Carolina Music Festivals is a comprehensive calendar and guide to multi-act, daylong or multiple-day music festivals in North Carolina.
May 1 - 3 Lovin' Life Music Fest - Charlotte
Festival organizers said in December 2025 that "due to circumstances outside our control, Lovin' Life will take a short pause in 2026."
The three-day music festival debuted in 2024 with 50 artists spanning multiple genres and generations on three stages. The 2025 festival also included sets by the winners of a "battle of the bands." In addition to music, the festival has presented culinary, cultural, art and "experiential activations."
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Weezer, Pitbull, Gwen Stefani, Dave Matthews Band and 46 more.
Festival site: Uptown Charlotte (aka Charlotte Center City)
1 to 11 p.m. daily
Three-day general admission: $219-$269. No seating; standing room only.
Three-day general admission-plus (private GA+ area with cash bars, exclusive food vendors, restrooms): $359-$379. No seating; standing room only.
Main Stage VIP (GA+ amenities and private area at main stage, VIP entrance, private cash bars, and restrooms): $599-$649. No seating; standing room only.
Super VIP (Main Stage VIP amenities and complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, water, soda; curated culinary experiences; indoor air conditioned area with seating; exclusive VIP entrance and posh private restrooms): $999-$1,099.
May 1 - 3 Casual Campout - Raleigh
In addition to an eclectic slate of music presented on two stages, the festival presents a variety of visual experiences, like shows by fire and flow arists and LED performances; late-night campfire jams; a Doom party; health and wellness sessions; and games, activities and theme nights to create a vibe. There will also be food, drink and craft vendors and kids' activities, and the festival site makes trails, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing in a stocked pond available.
Artists
Maddy O'Neal, Deadtronica, Healyside Trio, Octave Cat, Isaac Hadden, Casey and the Comrades, Frute, Glitchmore, Travis, Magner, Lane, Dr. Fameus, EarthCry Live, Consider the Source, Dizgo, Ao Ver, Domocile, Modular on the Spot.
Festival site: Lakeside Retreats
Gates open Friday at noon.
Ticket prices rise as "tiers" sell out.
Weekend pass (includes general camping): Early bird blind faith $110, Tier 2 $170, Tier 3 $190, Tier 4 $210.
Daily: $135.
Younger than 13 free admission.
Parking: $10.
Premium lakeside camping (two tents, up to four people to right of main stage): $250.
May 2 Midtown Music Fest - Raleigh
The North Hills shopping/entertainment complex will present "multiple local and regional bands across various genres" as well as food trucks, vendors, "beverage tents" and additional entertainment, including stilt-walkers, roaming magicians and fire-breathers. The festival was originally scheduled for September 2025 but delayed due to inclement weather.
Artists
Outrun The Weekend, Van Meter, Loud Music Company, DJ Matthew Vorzimer (eCUSSIONIST).
Festival site: Midtown Park
4 to 9 p.m.
General admission: $6.15, $10 (plus fees) after April 2.
VIP (tented lounge with some seating, private restrooms, private bar, two free drinks): $35 (plus fees).
Tickets purchased for the September date will be honored.
May 2 - 3 Asheville Buskerfest - Asheville
The festival debuts in 2026 to celebrate Asheville's "incredibly vibrant street performing culture" and will present acts on multiple stages around the city, including at Pack Square, Reuter Terrace, Pritchard Park and in the River Arts District. Food trucks and vendors will also be at Pack Square and organizers say that "some very special events are planned as well."
Artists
TBA.
Festival site: Pack Square Park (map), additional venues
Free admission. Other details TBA.
May 7 - 9 Malpass Brothers Country and Bluegrass Festival - Denton
In addition to several acts each day mostly playing two sets, the weekend includes late-night jam sessions led by the Malpass Brothers, meet and greets with the bands, food and beverage vendors, shopping and "entertainment that the whole family will enjoy." The weekend starts with an open stage and barbecue chicken plate sales Wednesday evening and includes rides and games for children on Saturday and a church service Sunday morning. The festival debuted in 2023 to replace an event that bluegrass great Doyle Lawson hosted for more than 40 years before retiring.
Artists
Thursday: The Malpass Brothers, Sister Sadie, Alex Miller, Gospel Plowboys, Brothers Young.
Friday: Always Loretta, The Malpass Brothers, Alex Miller, Grascals, Olivia Jo, Kody Norris.
Saturday: Riders in the Sky, The Malpass Brothers, Southern Legacy, Deeper Shade of Blue, The Malpass Brothers w/ Leona Williams, Larry Efaw.
After-hours jam session with The Malpass Brothers Thursday and Friday.
Festival site: Denton Farmpark
Shows start at noon and end about 11 p.m., and include a supper break.
Three-day pass: $100 advance (until April 24), $110 gate.
Single day: $55 advance, $60 gate.
