MerleFest will host its 11th Annual Band Competition, where eight talented finalists will compete for the opportunity to perform on MerleFest’s iconic Hillside Stage.

The competition performances will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, April 25, on the Plaza Stage with the winner announced at 4:30 p.m.

The competition provides a platform for bluegrass, Americana, and old-time bands to gain exposure, with the winner earning a prestigious slot at 11 a.m.on the Hillside Stage on Sunday, April 26.

Past winners of the MerleFest Band Competition include Mama & The Ruckus (2025), Melissa McKinney (2024), The Burnett Sisters Band & Colin Ray (2022), Will Easter and Shay Martin Lovette (2019). The competition, often featuring roots-oriented talent, has also seen winning artists such as Ashley Heath & Her Heathens, Fireside Collective, The Trailblazers and Into the Fog. 

The 2026 band competition will feature:

Crystal Fountains (Charlotte, NC)

Fancy & The Gentlemen (Asheville, NC)

The Ghosts of Liberty (Oak Ridge, NC)

Honey Magpie (Chapel Hill, NC)

Kyle Horton (Banner Elk, NC)

Nick & Brew (Asheville, NC)

Pressley Laton (Boone, NC)

Stone & Snow (Cincinnati, Ohio)

For tickets and more information visit https://merlefest.org/