Experience one of Granville County’s premier summer music events at the Next Door Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 313 E. Spring St, in Oxford, North Carolina. This growing festival brings together talented North Carolina bands, local food vendors and a vibrant community atmosphere for a day of live entertainment. Enjoy performances by Cor De Lux, Blab School, Flatrock, Hex Files, Gone Ghost, and Worthington’s Law while exploring local vendors and enjoying festival favorites from area food trucks. Set in the heart of Oxford, the event showcases the region’s thriving music scene and creative culture, making it a perfect outing for music lovers, families, and visitors alike. The celebration continues with an official after-party at Humble Pour from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with additional details to be announced soon. Admission is free, so bring your friends, support local artists, and enjoy a memorable day of live music in Granville County.
This summer, we’re highlighting LOCAL emerging artists who are shaping what folk music looks and sounds like right now. Four concerts. Four distinct sounds.
Presented in partnership with The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro.
Local Folk isn’t just about playing a show. It’s about supporting artists beyond the stage.
This year, we’re teaming up with Alycee Byrd Photography to provide day-of-show photography plus free professional headshots for participating artists.
We’re also partnering with Notes for Notes to offer free studio time, giving artists a chance to keep building their sound long after the set ends.
Participating venues will also provide sound board audio recordings of performances so artists can walk away with more than just the memory of the night.
That Station’s Artist Notes will return to The Corner this year with more beautiful summer evenings of music and relaxation, organizers have announced.
Each night will feature an artist who will play their unique brand of music and share personal insights. Chris Edge will guide us through the ups and downs of our featured artists’ careers and the stories behind their songs.
The event is free and so is parking. We’ll have food trucks on-site and beer available for purchase. You can bring camp chairs, leashed dogs and coolers with beer, wine and food.
Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., and performances will begin at 7 p.m. The address is 941 Main Campus Dr. in Raleigh. The CornerView map
Following is the 2026 season lineup:
May 29: River Shook and Emma Rae Food truck: The Flat Drum
June 12: Dave Wilson & John Teer (of Chatham County Line) and hushpuppy Food truck: MoMoMandu
July 10: Larry & Joe and Couldn’t Be Happiers Food truck: Greek on Wheels
July 24: IAMDYNAMITE and Rich Richards Food truck: Kao Thai
Aug 7: Joseph Terrell (of Mipso) and Emily Burdette Food truck: The Blue Window
Wanna be first to hear who’s playing the 2026 Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival? Come to our free Lineup Announcement live event on May 12, part of our weekly Beer and Banjos concert at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh.
From 6:30-9 p.m., you’ll hear music from the Beer and Banjos All-Stars and a guest band, and we’ve got some extra fun in store as we unveil the festival lineup. It’ll also be the first opportunity to buy our brand-new 2026 festival merch – yes, our beloved banjo-hoisting squirrel will be prominently featured!
Beer and Banjos is a free, family-friendly evening of roots music every Tuesday at Raleigh’s Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard. Hosted by the mighty local musicians known collectively as the Beer and Banjos Allstars, these weekly concerts feature guest musicians and take place on Bowstring’s spacious patio when the weather allows, or inside by the bar when rain, heat, or cold threaten the vibe.
Tips for the musicians are gratefully accepted (look for a helper walking around with a bucket for cash and QR codes for online tips), and don’t forget to check out the merch table. Bowstring serves tasty pizza and other food as well as cold beer and other beverages.
Learn more about Beer and Banjos events statewide here.
Parking at Bowstring Brewyard can fill up fast. If you arrive and find the parking lot full, here are some options:
PAY PARKING: Exit the Bowstring parking lot by turning right onto Wake Forest Road, then quickly take a right (at the light) onto E. Whitaker Mill Rd. Turn right into the parking lot of the StorageMax and look for a kiosk to pay.
FREE PARKING: Turn right out of the Bowstring parking lot and quickly turn left at the light onto E. Whitaker Mill Rd. Turn left into the parking lot of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. It’s about a 5-10 minute walk back to Bowstring from there.
Bynum Front Porch, at 950 Bynum Road in Pittsboro, North Carolina, is a relaxed setting to enjoy music and worth the drive. They host several regularly scheduled events, including storytelling, a music series, and a bluegrass jam session, open to all. Bynum Front Porch is a nonprofit that rents the old Bynum General Store, turning it into a community gathering spot.
In the warm months, enjoy live music on Fridays, outside the store. These events are free, but the pith helmet will be passed to collect tips for the band. Friday Night Music Series takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., from May 1 to August 28, 2026, except for July 3.
