Carolina Music Festivals is a comprehensive calendar and guide to multi-act, daylong or multiple-day music festivals in North Carolina.
Dates and other details may be estimated based on last year's festival until this year's plans are confirmed by festival organizers.
October TBA Carl Sandburg Music Festival - Flat Rock
Connemara, the North Carolina home of poet Carl Sandburg, has for years hosted an annual free gathering of local folk musicians in concert, but a spokesman said in February that, because of staffing challenges, the site has scaled back on public programming this year and will revisit hosting the music festival in 2027. It was previously a spring event but was moved to October 2025 after Hurricane Helene hit the area in September 2024, and in the end, was not held last year. The festival typically presents a program of mountain and blues music and square dancing, and tours of the house at Connemara, a national historic site that includes gardens, an apple orchard, goats raised on-site, trails and more, are available throughout the day for a small fee.
Artists
TBA. 2024 lineup included Mac Arnold, Laura Boosinger, Steve and Jean Smith and two more.
Festival site: Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Free admission.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
October 1 - 3 Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival - Raleigh
The Downtown Raleigh festival presented by PineCone (Piedmont Council of Traditional Music) debuted in 2025 to replace the IBMA Bluegrass Live! festival, which relocated to Chattanooga after 12 years in Raleigh. The free festival presents bluegrass, country, Americana and gospel acts on four stages on and around Fayetteville Street Friday and Saturday, and a Thursday kick-off show at N.C. State University's Centennial Campus with multiple sets on an outdoor stage, plus food trucks. Friday and Saturday, the festival also presents an art market, food trucks, beer gardens and more along Fayetteville Street. See our profile of the IBMA Bluegrass Live! festival.
Artists
Thursday: Brek (feat. Hank and Pattie), Jerron Paxton, Redbud.
Friday: The Tan and Sober Gentlemen, Caleb Caudle, Sonny Miles, Jim Lauderdale and the Game Changers, Viv and Riley, Larry and Joe, The Fairfield Four, From China to Appalachia (featuring Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer), Big Richard, Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road, Jim Lauderdale (solo), Son De Carolina; Hank, Pattie and the Current; Asheville Mountain Boys, Carolina Bluegrass Band, Gospel Jubilators, Brek (from Iceland); Nixon, Williams and Gage; Carolina Cutups, Luke and the Cool Hands.
Saturday: Shinyribs, The Po' Ramblin' Boys, Brek (from Iceland), Mattie and Debbie, The Onlies, Skyrie, Tray Wellington Band, The Five Points Rounders (Square Dance), Jacob Sharp (of Mipso), Tony Trischka's Earl Jam, Alice Gerrard, Honey Dewdrops, The Blue Ridge Girls, Allison De Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves, Hubby Jenkins, Gospel Jubilators, Joseph Terrell (of Mipso), Joe Troop's Truth Machine; Hank, Pattie and the Current; Trio Huasteco, Junior Appalachian Musicians, The Podunk Ramblers, Earl White Stringband.
Festival site: Downtown Raleigh (map), NCSU Centennial Campus
Thursday kickoff at NCSU 6 to 9:30 p.m., Street festival 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Free admission.
October 1 - 4 Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance - Pittsboro
The semiannual Shakori Hills music festival (see May 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, Margo Price, Anders Osborne, The Steel Wheels, Chatham County Line, Sam Fribush Organ Trio, Gullah Collective, Keith Secola, Driftwood, Slap Dragon, Joe Troop and The Truth Machine, Bittersweet Brass Band, Mono Means One, Patreka Wortham, New Planets, David Via and Corn Tornado, Rose and The Bros, Duck, Maia Kamil, Cinematheque, Richie and Rosie, Murphy Campbell, Azul, Dub Addis, Evan Horne, John Ferrara, Africa Unplugged, Turnabout Players, Omar Ruiz-Lopez, The Resonant Rogues, Stephen Klingman And Open Circle, Tambem, Onyx Club Boys, Omar Ruiz-Lopez and Eric Hirsh, Drew Foust and the Wheelhouse, The Wilted Plums, Marvelous Funkshun, Evan Blackerby and the Bandwagon, Jesse Fox, Raistlin Brabson and Up Jumped Trouble, Ohno! Casino, Emily Musolino, Yet To Be Gold, Derek Lane’s Kitchen Sink, Random Animals, Sugar Snap Peas, Emerson Bruno, Silver Rein, Six More Miles, Wild Roots, Lennon KC, Ashley Virginia, Moonholler, Baby Grand, The Midnight Still, Broccoli Brothers Circus, Anza, Olivia Outdoors, Dr. Fruit, Living Arts Collective, Cane Creek Cloggers, Old Oxford, Brightsky Aerial, Bulltown Strutters, Paperhand Puppet Intervention, Grassroots Songwriter Circle, Zac Richey, Grassroots Vinyl Lounge.
