The annual concert series is held in a spacious outdoor amphitheater at the base of Fisher Peak just off The Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 213) between Galax, Virginia, and Mount Airy, North Carolina.
* Dori Freeman (July 26) * Donna The Buffalo (Aug. 2) * Sister Sadie (Aug. 16) * Paul Thorn (Aug. 23) * Del McCoury Band (Aug 30)
In addition to the Saturday concerts the Music Center also offers:
Midday Mountain Music: Free local and regional music from 12-3 p.m. every day the Music Center is open on the breezeway. Milepost Music: Free concerts from 2-4 p.m. Sundays from June through September at iconic destinations on the Parkway. On the Road: Throughout the year, the Music Center presents events at partner locations off the Parkway or virtually.
Visit the FAQ page for more information about concerts.
Everyone’s favorite Celtic rockers Scythian, also affectionately known as MerleFest’s house band, are headed down south to the land of the pines with a show in Charlotte on Thursday, July 10, and one in Boone on Friday, July 11. And if that’s not enough Scythian, you can catch them at a FREE show on Saturday, July 12, in Herndon, Virginia.
The 15th anniversary of Hopscotch Music Festival, North Carolina’s premier indie and experimental music festival, returns to the heart of downtown Raleigh on Sept. 4-6, 2025.
The festival will kick off at some of Raleigh’s most beloved and iconic stages, including City Plaza and Moore Square, The Pour House, the Ritz and many more.
After an 11-year hiatus, the North Carolina Hops & Roots Festival — a celebration of local music, craft beer, movement and community connection — is returning June 27–29 to The Plant in Pittsboro.
The local musical lineup of dozens of acts across multiple stages includes: • Dr. Bacon • Big Fat Gap • The Radio • Larry Bellorín & Joe Troop In addition, participants can:
Stretch out with daily yoga sessions from Yoga Garden Sip local pours from bmc Brewing Jam around the fire Camp under the stars
And enjoy: • Local food trucks • Fire circles & night market vibes • Craft vendors
Tuck Satterfield of The Simple Joy writes: “Energetic and quirky, Couldn’t Be Happiers is a folk-rock /Americana duo that enjoys every moment of their second chance at happiness. And it’s pretty damn contagious. Described by Doug Davis of Flytrap Studios as ‘Violent Femmes meets Johnny and June,’ this married songwriting duo joyfully blends rock, pop, bluegrass, and folk into a sound that is uniquely their own. The CBH songbook includes stories about the obsessive drive of a Bigfoot hunter, the life cycle of a plastic bag, the end of the world from global warming, the untold perspective of the first woman hanged in North Carolina, and the acrobatic feats of strength performed by a Cajun burglar feeding his gambling habit. But aside from the stories, what you’ll notice first is the voices — and in particular the beautiful homespun harmonies. Those voices will take you from church to holler to Opry and back again all in one song, thanks to the exhilarating power of Jodi’s vocals and the smoothly classic twang of Jordan’s. With Jodi on drums and harmonica, and Jordan on guitar, Couldn’t Be Happiers roll out an incredible sound, a set of great original songs, and a live show that all but dares you not to enjoy yourself.”
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival is back for another unforgettable Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 29-31, 2025, at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
This one-of-a-kind bluegrass festival boasts a star-studded lineup of bluegrass icons, Americana greats and rising stars, including Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Del McCoury Band, Watchhouse, The Wood Brothers, The War & Treaty, and many more.
Enjoy rare artist sit-ins, insightful artist workshops and discussions, premium on-site offerings like trail rides, equestrian jumping demos, restaurants and on-site lodging, and unscripted musical moments as you celebrate Labor Day Weekend with artists you know and love, and those you have yet to discover.
For its third year, Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival returns to its beachfront location at Sandy Point State Park along the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland, on Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, 2025. People from all over the region and across North America celebrate in this picturesque destination while listening to the finest music rooted in progressive bluegrass, improvisational jam, and American roots music. Annapolis Baygrass will welcome 14 bands and three artists-at-large over two days on two alternating beachside stages.
Annapolis Baygrass is thrilled to announce the 2025 lineup! Widely known for their dazzling live performances and incredible light shows, festival headliners Greensky Bluegrass will perform two sets. The festival is thrilled to have these seasoned road warriors from Michigan make their Baygrass debut!
Mama & The Ruckus wins 10th annual band competition
From the good folks at MerleFest:
MerleFest 2025, presented by North Wilksboro-based Window World, wrapped up its 37th annual celebration with a romp-roaring tribute to the music and community that folk icon Doc Watson championed throughout his life.