May 1: Secret Monkey Weekend
May 8: John Howie Jr. & Rosewood Bluff
May 15: Orange County Lockdown
May 22: Gravy Boys
May 29: The Old Ceremony
June 5: Jack the Radio
June 12: Dub Lorenzo
June 19: Them
June 26: Kit McCay
July 3: No Music
July 10: Mad Crush
July 17: GrassStreet
July 24: Bulltown Strutters
July 31: Graymatter
August 7: A Different Thread
August 14: Nine Times Around
August 21: Deep Chatham Ramblers
August 28: Bluegrass Experience
Bluegrass Jam Sessions
On the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, a bluegrass jam is held inside the store at 10 a.m. All are welcome! Please make sure to check Bynum Front Porch’s Facebook page, or even contact them, to make sure there are no changes.
One of the constants at MerleFest is that it will rain. Sometimes it’s just a few drops and sometimes it’s a downpour, but as someone who has attended this premiere outdoor (mostly) festival that celebrates all types of music faithfully for more than two decades, I can promise you that something will fall from the sky and this year was no different.
Photo by Pixels on Paper Photography
Another constant at MerleFest is Jim Lauderdale, who made his 29th appearance this year. You can always find Lauderdale, a native North Carolinian, performing on one stage or another as well as jumping in to jam with The Waybacks during the popular Album Hour or just walking around the Wilkes Community College campus on his way to or from another set chatting with other musicians or fans.
This year Lauderdale released his 39th album — yes, you read that right 39th — called “The Birds Know” with The Po’Ramblin’ Boys at MerleFest on April 24. Lauderdale kicked off Friday’s festivities on the Creekside Stage with tunes from his new bluegrass album as well as his 38th album, Country Super Hits Volume 2, which he released in March.
It’s not the first time the Americana legend has teamed up with IBMA Award-winning torchbearers The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys. “The Birds Know” is a follow-up to 2023’s “The Long and Lonesome Letting Go” which also featured The Po’Ramblin’ Boys.
Malpassfest promises to be a fun-filled weekend of incredible music, band meet-and-greets, camping, great food and shopping—all right on site. Three-day passes are only $100 through April 24. It’s a festival with something the whole family will enjoy! Don’t miss your chance to see the headliners,The Malpass Brothers, and catch other amazing performances from Riders In The Sky, The Grascals, The Kody Norris Show, Sister Sadie, and many more stellar acts. There will also be a jam session with The Malpass Brothers on Thursday and Friday nights beginning at 10:30 p.m. For tickets, camping information, and all the details, visit this link: https://dentonfarmpark.com/bluegrass-festival/
The countdown is officially underway as MerleFest, presented by Window World, makes final preparations for its 38th annual festival taking place April 23-26, 2026, on the campus of Wilkes Community College. This year’s event marks highly anticipated performances by 27-time GRAMMY winner Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Blackberry Smoke, plus a very special edition of the beloved Late Night Jam with Grand Ole Opry, hosted by Old Crow Medicine Show.
Tickets for the MerleFest Late Night Jam with Grand Ole Opry are available now at the box officeand online until sold out. With Old Crow Medicine Show as the house band, the Late Night Jam is sure to turn into a full-fledged jubilee –– an Opry-inspired showcase built on collaboration,spontaneity, and deep musical roots. With a rotating cast of guests including Charlie Starr, Willie Watson, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Maggie Rose, and more, the night promises the kind of once-in- a-lifetime moments that define MerleFest.
Festival goers can also catch Old Crow Medicine Show across multiple special performances throughout the weekend, including a full-album set of O.C.M.S. and Big Iron World featuring special guest Willie Watson on the Watson Stage (Friday, 9:00-11:00 p.m.), as well as a special acoustic Hillside set (Saturday, 1:30-2:15 p.m.). The fan-favorite Album Hour returns to the Hillside Stage on Saturday (3:15-4:45 p.m.), hosted by The Waybacks.
Additional programming highlights include the Docabilly Blues Blowout at the Walker Center (Friday, 3:15-4:00 p.m.), featuring appearances by Amelia Day, Jim Lauderdale, Uwe Kruger, and more. Download the official MerleFest mobile app to start planning your weekend and ensure you never miss a beat. The WCC Foundation is thrilled to continue the Silent Auction this year, featuring the convenience of online bidding and the chance to view items in person throughout the festival.You can browse and place bids before and during the festival — all without missing a beat of the music. This year’s auction will showcase an even greater variety of distinctive, high-quality items, and the 50/50 Raffle is back for another exciting year! Proceeds support the SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) First Year Experience program, empowering students to start strong and achieve their goals. For more information or to bid now visit merlefest.org/silent-auction.
