Carolina Music Festivals is a comprehensive calendar and guide to multi-act, daylong or multiple-day music festivals in North Carolina.
April 29 - May 2 MerleFest - Wilkesboro
MerleFest, one of the country's top music festivals, features about 100 Americana, bluegrass, country, folk and rock acts on about a dozen stages. The weekend also includes a well-regarded songwriters' competition, and there's a kids' stage and play area, a large, quality vendors area, a silent auction and raffle that include some high-value prizes, and a variety of food and drink vendors. The festival honors the late Merle Watson and the Doc Watson family, and is a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College. MerleFest is in its 39th year in 2027. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show, Charles Wesley Godwin, Molly Tuttle and 80 more.
Festival site: Wilkes Community College
Gates open 2:30 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. Friday-Sunday; band competition is 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday on the Plaza Stage.
12 stages; some in tents, two indoors.
Four-Day Watson Stage reserved seat: row 1-35 $325, $345 at gate; row 36-51 $300, $320 at gate.
Four-day covered patio seating (includes snacks and beverages): $525.
Four-day general admission: $245, $265 at gate.
Friday-Sunday general admission: $220, $240 at gate.
Daily: Thursday $90, $105 at gate; Friday, Saturday $105, $120 at gate; Sunday $90, $105 at gate.
Late-Night Jam with Sam Bush and Friends (Friday): $60.
Patron Packages at the Gold ($3,303), Platinum ($3,623) and Club ($6,038) levels for groups of four include Late-Night Jam tickets, access to VIP area seating with complimentary drinks and snacks, meals, reserved seats, side-stage seating, backstage access, on-campus parking, more.
Several campgrounds are located nearby and are served by continuous bus shuttles, including Rivers Edge and YMCA camping (primitive camping; YMCA provides access to its facilities).
On-campus parking: $130, $225, $275 depending on lot.
On-campus and Orange Parking Lot RVs, four days: $775.
May 1 Ocean Fest - Surf City
The free celebration of music, art, surfing and coastal culture includes live music, a surfing contest, a 5K beach run, local vendors, food and drinks, "eco education" and family-friendly fun as a benefit for environmental nonprofits focused on ocean conservation. Ocean Fest is in its ninth year in 2027.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Signal Fire, Shwayze, Oceanic and three more.
Festival site: Beach Access No. 18 at Surf City Pier
Music begins 10 a.m.; 5k run check-in 7 a.m. for 8 a.m. start; surf contest 9 a.m.
Free admission.
No outside food or drinks.
RoxFest presents several live acts from diverse musical genres and a DJ playing between bands at a lakeside setting. A couple of food trucks and additional vendors will also be on hand. 2027 is the festival's third year.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Misbehaven, Coda Junction, Jut Thomas Band and three more.
Festival site: Mayo Lake Park Amphitheatre
Noon to 11 p.m.
General admission: $36.13.
May 6 - 8 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, Junior Sisk, Little Roy and Lizzie, Biscuit Eaters.
Friday: Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, The Malpass Brothers, Lonesome River Band, Deeper Shade of Blue, Olvia Jo, Headin' Home.
Saturday: Doyle Lawson, The Malpass Brothers, Conrad Fisher, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Country Grass, Olivia Jo.
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 reserved seat: $194.40.
Three-day general admission: $111.20.
Single day: $64.40, $33.20 age 15 to 17
Younger than 15 free with paying adult.
Wednesday add-on (including barbecue chicken): $17.60.
Camping: Tents, RVs with no hookups $20. 30-amp sites $50 per night with water and electricity, $60 with full hookups; 50-amp sites $55 per night with water and electricity, $65 with full hookups. Early RV drop off $10 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.
May 6 - 9 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
TBA. 2026 lineup included Donna the Buffalo, Rising Appalachia, Lila Ike, Chuwi and 62 more.
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 7 - 9 Lovin' Life Music Fest - Charlotte
The 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," but organizers announced "a short pause" in 2026 "due to circumstances outside our control" 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 7 - 8 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 focused 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 Balsam Range's music festival at Lake Junaluska.)
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Authentic Unlimited, Red Camel Collective, Alecia Nugent and six more.
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 8 - 9 Asheville Buskerfest - Asheville
The festival debuted in 2026 to celebrate Asheville's "incredibly vibrant street performing culture" with a pre-party Friday evening, and over the weekend, musical, magic, puppetry and other 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 were also at Pack Square.
Musical Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included The Rays, AG Hammond, Rock While Rome Burns and about 30 more.
Festival site: Pack Square Park (map), additional venues
Free admission.
May 14 - 15 Beaufort Music Festival - Beaufort
The Beaufort Music 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 festival, which dates to 1991, has not been held since 2024 due to construction at its venue. 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 for a fee. Free shuttle from downtown Beaufort.
May 14 - 15 Carolina Indie Fest - Sanford
The free festival presents independent artists performing original music from a variety of genres. There will also be food trucks, a festival beer release and "crafty and odd" vendors. The festival is in its seventh year in 2027, and a second one is held in September.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Jack the Radio, The Southern Brothas, Effing and Blinding, and seven more.
Festival site: Hugger Mugger Brewing Company
5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Free.
May 15 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 13th year in 2027.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Jim Quick and Coastline, The Band of Oz, Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot, and two more.
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 15 Durham Blues and Brews Festival - Durham
The festival 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. However, the festival was canceled without explanation in 2025, and since the spring of 2026, the website has said "Currently on hiatus." When held, this is an adults-only event.
Artists
TBA. 2024 lineup was 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 15 - 16 Artsplosure - Raleigh
The Artsplosure street festival draws large crowds for performances by one or two nationally known 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
TBA. 2026 lineup included Sunny War, Tashi Dorji, Joseph Terrell and 17 more.
Festival Site: Fayetteville Street
Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Art market opens from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday for patrons with accessibility needs.
Free admission.
May 21 - 22 Gears and Guitars - Winston-Salem
The festival held in conjunction with the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic is typically two 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
TBA. 2026 lineup included Ruston Kelly, Saint Motel, Gods of Grunge and four more.
Festival site: Baily Park (map); Kaleideum/Merschel Park
Music starts 6 p.m. Friday at Kaleideum/Merschel Park, noon Saturday at Bailey Park.
Free.
May 22 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
TBA. 2026 lineup included Po' Ramblin' Boys, Mason Via, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, and seven more.
Festival Site: Cat's Cradle
Gates open 2 p.m.; music 3 p.m.
Presale: $37.87; $58.47 reserved seating.
$55; $70 reserved seating.
VIP (reserved seat, early entry, souvenirs): $85, only 100 to be sold.
May 27 - 29 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
TBA. 2026 lineup included Dan Tyminski Band, NewFound Road, Darren Nicholson Band and 10 more.
Festival Site: Camp Springs Blue Grass Park
Music starts 5 p.m. Thursday, 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Three-day pass: $100.
Thursday: $30.
Friday and Saturday (each): $50.
Primitive camping free with three-day ticket; $10 per person per night without ticket; 57 sites have electricty and water hookups.
May 28 - 29 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
TBA. 2026 lineup included JD Clayton, Mason Via, Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters, and six more.
Festival Site: Lake Logan Episcopal Center
Gates open 10 a.m. Friday.
Two-day pass: $84.22, $42.37 ages 12 to 17.
Daily: TBA.
Younger than 12: free admission.
Camping: tents $31.90; tent car camping $94.68; 12 RV sites $251.62.
Cabins and dorms, breakfast buffet: See website.
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