Tickets go on sale Nov. 15, when initial 2023 artist lineup will be announced

WILKESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA — MerleFest, presented by Window World, is planning a 35th celebration on April 27-30, 2023, and a 100th heavenly birthday celebration for Doc Watson. MerleFest started in 1988 as a fundraiser for the Garden of the Senses on Wilkes Community College to memorialize world-renowned flat picker Eddy Merle Watson, Doc Watson’s son. In keeping with the MerleFest traditions, 2023 will offer jams honoring MerleFest’s past, present and future. The celebration also aligns with the late Doc Watson’s 100th heavenly birthday. The festival plans to celebrate the life of Doc Watson and the history of MerleFest both visually and musically through vintage videos and artist collaborations. MerleFest, an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans, occurs on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Volunteers may choose to work a specific number of days or the entire four-day festival. In exchange for working a four-hour shift, volunteers will receive free entry into the festival for that day, free volunteer parking and shuttle, and a 10% discount on camping at the River’s Edge Campground. We will begin accepting online applications for its popular volunteer program on Oct. 1. Those who are interested in volunteering can apply online at www.merlefest.org/volunteer.

Additional information about MerleFest 2023 can be found at www.merlefest.org.