MerleFest 2026tickets are available now. For general admission passes, Late Night Jam tickets, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase. Save by purchasing advance tickets before April 22.
WILKESBORO –– MerleFest, presented by Window World, has revealed a star-studded roster joining its highly anticipated Late Night Jam hosted by Old Crow Medicine Show.
The beloved MerleFest tradition promises unforgettable collaborations between special guests including Charlie Starr (of Blackberry Smoke), Maggie Rose, The Creekers, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, DUG, Donna the Buffalo, and more to be announced.
MerleFest is proud to once again welcome our 2026 Acoustic Kids Showcases with Andy May. Since 2001, the Acoustic Kids program has given young musicians of any skill level the opportunity to perform on festival stages in a supportive environment.
Beginner through pro, all musicians 18 or younger are welcome to participate and share their music with the MerleFest audience. Each year, we host three 1.5-hour showcases and a half-hour Acoustic Kids Ambassadors set.
The WCC Foundation is thrilled to continue the Silent Auction this year, featuring the convenience of online bidding and the chance to view items in person throughout the festival. You can browse and place bids before and during the festival — all without missing a beat of the music. This year’s auction will showcase an even greater variety of distinctive, high-quality items, and the 50/50 Raffle is back for another exciting year! Proceeds support the SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) First Year Experience program, empowering students to start strong and achieve their goals. Stay tuned for more details at merlefest.org/silent-auction.
MerleFest 2026 tickets are available now, including the highly anticipated Late Night Jam. For general admission passes, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.
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, 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.
MerleFest, presented by Window World, will hold its 38th annual festival April 23-26, 2026 on the campus of Wilkes Community College, featuring a who’s who of “traditional plus” talent.
Slated for the highly anticipated weekend are headliners Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Blackberry Smoke, alongside standouts like Molly Tuttle, Railroad Earth, and The Infamous Stringdusters, to name a few. Today, MerleFest unveiled its complete 2026 schedule for all 12 stages, now available online and via the official MerleFest Mobile App. Free to download on iOS and Android devices, the app features set times, artist bios, a festival map, and more — serving as an all-in-one tool for fans planning their weekend.
In addition to exploring the schedule, fans can now browse the official 2026 MerleFest merchandise collection through the festival’s online store. Festival merchandise is available to shop for a limited time in advance of the April 23-26 weekend, giving attendees the opportunity to pre-order festival favorites and show their MerleFest spirit year-round.
MerleFest is proud to once again welcome our 2026 Acoustic Kids Showcases with Andy May. Since 2001, the Acoustic Kids program has given young musicians of any skill level the opportunity to perform on festival stages in a supportive environment. Beginner through pro, all musicians 18 or younger are welcome to participate and share their music with the MerleFest audience. Each year, we host three 1.5-hour showcases and a half-hour Acoustic Kids Ambassadors set.
The WCC Foundation is thrilled to continue the Silent Auction this year, featuring the convenience of online bidding and the chance to view items in person throughout the festival. You can browse and place bids before and during the festival — all without missing a beat of the music. This year’s auction will showcase an even greater variety of distinctive, high-quality items, and the 50/50 Raffle is back for another exciting year! Proceeds support the SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) First Year Experience program, empowering students to start strong and achieve their goals. Online bidding for both the Silent Auction and the 50/50 Raffle will launch on April 6th. Stay tuned for more details at merlefest.org/silent-auction.
MerleFest 2026 tickets are available now, including the highly anticipated Late Night Jam featuring host Old Crow Medicine Show, guests Charlie Starr (of Blackberry Smoke), Maggie Rose, The Creekers, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, DUG, Donna the Buffalo, and more. For general admission passes, reserved seating, backstage tours, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.
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.
About Window World®
Window World®, headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, with more than 225 locally owned franchises nationwide. Founded in 1995, the company sells and installs windows, siding, doors, and other exterior products, with over 23 million windows sold and installed to date. Window World is an ENERGY STAR® partner and its windows, vinyl siding and entry doors have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. Through its charitable foundation, Window World Cares®, Window World and its franchisees provide funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Since its inception in 2008, the foundation has raised over $19 million for St. Jude. Window World also supports veterans through its Window World Military Initiative (WWMI). WWMI defines Window World’s commitment to honor and serve America’s veterans, active military, and military families across the entire franchise system by focusing on three pillars: Careers, Community Outreach and Partnerships. The Veterans Airlift Command has been a partner since 2008. During that time, Window World has contributed over $3.0 million in flights and donations to the organization. For more information, visit WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 WINDOWWORLD. For home improvement and energy efficiency tips, décor ideas, and more, follow Window World on Facebook and Instagram.
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