Age 15 to 17 half off gate price with paying adult.
Younger than 15 free with paying adult.
Reserved seats available in first four rows for extra unpsecified price: 614-414-6899.
Camping: Tents, RVs with no hookups $15. 30-amp sites $45 per night with water and electricity, $55 with full hookups; 50-amp sites $50 per night with water and electricity, $60 with full hookups. Early RV arrivals $20 per night with hookups, $5 without.
Golf carts (four passenger): $125 and up. $30 registration fee and proof of insurance required for golf carts brought in.
Barbecue plate: $15 advance, $17 during festival.
May 7 - 10 Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance - Pittsboro
The semiannual Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance (see October schedule) presents an eclectic mix of music - from rock to jazz and Americana, Cajun and klezmer - on four stages. There are also musicians' competitions, art and craft vendors, food vendors, games, a drum circle, children's activities and more. Donna the Buffalo is the host band. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
Donna the Buffalo, Rising Appalachia, Lila Ike, Chuwi, Ryan Montbleau Band, Preston Frank, Jim Lauderdale, Chatham Rabbits, Leah Song, El Khat, Bella White, Sally Baby's Silver Dollars, Ric Robertson And Friends, Sam Fribush Organ Trio, Magoo, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Orquesta Gardel, Richie Stearns, Photon, Shirlette Ammons, The Slys, Donovan Carless, Lemon City Trio, Isaac Hadden, Las Montanitas, Julia., E'lon JD, Donnie Deneil, Jose Albizu Jazz Quintet, Lance Scott, Scuba Jerry, Yet To Be Gold, Heavy Bone and The Good Time Zydeco Band, Jeremy Byrd, Electrolust, Calya and The Coy Dogs, Daniel Delorenzo Trio, Coyote Rodeo, Lonesome Joy, Cypress Society Singers and Dancers, Huzzah, Eli Fribush Experiment, Old Sap, Cherry Motel, Ranford Almond, Big Fur, Charles Latham and the Borrowed Band, Greylan Hall and the Nasty Kings, Oc3ans, Megabitch, Peach Candy Nut Boys, Cathead Biscuits, 81 Drifters, All Y'all Country All-Stars, The Rattletraps, Bigdumbhick, Fescue, The Sun Pups, Possum Monorail, Holy River, Raistlin Brabson and Up Jumped Trouble, Haley Ellis, Bulltown Strutters, Farmer Eno, Carbon Harry, School Of Rock: Chapel Hill.
Also: Paperhand Puppet Project Presents A World Of Wonder, Living Arts Collective, Apple Chill Cloggers, Little River Cloggers, Grassroots Vinyl Lounge.
Festival site: Shakori Hills
4 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
Four-day pass: $139, youth (ages 13-15) $72 through January 19; $164, youth $82 through March 9; $180, youth $88 through May 3; $205, youth $96 after May 3.
Thursday: $52, youth $29 through May 3; $60, youth $39 after May 3.
Friday: $66, youth $39 through May 3; $76, youth $39 after May 3.
Saturday: $66, youth $39 through May 3; $76, youth $39 after May 3.
Sunday: $44, youth $27 through May 3; $53, youth $27 after May 3.
Younger than 13: free when with ticket-holding parent or legal guardian.
$5 discount on daily admission for Chatham County residents, age 60+, military veterans, students, groups of 10+.
Tent, vehicle and RV camping fees and info: see website.
May 8 - 9 Steve Sutton Fest - Lake Junaluska
Steve Sutton Fest is a benefit for the Steve Sutton Memorial Charitable Trust, which supports youth music programs in Haywood County in the name of the late bluegrass banjo player who recorded with Rhonda Vincent and was a member of the Whitewater Bluegrass Company, the Darren Nicholson Band and the Crowe Brothers. For 2026, the festival will focus on songwriting with a two-day workshop led by Donna Ulisse and Rick Stanley and available to only 25 attendees. There's also a free dance workshop Saturday morning. The festival is held at the Lake Junaluska conference and retreat center, which features the 2,000-seat Stuart Auditorium and two on-campus hotels. (See our profile of Balasam Range's music festival at Lake Junaluska.)
Artists
Friday: Red Camel Collective, Alecia Nugent, Whitewater Bluegrass Co. feat. Mountain Tradition Cloggers, Upstream Rebellion, Junior Appalachian Musicians.
Saturday: Authentic Unlimited; Dennis Parker, Shawn Lane and Darren Nicholson; Molly Johnson and Friends, Donna Ulisse and Rick Stanley - Songwriter Showcase, Junior Appalachian Musicians.
Festival site: Lake Junaluska
Music 5:45 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
General admission daily: $35.75 in advance, $40.75 at gate; ages 6-12 $10 in advance, $15 atgate; younger free.
Songwriting workshop and festival admission: $250.
Accomodations on campus at group rates available until April 8.
