2017Apr 27–30, 201720 artists
Jorma KaukonenDonna the BuffaloThe Steel WheelsScythianMountain HeartBryan SuttonMegan NashJack LawrenceLocust Honey String BandThe TrailblazersMarty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives2016May 1, 20163 artists
2014Apr 26, 20143 artists
2013Apr 26–28, 201313 artists
2012Apr 28, 20124 artists
2011Apr 28 – May 1, 201115 artists
2010Apr 30 – May 1, 20109 artists
2008Apr 25–27, 200813 artists
2007Apr 27–28, 200712 artists
2006Apr 28–30, 200621 artists
Jorma Kaukonen2005Apr 28 – May 1, 200527 artists
Corey HarrisDonna the Buffalo2004Apr 29 – May 2, 200431 artists
Donna the Buffalo2003Apr 24–27, 200326 artists
Béla Fleck and the FlecktonesDonna the Buffalo2002Apr 25–27, 200223 artists
Jorma Kaukonen2001Apr 27–29, 200123 artists
Donna the Buffalo2000Apr 28–30, 20009 artists
1999Apr 29 – May 2, 199916 artists
1998Apr 24, 19983 artists
1997Apr 26, 19977 artists
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones1995Apr 29, 19954 artists
1994Apr 28 – May 1, 199412 artists
1992Apr 23–26, 199224 artists
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones