Carolina Music Festivals is a comprehensive calendar and guide to multi-act, daylong or multiple-day music festivals in North Carolina.
May 2 - 5 Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance - Silk Hope
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, Watchhouse, Jupiter and Okwess, Sam Grisman Project, Butcher Brown, Scythian, Machaka Band, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, The Psycodelics, Dr. Bacon, Preston Frank, Bella's Bartok Magic Al, Jose Albizu Jazz Trio, Annie in the Water, Colby T Helms and the Virginia Creepers, Sam Fribush Organ Trio, The Lover Boyz, The Faux Paws, Joslyn and the Sweet Compression, Big Fat Gap (reunion band), Kym Register and Meltdown Rodeo, Gaston Reggio Group, Sonny Miles, Dub Addis, Duck, The Shoal Diggers, Oxente, Richie Stearns, Ranford Almond, The Wright Ave, Del Ward, Onyx Club Boys, Joe May's Month of Mondays, Tre. Charles, Nappy Head Funk Army, Time Sawyer, Taylor AP Williams, Donnie Deneil, Plum, The Great Indoors, Jacoozy, Zephyranthes, Zoltar's Fortune, The Unsustainables, Lua Flora, The Gone Ghosts, Satellite Dog, King M Dot, Laura Boswell, The Wilted Plums, Moonholler, Bubba George Stringband, Zac Richey, Sketoes Ghost, Alex Krug Living Arts Collective, Bulltown Strutters, School of Rock: Chapel Hill.
Also: Paperhand Puppet Project, Broccoli Bros. Circus, Dr. Fruit, Wall of Sound, Green Grass Cloggers, Grassroots Vinyl Lounge.
Festival site: Shakori Hills
4 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
Four-day pass: $129, ages 13-5 $64 until January 10; $148, ages 13-15 $72 until February 22; $160, ages 13-15 $77 until April 30; $180, ages 13-15 $80 at gate.
Thursday: $46 in advance, $52 at gate.
Friday: $58 in advance, $67 at gate.
Saturday: $58 in advance, $67 at gate.
Sunday: $39 in advance, $47 at gate.
Daily ages 13-15: Thursday $24, Friday $31, Saturday $31, Sunday $22.
Younger than 13: free.
$5 discount on daily admission for Chatham County residents, age 60+, military veterans, students, groups of 10+.
Camping (per tent/10x10 space): $41 until January 10, $49 until February 21, $61 until April 30, $73 later.
Vehicle camping: $115 until January 10, $120 until February 21, $140 until April 30, $157 later.
RV camping: $160 until January 10, $170 until February 21, $182 until April 30, $194 later.
More camping info.
May 3 - 4 North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival - Huntersville
"North Carolina Brewers & Music Festival will take a pause for 2024 with plans to return bigger and better than ever in 2025," the website says.
The "celebration of music, North Carolina, and its craft brewing traditions" presents about a dozen bands, beer tastings and information about beer making, food, children's activities, and vendors representing local merchants and nonprofit groups. The Friday night show formerly for campers is now an open ticketed event. Saturday's festival has two stages.
Artists
TBA. 2023 lineup included Steep Canyon Rangers, Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway, 49 Winchester and six more.
Festival site: Historic Rural Hill
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 11:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; beer tastings 12:45 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Friday night jam: $25.
Beer ticket: $49
Saturday music only: $35 (can buy beer)
Designated driver (16 and older): $20
VIP (limited seating front of stage access, private bar with exclusive beer, private bathrooms and a shade tent): $125.
Ages 5 to 12 (younger free): $8.
Open to all ages; wristbands will designate those old enough to drink.
Camping: Multiple prices; see website.
May 3 - 4 Another World 2024 - Concord
Breakaway, the multi-city festival of hip-hop, electronica and dance music, is staging a bass festival at Charlotte Motor Speedway this spring, in addition to a September Breakaway festival. Breakaway presented 24 acts in May 2023, its third year in the Carolinas. There were also vendors serving food all day, as well as "plenty of bars" serving nonalcoholic beverages in addition to beer and liquor.
Artists
Excision, NGHTMRE, Of The Trees, Svdden Death, Zomboy, Bear Grillz and Bad News Bears, Dr. Fresch, Kai Wachi, Habstrakt, Space Laces, Kompany b2b Calcium, Level Up, Layz, Hairitage b2b Drinkurwater, ALLEYCVT, Emorfik, Koven, Levity, Jon Casey, SuperAve. Meduso, Freaky.
Festival site: zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway
4 to 11 p.m. Friday, 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Ticket prices rise as tiers with limited numbers available sell out. Prices below may be outdated.
Two-day pass: $119.
Daily: TBA.
VIP (express entry lane, private bar, private restrooms, lounge, commemorative laminate, exclusive merch tent): $184.
Ultra VIP (everything listed with VIP plus complementary drinks and merchandise, unlimited water, special stage viewing areas, guest lounge, private entance): $999.
Camping: Car and tent $200, RV without hookups $400, RV with hookups $500.
May 3 - 5 Lovin' Life Music Fest - Charlotte
The three-day music festival debuts in 2024 with more than 40 artists spanning multiple genres and generations on three stages. The festival will also present culinary, cultural, art and "experiential activations," organizers say.
Artists
Recent Additions: The Bygones, Rags and Riches, DA704, LennonKC with the Jokes Aside.
Stevie Nicks, Post Malone, Noah Kahan, Maggie Rogers, The Chainsmokers, The Avett Brothers, Dominic Fike, Mt. Joy, DaBaby, Young the Giant, Quinn XCII, Jessie Murph, The Struts, David Kushner, The Beach Boys, Dashboard Confessional, The Fray, The Struts, Allen Stone, Holly Humberstone, Anees, Parmalee, Ripe, Weston Estate, The Aces, Petey Pablo, Nightly, Happy Landing, Ax and the Hatchetmen, Lily Fitts, Infinity Song, Stop Light Observations, Artikal Sound System, Sweet Spine, Modern Alibi, Fox N' Vead, Natalie Carr, Late Night Special, Nick Davisson, Laura Vinson, Ryan Trotti, Oceanic, Biking With Francis, Petrov, Deaf Andrews, Stranger Company, Farber and Friends, Jacoozy, House of Funk.
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 9 - 11 Malpass Brothers Country and Bluegrass Festival - Denton
The festival debuted in 2023 to replace an event hosted for more than 40 years by bluegrass great Doyle Lawson, who retired from touring in 2021. In addition to music, the weekend is to include meet and greets with the bands, camping, 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.
Artists
Thursday: The Malpass Brothers, Junior Sisk, The Baker Family, Caroline Owens, The Kody Norris Show.
Friday: The Bass Mountain Boys, The Malpass Brothers, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, Little Roy and Lizzie, Kenny and Amanda Smith.
Saturday: Gene Watson, The Malpass Brothers, Authentic United, Deeper Shade of Blue, Classy and Grassy.
Festival site: Denton Farmpark
Shows start at noon and end about 11 p.m., and include a supper break.
Three-day pass: $90 advance, $100 gate.
Two-day pass: $75 advance, $80 gate.
Single day: $45 advance, $50 gate.
Age 15 to 17 half off gate price with paying adult.
Younger than 15 free with paying adult.
Camping: Tents, RVs with no hookups $15. 30-amp sites $35 per night with water and electricity, $45 with sewer; 50-amp sites $50 per night with water and electricity, $55 with sewer. Early RV arrivals $20 per night with hookups, $5 without.
May 9 - 12 LEAF Retreat - Black Mountain
The semiannual LEAF - Lake Eden Arts Festival - embraces world music, new ageism and the outdoors (see October schedule). Typical editions of the LEAF also present a contra dance, a poetry slam and a songwriter competition. The weekend includes a lot of activities, especially for kids, and it's held at a mountain camp well-appointed for weekend festivals. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
Cimafunk,
Big Richard,
Black Opry,
Gangstagrass,
Pierce Freelon,
Mama and the Ruckus,
Andre Lassalle,
Carol Rifkin,
Chinobay of Uganda and Dance of Hope,
Menage,
Danza Azteca Chichimeca,
Charly Lowry,
James Nave,
Cactus of 23 Skidoo,
Mckinney,
Sarauniya Zulu,
Adama Dembele,
Monika Guerra,
Min Xiao Fen and River Guerguerian,
Haviken Hayes,
Lisa Smith,
David Lamotte,
Masankho Banda,
Playing with Fyre,
Asheville Jazz Orchestra,
Leaf singer-songwriter competition and more.
Also: Dr. Aditi Sethi, Street Creature Puppet Collective, Toybox Theatre Puppetry Slam, Jeff Firewalker and Eagle Condor Council, Flamenco Appalachia, Sun Soo Martial Arts, Mountain Circus Arts, Unifire Theatre, Ivory Coast Leaf International.
Festival site: Camp Rockmont
Tickets are discounted early and prices increase periodically. Prices below are maximums.
Four-day pass with tent camping (three nights): $184 adults, $153 ages 10-17.
Three-day pass with tent camping: $159 adults, $134 ages 10-17.
Community Pass (weekend for local residents): $106 adults, $94 ages 10-17.
Single-day passes (no camping):
Friday or Sunday: $47 adults, $40 ages 10-17.
Saturday: $57 adults, $50 ages 10-17.
Age 9 and younger free; younger than 18 must be with a parent.
Packages for spring and fall festivals also available.
Cabins: Sleeps 9 $305; sleeps 12 $395; lodge room for five $350; lodge bunk $115. Prices are for Friday and Saturday; Thursday add $70 for cabin, $45 for bunk.
Car camping: $60; RVs $106.
May 10 - 11 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 fourth year in 2024, and a second one is held in September.
Artists
Friday: Gooseberry Jam, Chris McGinnis, Blue Cactus, Newspaper Taxis.
Saturday: Jive Talk, Paleface, Julia, The Culper Ring, Katie Basden, Tuatha Dea.
Festival site: Hugger Mugger Brewing Company
5 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday.
Free.
May 11 - 12 Bear Shadow - Highlands
The festival offers a weekend of concerts and other daytime activites, such as guided hikes and yoga classes. There will also be food trucks and beer, wine and other beverage sales. Bear Shadow debuted as a four-day festival in 2021.
Artists
Saturday: JJ Grey and Mofro, North Mississippi Allstars, FutureBirds, American Aquarium.
Sunday: Black Pumas, The Record Company, White Denim, Grace Bowers.
Festival site: Winfield Farm
Gates open 1:30 p.m. Saturday, 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
Two-day general admission (complimentary beer, wine and premium non-alcoholic beverages, shuttle from downtown Highlands): $255, $300 when lineup announced.
Daily general admission: $157.50, $175 when lineup announced.
Two-day VIP (general admission amenities plus up-close viewing, VIP bar, small food plates, priority entrance lane, VIP bathrooms): $510, $600 when lineup announced.
Daily VIP: $292.50, $325 when lineup announced.
Two-day platinum (for up to six people, reserved cove with premium stage sight lines, soft seating and blanket; server with complimentary food and beverages; daily complimentary bottle of champagne; "one exclusive elevated food selection each day"; souvenirs; parking pass; more; access to all VIP and GA areas, amenities, shuttle): $6,000.
Younger than 19: Free.
Limited on-site parking $25 per day at Winfield Farm. Free shuttles from Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and Highlands Community Center, in Highlands start 4 p.m. daily.
May 17 - 18 Beaufort Music Festival - Beaufort
The festival 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. The Beaufort Music Festival is in its 34th year in 2024. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
Futurebirds, Big Something, American Aquarium, Cha Wa, Funk You, Blue Footed Boobies, Strung Like A Horse, Talia Keys, Clay Street Unit, Harvey Street Co., The Kind Thieves, MC Jared Sales.
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 18 Atlantic Beach Music Festival - Atlantic Beach
The 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. The town and businesses also offer special events during the week prior to the festival. The festival is in its tenth year in 2024.
Artists
The Mighty Saints of Soul, I-42 Band, The Embers, The Band of Oz, Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot.
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 18 Vet Jam 2024 - Fuquay-Varina
Fainting Goat Brewing Company is putting on a music festival to benefit Military Missions in Action, a local nonprofit that helps veterans. In addition to music, local high school band boosters will be cooking and selling food throughout the day and Fainting Goat will be serving drinks and snacks.
Artists
TBA.
Festival Site: Fainting Goat Brewery
11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
$5 suggested donation.
No coolers or outside alcohol.
May 18 Carolina Blues Festival - Greensboro
The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society says NC Blues Week May 11-19 will include free live music in Center City Park on Saturday, May 18, and "the next Carolina Blues Festival will be a 40th anniversary blowout scheduled for 2026."
The event sponsored by the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society bills itself as the longest-running blues festival in the Southeastern United States. The format has changed repeatedly in the festival's 35+ years, but craft and food vendors and "full bar service" are typically a part of the festival.
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.
May 18 Durham Blues and Brews Festival - Durham
In addition to bands, the festival features 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
Johnny Sansone, The Nighthawks, Otis Kings.
Festival Site: Durham Central Park
5 to 10 p.m.
$55 through February 29, then $65; designated drivers $20.
"UNLIMITED 12 oz. pours from North Carolina's finest breweries (plus local wine and/or cider)."
May 18 - 19 Artsplosure - Raleigh
The Artsplosure street festival draws large crowds for performances by one or two national acts plus several local and regional bands alongside more than 180 juried visual artists and crafters from across the country, food trucks, beer and kids' arts activities. Admission is free.
Artists
TBA. 2023 lineup included Rayland Baxter; Black Opry Revue feat. Justin Reid, Kym Register and Meltdown Rodeo; Tray Wellington and seven more.
Festival Site: Fayetteville Street
11 a.m.
May 24 - 26 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 more. The park has also ressurected its Labor Day Bluegrass Festival, which was first held in 1969.
Artists
Friday: Matt Boswell and the HBB, Lonesome River Band, Livestock, Shelton and Williams.
Saturday: Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Southern Legacy, Lorraine Jordan and Country Grass, Blue Drive
Sunday: Exile, Josh Williams and Friends, The New Primitive, Thunder and Rain.
Festival Site: Camp Springs Blue Grass Park
3 to 11 p.m. daily.
Three-day pass: $100 early bird, additional prices TBA.
Daily: $40.
Primitive camping free with three-day ticket.
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