May 15 - 16 Beaufort Music Festival - Beaufort
The Beaufort Music Festival was on hiatus for 2025 due to construction at its venue but typically presents performances Friday evening and Saturday on side-by-side stages on a large waterside lawn. The festival also usually presents food trucks, "beer activation," kids' activities, other vendors and more. 2026 is the festival's 35th year. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
TBA. 2024 lineup included Futurebirds, Big Something, American Aquarium, Cha Wa and seven more.
Festival site: Gallants Point
Gates open 4:30 p.m., music starts 5 p.m. Friday; doors open 11:30 a.m., music starts at noon Saturday.
Admission TBA.
Younger than 17 admitted free.
VIP (age 21 and older): TBA.
Limited parking onsite is $20. Free shuttle from downtown Beaufort.
May 15 - 16 Carolina Indie Fest - Sanford
The free festival presents independent artists performing original music from a variety of genres. There will also be food trucks and local arts and crafts vendors. The festival is in its sixth year in 2026, and a second one is held in September.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Ur Mom, Lipbone Redding, The Great Indoors and eight more.
Festival site: Hugger Mugger Brewing Company
5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Free.
May 16 Atlantic Beach Beach Music Festival - Atlantic Beach
The AB Beach Music Festival is a free day of beach music on the boardwalk at the Circle in Atlantic Beach. Food truck and beer sales benefit the Atlantic Beach Volunteer Fire Department. During the week prior to Saturday's festival, local establishments also present special events, like beach music shows and a Thursday night beach music pub crawl. The festival is in its 12th year in 2026.
Artists
Jim Quick and Coastline, The Band of Oz, Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot, The I-42 Band, The Mighty Saints of Soul.
Festival Site: Atlantic Beach Boardwalk
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free admission.
No glass containers. No pets.
Parking at the Circle: $4 per hour.
Free shuttles from free and paid parking at Carteret Community College, DoubleTree by Hilton, Atlantic Beach Town Park 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
May 16 Vet Jam - Fuquay-Varina
The festival presented by Fainting Goat Brewing Company is a benefit for Military Missions in Action, a local nonprofit that helps veterans. In addition to music from several bands, there are raffles and a silent auction and Fainting Goat will serve drinks and snacks.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Ship of Fools, 2Digh4, Thirsty Curses and seven more.
Festival Site: Fainting Goat Brewery
11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
$5 suggested donation.
No coolers or outside alcohol.
May 16 Carolina Blues Festival - Greensboro
The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society presented several "Blues Week" events in 2024 and said "the next Carolina Blues Festival will be a 40th anniversary blowout scheduled for 2026." The format for the festival, which bills itself as the longest-running blues festival in the Southeastern United States, has changed repeatedly, but it typically presents nationally recognized and regional blues acts, as well as craft and food vendors and "full bar service."
Artists
TBA. 2023 lineup included Charlie Musselwhite, Sandra Hall featuring The King Bees, Calesta "Callie" Day and four more.
Festival site: LeBauer Park
Gates open 4 p.m., music 5 p.m.
$30 until March 15, $50.
VIP (access to VIP lounge and premium seating): $85.
See photos of LeBauer Park in our profile of Greensboro's North Carolina Folk Festival.
The festival was canceled without explanation in 2025 and the website now says "Currently on hiatus." It typically features three bands and about 20 local craft beers in 12-ounce pours meant to eliminate long lines. Local food trucks are on hand, as well, and the whole thing is a benefit for the Exchange Family Center, which works with families to prevent child abuse and neglect. This is an adults-only event.
Artists
Festival Site: Durham Central Park
5 to 10 p.m.
$55 through February 29, then $65; "designated drivers" $20.
May 16 - 17 Artsplosure - Raleigh
The Artsplosure street festival draws large crowds for performances by one or two national acts plus several local and regional bands alongside about 175 juried visual artists and crafters from across the country, food trucks, beer, large-scale temporary art installations and kids' arts activities. Artsplosure debuted in 1980. Admission is free.
Artists
Festival Site: Fayetteville Street
11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
May 21 - 23 Tony Rice Memorial Day Music Fest - Elon
Organizers at the revived Camp Springs Blue Grass Park, the site of large festivals in the 1970s and sporadically until the late 1990s, first mounted a two-day Memorial Day weekend tribute to Tony Rice in 2023. The campground offers hot showers, concessions, a fishing pond and other amenities, and they hold church services Sunday morning. The park has also resurrected its Labor Day Bluegrass Festival, which was first held in 1969.
Artists
Festival Site: Camp Springs Blue Grass Park
Music starts 5 p.m. Thursday, 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Three-day pass: $100.
Primitive camping free with three-day ticket; $10 per person per night without ticket; 57 sites have electricty and water hookups.
May 22 - 23 Gears and Guitars - Winston-Salem
The festival held in conjunction with the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic is three days of shows by country and rock acts. There are typically several food and drink vendors on hand, as well. The festival has previously been held in mid-September and on the first weekend in August.
Artists
Festival site: Baily Park (map); Friday: Kaleideum/Merschel Park
Music starts 5:30 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday.
Free.
May 23 Carrboro Bluegrass Festival - Carrboro
Cat's Cradle, the lengendary Triangle live music venue, first put on "a day of world-class bluegrass" in 2025 with shows outdoors and in the Back Room.
Artists
Festival Site: Cat's Cradle
Gates open 2 p.m.; music 3 p.m.
Presale: $37.87 standing; $58.47 seated.
May 29 - 30 Cold Mountain Music Festival - Canton
The Cold Mountain Music Festival is a benefit for the ministries of Camp Henry, a Christian summer camp and leadership program, and the Lake Logan Episcopal Center in Canton. In addition to bands and JAM musicians on three stages, the festival typically presents food trucks and a beer garden, a vendors' village, kids' activities planned by Camp Henry staff, and an after-event party. The centerpiece of the festival site is a mile-long lake surrounded by the Shining Rock Wilderness Area of the Pisgah National Forest.
Artists
Festival Site: Lake Logan Episcopal Center
Gates open 10 a.m. Friday.
Two-day pass: $84.22, $42.37 ages 12 to 17.
Camping: tents $31.90; tent car camping $94.68; 12 RV sites $251.62.
May 29 - 31 Bear Shadow - Highlands
The festival, a sister to the fall Highlands Food & Wine festival, typically offers a weekend of concerts by national and regional acts and other daytime activites, such as fly fishing excursions and guided hikes that include a live music performance, as well as food trucks and beer, wine and other beverage sales. Bear Shadow debuted in 2021, but was not held in 2025.
Artists
Festival site: Ferngrove (near downtown Highlands)
6 to 9 p.m. Friday; music starts 3:30 p.m. Saturday, 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
Friday benefit concert (complimentary food and beverages): $300.
On-site parking $30 per day.
See festival website for activity fees, more admission packages details.
May 16 Durham Blues and Brews Festival - Durham
TBA. 2024 lineup was Johnny Sansone, The Nighthawks, Otis Kings.
"UNLIMITED 12 oz. pours from North Carolina's finest breweries (plus local wine and/or cider)."
TBA. 2025 lineup included Chatham Rabbits, Zack Mexico, Cure for Paranoia and nine more.
Art market opens from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday for patrons with accessibility needs.
Thursday: Darren Nicholson Band, The Burnett Sisters, Hotwax and the Splinters.
Friday: NewFound Road, Appalachian Road Show, Headin' Home, Dave Adkins, Tobacco Road.
Saturday: Dan Tyminski Band, Mountain Heart Tribute, Headin' Home, Shannon Slaughter, Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers.
Thursday: $30.
Friday and Saturday (each): $50.
TBA. 2025 lineup included Old 97s, Switchfoot, Mipso and five more.
Mason Via, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, Trenton Wagler and Eric Brubaker (of the Steel Wheels), Jon Stickley Trio, The Cody Sisters, The Holland Brothers, more TBA.
General admission: $43.02 standing, $63.62 seated.
VIP (reserved seatm early entry, souvenirs): $85, only 100 to be sold.
Friday: Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters, Vaden Landers, Newfound Gap.
Saturday: JD Clayton, Mason Via, Kelly and the Cowboys, Queen Bee and the Honeylovers, Shedhouse Trio featuring Darren Nicholson, youth musicians on the Junior Appalachian Musicians stage.
Daily: TBA.
Younger than 12: free admission.
Cabins and dorms, breakfast buffet: See website.
Friday: Infamous Stringdusters.
Saturday: Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Mavis Staples, Marc Broussard, J and the Causeways.
Sunday: Charley Crockett, Margo Price, Kashus Culpepper, Pony Bradshaw.
Friday's show is a benefit for Stage4Hope, a Christian nonprofit providing cancer supportive services and advocacy, and the Highland Cashiers Land Trust. It is for ages 21 and older.
Two-day general admission (complimentary beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages; shuttle from downtown Highlands): $300.
Daily general admission (complimentary beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages; shuttle from downtown Highlands): $200.
VIP (Up-close, prime viewing areas; VIP entrance; VIP bar with complimentary beer, wine, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages; premium food available to purchase; Luxury portable restrooms; shuttle from downtown Highlands): two-day $800, one-day $362.
Ages 9 to 18 $31 daily (complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and shuttles); younger than 9 free admission.
Return to the Carolina Music Festivals full-year calendar - home page.
Go to April Music Festivals // Go to June Music Festivals
Visit Our Sister Site
Carolina Outdoors Guide, a comprehensive guide to state and national outdoor recreation sites in North Carolina.