Festival site: Shakori Hills
Music starts 5 p.m. Thursday, 1 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday, 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
Four-day pass: $135 through July 1 (youths age 13-15 $70); $159 July 2 to August 12 (youths $80); $175 August 13 to September 28; $199 after September 28 (youth $93).
Thursday: $50 (youth $25); $58 after September 28 (youth $28).
Friday and Saturday (each): $64 (youth $32); $74 after September 28 (youth $38).
Sunday: $43 (youth $22); $51 after September 28 (youth $26).
Younger than 13 free.
Camping
Tents: $45 until July 1, $54 July 2 to August 12, $67 August 13 to September 28, $81 after September 28.
Vehicle camping (car and tent): $131 until July 1, $148 July 2 to August 12, $175 August 13 to September 28, $208 after September 28.
RVs: $185 until July 1, $199 July 2 to August 12, $225 August 13 to September 28, $259 after September 28.
October 2 - 3 Ol' Front Porch Music Festival - Oriental
About 30 groups and solo performers play a variety of music all day Friday and Saturday in a park at the riverfront and on the front porches of several homes in the picturesque coastal village. Artisans and crafters display their wares, and local restaurants and delis act as food vendors. The festival is in its 12th year in 2026. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
Friday: Robbie Fulks, Caleb Caudle, Farayi, Noah Cobb, Hoff and Finch, David Holt, Summer in the City, Mac McWilliams, UHOO's, Brant Island Strings, Mike Bramble, Pamlico Flutes, Mark Tesh.
Saturday: Tan and Sober Gentlemen, The Barefoot Movement, Unknown Tongues, Sabrosos Del Son, Ryan Rubich, Down East Dulcimers, Moores Creek, Patrick Bliss, Dust Parade, Hoff and Finch, Terra Tones, Gospel Ensemble, Pamlico County High School Jazz Ensemble, Noah Cobb, Harbor Sounds, Dr. Paul and Friends, Ken Belangia.
Festival site: Neuse Riverfont, Main Stage at South Avenue and Freemason Street, more
1 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Free admission.
October 2 - 3 FabFest - Charlotte's Beatles Festival - Charlotte
FabFest includes the Tosco Music Beatles Tribute Friday evening, and on Saturday, free live music on two stages, speakers and activities, like a Beatles cover song contest, trivia contests, art contests, movies and sing-alongs. The festival also presents memorabilia vendors and a kids' area with music and crafts. FabFest has previously been held in late July. The festival is in its eighth year in 2026.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Tosco Music Beatles Tribute, Gregg Bissonette, The Taxmen, Penny Lane, The British Invaders and 12 more.
Festival site: Knight Theater and Central Piedmont Community College's Parr Center (map)
Friday Knight Theater concert 7:30 p.m.; Saturday activities 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tosco Music: $22.50 - $56.50.
Saturday daytime activities: free.
October 3 Bascom Lamar Lunsford Festival - Mars Hill
Regional musicians and dancers remember Bascom Lamar Lunsford, a musician and folklorist who dedicated his life to collecting and promoting the music of the Southern Appalachians. The 2026 program is to be mountain music and dance all day, an open jam guided by master musicians, a roundtable discussion about Haywood County banjo player Carroll Best, a ballad swap and a Lunsford sing-a-long. The Madison Heritage Arts Festival in Mars Hill is presented the same day, and the 2026 festival also coincides with Mars Hill University homecoming festivities.