Over the course of four vibrant days, nearly 100 acts ranging from rising stars to seasoned legends graced a dozen stages across the campus of Wilkes Community College, drawing thousands to the rolling hills that canvas the region.
Founded in 1988, MerleFest has grown into not only a musical cornerstone of North Carolina but also a vital economic engine for the area, fueling scholarships, capital improvements, and educational programs throughout the community. The 2025 edition continued that legacy, blending genre-defying performances with a deep sense of purpose rooted in place and people.
On Saturday, MerleFest welcomed a special guest: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, who toured the Wilkes Community College campus and took in the sights and sounds of the festival. Later that evening,Stein introduced North Carolina’s own The Avett Brothers ahead of their headlining set on the Watson Stage, highlighting the festival’s important role in supporting education and cultural life in the region.
“MerleFest is special to so many people, including my family and me,” said Stein. “It was great to enjoy the weekend with so many North Carolina music fans, and I appreciate the hardworking people who make it all happen year after year.”
Reflecting on this year’s event, Festival Director Wes Whitson shared, “What really stood out to me this year was the sense of connection. You could feel it everywhere—between the artists and the crowds, among the volunteers, and even in the little moments, like folks swapping stories in the food lines. MerleFest has always been about more than just the music, and this year really drove that home. I’m especially proud that the festival continues to support the mission of Wilkes Community College, which plays such an important role in our region. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen and kept the spirit of the festival alive. It’s quite possible we broke some attendance records this year. We could not be more appreciative of our fans who showed up in a really big way each day of the festival.”
See below for a day-by-day highlight reel of MerleFest 2025’s noteworthy moments:
Thursday: MerleFest weekend kicked off with returning local artist Presley Barker, whose impressive guitar work and heartfelt lyrics welcomed festivalgoers. Woody Platt and the Bluegrass Gentlemen followed with a masterclass in bluegrass tradition, leading into a powerful, blues-tinged set from The SteelDrivers. Wyatt Flores kept the energy high with his soulful songwriting and magnetic presence. Brent Cobb brought laid-back Southern rock vibes to the Cabin Stage, before The Dead South drew a massive crowd with their high-energy, foot-stomping bluegrass. The evening closed on the Dance Stage with Donna the Buffalo’s infectious rhythms, kicking off the weekend with heart, energy, and the signature sense of community only MerleFest can deliver.
Friday: Jim Lauderdale and The Gamechangers opened the day with a soulful set on the Creekside Stage, setting the tone for a memorable Friday. Big Richard brought powerhouse vocals and fierce energy to the Americana Stage, followed by Tony Trischka’s EarlJam, who took fans on a journey through bluegrass history. The War and Treaty delivered an emotionally charged Watson Stage performance, leading into a stunning set from I’m With Her. Friday night belonged to Bonnie Raitt, who captivated with her iconic slide guitar and timeless hits, before the tradition of the Late Night Jam, hosted by Sam Bush, brought a star-studded roster of pickers together for an unforgettable session.
Saturday: Saturday opened with Denitia’s soulful country sounds on the Hillside Stage, followed by the announcement of Band Competition winners Mama & The Ruckus. Alison Brown delivered a masterful blend of bluegrass, folk, and storytelling, and The Fretliners brought authentic, Colorado-infused roots to the Traditional Stage. Christina Vane stormed the Dance Stage with her roots-driven sound, while The Waybacks’ annual “Album Hour” reimagined The Rolling Stones’ Let it Bleed, electrifying the crowd. As evening set in, Sam Bush lit up the Watson Stage, paving the way for The Avett Brothers’ high-energy, heartfelt performance. Scythian closed the night with a raucous, high-octane dance party on the Dance Stage.
Sunday: The festival’s final day began with a family-friendly sing-along led by Josh Goforth and Laura Boosinger. The Jeff Little Trio honored Doc Watson with heartfelt gospel songs at Creekside, followed by The Secret Sisters’ haunting harmonies on the Hillside Stage. Leftover Salmon got the Watson Stage crowd moving with their jam-infused bluegrass, while Wayne Henderson & Friends showcased Appalachian roots mastery at the Traditional Stage. Watchhouse closed out MerleFest 2025 with a breathtaking, soul-stirring set, wrapping up a weekend full of music, community, and unforgettable memories.
As MerleFest 2025 comes to a close, excitement is already building for next year’s return to Wilkes Community College, set for April 23-26, 2026. Stay tuned for ticket details and the full lineup announcement coming soon.
About MerleFest MerleFest, presented by Window World, was founded in 1988 as a fundraiser for the Garden of the Senses at Wilkes Community College to memorialize world-renowned flatpicker Doc Watson’s late son, Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 12 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.
Missing the IBMA Bluegrass Live! Fest? You aren’t alone. For some boot-stomping fun in its place, head on over to the North Carolina foothills for MerleFest 2025, the annual homecoming of bluegrass, Americana, folk and almost every other kind of music in between in Wilkesboro.
From April 24–27, the campus of Wilkes Community College will become a musical menagerie with more than 100 musicians taking to 13 stages—exactly what founder and legend late Doc Watson intended when he named the Americana festival after his son and fellow guitarist, Merle.
The 37th MerleFest promises some incredible musical moments and memories with a lineup that includes the much-anticipated return of NC natives The Avett Brothers and Watchhouse (formerly known as Mandolin Orange), and the first-time appearance of icon Bonnie Raitt, whose music—like MerleFest—spans blues, folk, pop, country, rock and R&B.
Triangle-based The Barefoot Movement is also returning to MerleFest, along with another local band, A Different Thread, out of Chapel Hill, which is among the eight hopefuls competing in the 10th Annual Band Competition, where finalists vie for the opportunity to perform on MerleFest’s iconic Hillside Stage.
Late Night Jam Returns Making a surprise return this year, The Bluegrass Situation will present the Late Night Jam hosted by Sam Bush and featuring a super-set of collaborations with East Nash Grass, Jack Lawrence, Joe Smothers, Peter Rowan, T. Michael Coleman, Tony Trischka, Woody Platt (formerly of the Steep Canyon Rangers) and more.
“The Late Night Jam was always a unique and fun bonus set of music where you never knew who would show up or what you might hear,” says MerleFest Artist Relations Manager Lindsay Craven. “We took a pause on this offering so we could revamp and revitalize it for our fans and bring it back bigger and better than ever. Late Night Jam with Sam Bush and Friends will embody the spirit of MerleFest with unique collaborations you can only see here, and the highest-quality musical performances in the roots scene.”
Beyond its unparalleled musical offerings, MerleFest 2025 will also offer visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the festival through the MerleFest Archives and Oral Histories, now on display at the Appalachian State University Libraries. The exhibit spans the festival’s journey from its founding in 1988 to the present day through a curated collection of performance recordings, photographs and memorabilia, providing a glimpse into the festival’s growth and impact.
The state’s second-largest tourist draw, which acts as a fundraiser for WCC, will also offer shopping from a variety of vendors at The Shoppes at MerleFest, the Little Pickers Family Area, the Acoustic Kids Showcase, Jam Camp, Pickers Place, a wide range of good eats that double as fundraisers for the local community, and even nature walks and backstage tours. One-day general admission tickets from $90, multiday tickets from $245, merlefest.org.
A music festival curated by GRAMMY & Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens, and dedicated to the reclamation and exploration of Black music, art, and culture in her home state of North Carolina.
Biscuits and Banjos will take place in downtown Durham at the Durham Performing Arts Center, The Armory, Carolina Theater and more locations, according to a press release.
Greensboro native Giddens’ new festival spans three days to exchange ideas, expand conversations, uplift traditions, and trace the musical and geographical connections of old time, country, Americana, folk, jazz and blues to highlight their complicated origins. The festival will champion Black artists and creators, offering robust musical performances alongside secondary programming to include lectures, workshops and readings from authors, chefs, visual artists, and more. Black culture is not a monolith, and this gathering will provide an opportunity for those working outside the mainstream to come together in community, as well as showing the similar journeys the culture has taken across music, food, and literature.
The festival will honor the 20th Anniversary of the Black Banjo Gathering – a landmark musical summit held in Boone, N.C., in 2005 that became the impetus behind the creation of GRAMMY-winning black string band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, which launched Giddens’ career. She immediately identified Durham as the ideal location to house Biscuits & Banjos given her personal connection to the city and its diverse reach and thriving contemporary culture, as well as its historical Black heritage.
Indoor programming will be ticketed and outdoor programming will be free to the public.
Biscuits & Banjos is a non-profit, community responsive festival. Funding for Biscuits & Banjos is made possible in part by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, North Carolina Humanities, the Danielle Rose Paikin Foundation, the Harper House Foundation, Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, Duke Arts and Duke Community Affairs, and other generous individual donors, civic, and community partners.
3 Days. 30+ Bands. 1 Epic Weekend.
Stretch out with daily yoga sessions from Yoga Garden
Sip local pours from bmc Brewing
Jam around the fire
Camp under the stars
Tickets:
Location:
Yoga Garden
ServPro
bmc Brewing
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