Artists
Dona Cavanagh and Friends, The ETSU Old-Time Ramblers, Roger Howell and Friends, Don Lewis and Martin Lewis, Donna Ray Norton, Don Pedi, Rhiannon Ramsey and Friends, Carol Rifkin and Friends, William Ritter and Sarah Ogletree, John Roten, Songbird Holler, Sourwood Ridge with Brandon Johnson, Stoney Creek Boys, Travis Stuart, WWC’s Big Timber Line.
Dancers: Rodney Sutton, Aaron Ratcliffe, Green Grass Cloggers, Bailey Mountain Cloggers.
Festival site: Lunsford Commons, Mars Hill University
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ballad swap 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Free.
October 7 - 11 Duck Jazz Festival - Duck
This free festival presents national, regional and local jazz musicians on two stages at the town park and amphitheater. Associated activities taking place in the park and at Duck businesses the week of the festival include "Jazzy Yoga on the Green" and a salsa dance class Thursday, a jazz story and play time for children and an outdoor movie Friday ("Sing" in 2026), and extended hours at local shops. A festival food pavilion will feature local food trucks.
Artists
Wednesday: Devin Frazier and Laura Martier.
Saturday: Adam Hawley.
Sunday: Tito Puente, Jr., The Hot Lanes with Bobby Jasinski, Brass Queens, David Esleck Trio ft. Jordan Garrett, Shayna Steele, Gerald Veasley, First Flight High School Honors Jazz Band.
Festival Site: Duck Town Park
6 p.m. Wednesday, 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. (gates open) Sunday.
Free admission.
October 8 - 10 Good Moon - Durham
The Durham-based electronic pop duo Sylvan Esso presented the two-day Good Moon music festival over Memorial Day weekend of 2024 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park and at nearby clubs and announced in May that it would return as a three-day event this year after not being held in 2025. This year's festival will present headliners at the DPAC each night, shows afterward at several Downtown Durham clubs and a free daytime show that includes a film at the American Tobacco Campus amphitheater.
Artists
Sylvan Esso, Tyler Childers, Meshell Ndegeocello, Silvana Estrada, aja monet, Rodrigo Amarante, William Tyler and Yasmin Williams, Jaques Greene, Tash LC, Leenalchi, Annie and the Caldwells, Circuit des Yeux, Kumo 99, Derrick Gee's Radio Hour, GRRL x Made of Oak, Weirs, Babe Haven, Hex Files, NO VISA, Alec Lomami, Micky Slicks, Mas Culina, DJ Roselle.
Free Matinee Show: MJ Lenderman, Woke County Speedway, William Tyler and premiere of the film "Time Indefinite."
Festival site: Durham Performing Arts Center, Pinhook, Boom Club, Bay 7, American Tobacco Campus
Must sign up at website (above) for newsletter and access to sales of limited VIP weekend passes beginning May 14 (reserved seats for three nights at DPAC, priority access to club shows and free daytime programming, VIP merch bundle, invite to a VIP-exclusive happy hour) for $435.45.
Tickets for individual headliners' concerts at DPAC: $45.50 to $89.50 plus taxes and fees.
Aftershow admission: $40 plus taxes and fees.
Aftershow Lot Miracle admission: $20 at door.
October 9 - 10 Hook & Line Thompson Music and Art Heritage Festival - Mebane
Festival organizers say the Hook & Line festival will return April 2 and 3, 2027.
The festival celebrates the musical legacy of world-renowned black string band musicians and cousins Odell Thompson (1911-1994) and Joe Thompson (1918-2012) with music by nationally recognized and local artists on Saturday, and square and circle dances Friday evening. In 2025, the festival's debut year, organizers also sponsored a multi-site group art exhibition celebrating traditional music's inspiration for visual art.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Rhiannon Giddens, Connie Steadman, Colin Cutler and the Zinc Kings, and five more.
Festival site: Mebane Community Park (map), Mebane Arts & Community Center
6:30 p.m. Friday; Saturday noon to 7 p.m.; The Blue Star Travelers play Saturday during the Downtown Mebane Farmers Market, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Free admission.
October 9 - 10 Milltown Get Down - Elkin
The two-day music festival in downtown Elkin debuted in 2025 with more than 15 national and regional acts acts on multiple stages, plus food trucks, craft beer and other vendors. The weekend also featured a show at the Elkin Farmer's Market Saturday morning and an open bluegrass jam Saturday afternoon at The RailYard, an all-outdoor beer garden. Festival organizers said they wanted to carry forward the vibe of the Reevestock Music Festival, which was held at a unique local park for more than a decade, and to salute the town's textile manufacturing legacy.
Artists
Friday: Susto, Cordovas, Matt Tedder.
Saturday: Shadowgrass, Victoria Victoria and Maia Kamil, Vincent Neil Emerson, Ariel Posen, Slap Dragon, Dashawn and Wendy Hickman present Sacred Steel, Seth Walker, Time Sawyer, Ettore Buzzini, Justin Clyde Williams, Menastree, Ramona and the Holy Smokes, The Big Elkin Creek Dippers.
Festival site: Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Center (map), Reeves Theater
5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, noon to midnight Saturday.
Two-day pass: $44.52 (until April 30), $55.20 (until July 31), $81.88 (August 1 and after).
Friday: $23.18 (until July 31), $33.85 (August 1 and after).
Saturday: $44.52 (until July 31), $65.87 (August 1 and after).
VIP (side-stage outdoor lounge, priority parking, private restrooms, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, cash bar with signature cocktails): $135.53 (until April 30), $183.24 (until July 31), $215.26 (August 1 and after).
Younger than 13 free.
Friday Matt Tedder show at Reeves Theater is free admision, 5 to 6:45 p.m.
Tickets include free parking and shuttle service.
October 9 - 10 Wilson Jazz Festival - Wilson
The Wilson Jazz Festival offers free performances at several downtown locations alongside a ticketed main stage show Saturday at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. There's also a second line march, which anyone with an instrument may join after the main stage shows, and a jam tent Saturday afternoon. The Wilson Jazz Festival, previously held in September, is in its fourth year in 2026.
Artists
Friday: Fatmouth, Tambem, Dan Davis Group.
Saturday: No Quarter Brass Band, Peter Lamb and the Wolves, La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet, Garret Hitmar and Root Down, Salie B. Howard Jazz Ensemble.
Whirligig Park Stage shows (ticketed): Bittersweet Brass Band, Sidecar Social Club, Al Strong Quintet.
Festival site: Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and seven nearby venues
Friday: 6 to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Whirligig Park Stage gates open 4 p.m., music 4:30 to 9:15 p.m.
Whirligig Park Stage shows: $30 in advance, $40 at gate. Other shows are free.
"Friend of the Festival" packages (with tickets, name on website, souvenirs): $125, $250, $500 and $1,000.
October 9 - 11 FlushFest - Hillsborough
FlushFest is a world music and film festival started in 2017 by neighbors to raise funds for Grace Beeler's documentary about an innovative sewer system in Brazil and continues as a fundraiser for the Appropriate Sanitation Institute, a project working to bring sewer systems to developing countries around the world. The festival presets music on multiple stages as well as dance and a silent film with live piano. Prior to 2025, FlushFest was held in May.
Artists
Friday: Boom Unit Brass Band, Renzo Drums, Sugaree String Society, Netinho Maranhao, Dead Rat Disco, Stephen Smith, Alexandra Valladares, Andrew Robbins Pollack.
Saturday: Son De Carolina, Felwine Sarr, Project Mastana, Godi Godar, Syn3 - Rock, The Halfbacks, French Burlesque Trio, Emmsy, Red Kalyna, Allez Les Bleus with Sara Zaleta and Johnny Wall, Ballratz, Color and Light Choir.
Sunday program at Eno House: Children's Theater, Jen and David's OmyMachine - acoustic singer-songwriter duo; Footnotes - tap dancers; The Boiling Frog Collective; Durham Cinematheque - silent film with live piano (Alexandra Franco - piano).
Festival site: Eno River Brewing (Map), Eno House
Music starts 3:30 p.m. Friday, noon Saturday. Sunday's program starts 2:30 p.m.
Donations requested; thank-you gifts for donations of more than $25.
October 9 - 11 Slingshot - Durham
The Slingshot Festival of Music and Electronic Arts presents dance, electronic, avant-pop and experimental music and electronic arts from around the world and North Carolina in a mix of free and ticketed shows. The weekend also includes musician- and producer-led talks and workshops. Slingshot, which originated in Athens, Georgia, and presented an edition in Mumbai, India, in February, is in its seventh year in Durham in 2026.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Sofia Kourtesis, Special Request, Marie Davidson and 30+ more.
Festival site: The Fruit
Doors open 6:30 p.m. Friday, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday.
Weekend Early Bird: $54.76
Weekend Advance: $65.70, $71.20.
Friday: $49.80.
Saturday: $54.75.
Sunday: Free.
October 14 - 17 Bluegrass Island Music Festival - Manteo
The festival brings top national and regional bluegrass acts and Americana jam bands to a waterside outdoor theater on the Outer Banks for three days, where it also presents 50+ local and regional vendors, including beer, wine and THC sales. The festival will also present two Wednesday evening kickoff shows in 2026, a daily jam stage hosted by Presley Barker and the Outer Banks Jubilee in the park museum's auditorium, and late-night jams hosted by different bands Thursday through Saturday. In previous years, the festival has presented mid-day cruises around Roanoke Island that included lunch buffet, cash bar and artist performances and meet-and-greets, but they don't appear on the website for 2026. The festival is in its 15th year in 2026. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
Wednesday: Wood Box Heroes, Monroeville, Songs from the Road Band.
Thursday: Sierra Hull, Appalachian Road Show, Southern Legacy, Pitney Meyer, Slocan Ramblers. Jam Stage: Asher Brinson.
Friday: Infamous Stringdusters, Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, Po' Ramblin' Boys, Rhonda Vincent, The Steel Wheels. Jam Stage: The Steppers.
Saturday: Punch Brothers, Brothers Comatose, Kruger Brothers, The Trey Hensley Band, Della Mae. Jam Stage: The Steppers. Jam Stage: Podunk Ramblers.
Daily Daytime Jam Stage: Presley Barker and the Outer Banks Jubilee.
Festival site: Roanoke Island Festival Park
Wednesday: Monroeville and Songs from the Road Band at George Washington Creef Memorial Park at 5 p.m. (free admission), Wood Box Heroes indoors at Roanoke Island Festival Park at 7 p.m. (ticketed).
Thursday - Saturday: gates open 11 a.m.; late night jam stage starts at 10 p.m.
Three-day pass holders may set chairs out after 2 p.m. Wednesday. Chairs may be left in place overnight during the festival.
Four-day pass (includes Wood Box Heroes show): $311.64.
Three-day pass: early bird $264.27 until January 19; $290.58 until March 29, $301.11.
Daily: $101.12 until January 19; $132.70.
VIP (reserved seat on covered stage, early entry, VIP parking, access to lawn seating behind stage and on water, daily breakfast and lunch, snacks and nonalcoholic drinks, private restrooms, souvenirs): $800.
VIP Parking (three days): $211.64. Free shuttles from Manteo High School Friday and Saturday, from hotels and from Bluegrass Island Trading Company in Downtown Manteo.
October 16 - 18 LEAF Global Arts Festival - Mills River
Kyrie Antoinette, creative operations director at LEAF Global Arts, told us in a July email that “due to significant financial challenges and other contributing factors, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our October Festival until 2027.” LEAF Global Arts had previously announced that, under new leadership, the spring LEAF festival would be discontinued in favor of smaller events, and the fall LEAF would be held "at a brand-new location providing a fresh setting for the immersive arts and community experience that LEAF is known for."
“Ultimately, it became clear that moving forward under the current circumstances would put the long-term sustainability of Leaf, the Festival, our year-round programming, and the vibrant community that makes this work possible at risk," Antoinette said.
In August, Leaf Global Arts said in a message to its general email list that Leaf would "cease operations in its current form on August 21, 2026." The organization is maintaining its 501(c)(3) charitable tax status as it explores "whether its programming and mission can continue through another organization."
Previous editions of the LEAF presented about 40 musical acts on four stages for a festival that embraced world music, new ageism and the outdoors and presented a lot of hands-on activities, especially for kids.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Arrested Development, Valerie June, Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers and 38 more.
Festival site: Deerfields
(Info below is for from previous festivals at Lake Eden.)
Ticket prices in several combinations increase periodically or as limited numbers available at each tier are sold out.
Weekend pass (with tent camping, three days, two nights): $177-$211.
Weekend Plus (with tent camping, three and a half days, three nights, i.e., Thursday): $225-$256.
Community Pass (weekend for local residents): $128-$147.
Friday or Sunday: $54-$61.
Saturday: $74-$78.
Age 9 and younger free; younger than 18 must be with a parent.
Car camping: $06-$121 per 18'x18' spot (one vehicle per spot).
RV Parking: $175 per spot (for larger vehicles that do not fit within the 18'x18' vehicle camping spots).
Cabins and lodge rooms (doesn't include festival admission): $185-$1,825.
Parking: $15 advance.
October 16 - 18 Lake Eden Reunion - Black Mountain
The Lake Eden Reunion celebrates 40 years of fall festivals at Lake Eden (see above) and is the launch of Live Life Like a Festival, a book by Jennifer Pickering, executive director emeritus and founder of LEAF Global Arts. It is not an official LEAF festival, nor is it intended to exactly replicate the LEAF, but it has the same DNA -- music on multiple stages, "with exciting new directions curated in partnership with The Grey Eagle;" paticipatory dances and dance performances; poetry and spoken word; healing arts; drum circles; nature walks; lots of hands-on activities for children; and arts and food vendors amid a giant campout for tent and vehicle camping and with onsite cabins and lodge rooms available. But, unlike the larger LEAF years, this experience will be intentionally intimate, with attendance capped at around 2,000 people.
Artists
Meadow Green Stage: Of Montreal, The Suffers, El Khat, Natti Love Joys, Jon Stickley AshGrass, Los Vega Son Jarocho, Josh Phillips Folk Festival, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Electro Lust, Mama, Firecracker Jazz Band, Lake Eden Reunion Allstars, more TBA.
Eden Hall Stage: Leah Song and Chloe, Gordon Sterling and the People, Lotus Feet, Carson Moore and Friends, Whitney Monge, Les Amis, Suns of Stars, Free Planet Radio, Petah Iah and the Mind Renewers, Carol Rifkin, Will Ellis, Option 22, Masankho Banda, Anza, McKinney, Derian Blane, more TBA.
Also: Dance bands and DJs (contra, waltz, squares, electrocontra, mountain dancing, fusion+, paneurhythmy, salsa, African dance and more) at the Mike Compton Dance Hall, and yoga, poetry, dance performances and late night DJs at The Barns.
Festival site: Lake Eden Retreat
Ticket prices increase periodically or as limited numbers available at each tier are sold out.
Weekend pass (with tent camping, three days, two nights): $199.58, $172.08 (ages 10-17).
Daytripper (10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday): $136.85, $123.65 (ages 10-17).
Friday Day Pass (10 a.m. to midnight): $49.98, $42.28 (ages 10-17).
Saturday Day Pass (10 a.m. to midnight): $73.08, $60.98 (ages 10-17).
Sunday Day Pass (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.): $49.98, $42.28 (ages 10-17).
Ages 9 and younger free with paying adult.
Car camping: $124.63, $119.48, $109.18, based on location, per 18'x18' spot (one vehicle per spot).
RV Parking: $227.63 per spot (for larger vehicles that do not fit within the 18'x18' vehicle camping spots).
Cabins and lodge rooms (doesn't include festival admission):
Cabin 10-person: $585.70.
Cabin 12-person: $654.71.
Lodge room 5-person family: $585.70.
Lodge room 5-person adults: $585.70.
Lodge room 16-person (family): $1,400.43.
Room single bunk: $143.42.
Pre-paid parking: $23.28.
Pre-paid meal card: $93.77.
October 17 Fountain Fest - Fountain
The Music Maker Foundation, which promotes and assists roots musicians in need, presents an afternoon of performances by Music Maker partner artists on two stages and a variety of music-related activities, including guided tours of Music Maker Studios, where Freeman Vines' iconic guitars and art are displayed, and the grand opening of the Freeman Vines Gallery, featuring an exhibition of tintype photographs by Music Maker founder Tim Duffy. 2026 is the festival's first year.
Artists
Da Funky Leroy Harper Jr. All-Starz, Kelley Breiding, Lightnin' Wells, The Carolina Cutups, Scott Pearce, Dedicated Men of Zion, Faith and Harmony, Alice Vines, Fred Thomas.
Festival Site: R.A. Fountain General Store
2 to 6 p.m.
General admission: $30, $40 after May 1.
VIP (reserved seating, VIP lounge and after-party, book, t-shirt): $200, with $100 tax-deductible as a contribution.
October 17 Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival - Chapel Hill
Sonark Media merged its music festival with the long-running Salt & Smoke food festival in 2025 for a day of music and food. Organizers presented bands spanning genres and generations plus food and drink by Chef Kevin Callaghan of Acme Food & Beverage in Carrboro and a team of noted chefs and food trucks.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Big Something, Tan and Sober Gentlemen, Rissi Palmer and four more.
Festival Site: Blackwood Farm Park
Noon to 11 p.m.
General admission (food and drink purchases separate): age 17 and older $57.45; age 12 to 16 $11.75 with paying adult.
VIP (covered VIP area, VIP parking and bathrooms, dedicated bar, two drinks, light snacks, "excluisve front fow standing access," more): $115.47.
Parking: "Very limited" parking at Blackwood Farm Park. Primary paid parking off New Hope Church Road opposite Strayhorn Lane. Free shuttle service. ADA parking (with placard or plate) at main entrance to park.
October 24 Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival - Maggie Valley
The Haywood County Arts Council fundraiser is a full day of music plus visual art demonstrations and sales, and raffles. There's also a playground area for kids and adults, and local food and drink vendors. Proceeds help fund local arts programming and scholarships.
Artists
Balsam Range, Appalachian Road Show, Unspoken Tradition, Red Camel Collective, Olivia Jo.
Festival Site: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
10 a.m.
$58.35 through August 30, $69.55 afterward.
Younger than 12 free.
October 24 Bluegrass by the Beach - Ocean Isle
Festival organizers say Bluegrass by the Beach will return May 8, 2027.
In addition to music, the festival will present vendors, exhibits and food trucks. A portion of proceeds are to go to Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity. The festival was held at Sunset Beach in 2024 and moved to Ocean Isle in 2025.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Mountain Highway Band, E. Walter Smith and four more.
Festival Site: Silver Coast Winery
Doors open 1:30 a.m.; shows noon to 8 p.m.
$36.13; "child" $15.63.
October 31 Cattyrompus - Durham
Sleepy Fest is a celebration of local music and collaboration featuring artists from "in and around" the roster of Sleepy Cat Records in Carrboro, N.C. After two festivals in Hillsborough and two at Saxapahaw's Haw River Ballroom, they are teaming up with The Pinhook and Rubies to present Cattyrompus, a special Sleepy Fest Halloween party in downtown Durham. In addition to live music, organizers promise a live-scored puppet show, an all-ages costume contest, a Hell-Cat-themed mask making station and other one-of-a-kind collaborations.
Artists
Twain, Chessa Rich, Lou Hazel, MEGABITCH, Woke County Speedway, DUNUMS, T. Gold, Delver, XOXOK, Amelia Riggs, Shane Leonard.
DJ Frutti Pebbles, DJ Tuttle Recall, DJ Lomain, DJ Vera.
Club Era: Stormie Dae + Naomi Dix; Stella Rosalie Rosen; Brooks Emanuel; Heron Toe.
Festival site: The Pinhook, Rubies
2 to 9 p.m. with bands playing at both venues. At 9 p.m., The Pinhook will present "Hell Cat Dance Party" with DJs, drag queen hosts Stormie Daie and Naomi Dix, and additional visual artists. Rubies plans a separately ticketed dance party starting at 9 p.m. not afilliated with Sleepy Fest.
Day Pass (2 to 9 p.m., both venues): $30; free for younger than 11.
Hell Cat Dance Party: $15, $10 with Day Pass purchase. Must be 18 or older.
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