In response to directives from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and growing concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Wilkes County officials have cancelled all mass gatherings of more than 100 people in Wilkes County through the end of April. Therefore, MerleFest 2020 has been cancelled. While this decision is disappointing for all of us, we fully support the directive from our county officials. The health, safety, and well-being of all involved with MerleFest is, and always will be, our primary concern. Click here for details.
Current ticket holders can convert their ticket for a donation! Email: merlefest@wilkescc.edu
#MerleFestStrong everyone!
We still need your help, and many of you have already responded. We have a private donor who issued a challenge to help offset pre-festival expenses already incurred in preparation for MerleFest 2020. The donor will match dollar for dollar funds raised up to $150,000.
Lineup
The initial lineup for MerleFest 2020 has been announced! Sign up for our newsletter and get the news first!
Purchase
4-Day Reserved Seating, 4-Day General Admission, 3-Day General Admission, Single Day Tickets, Parking Passes, Late Night Jam Tickets, and information on River’s Edge Camping.
Volunteer
As a volunteer you will receive free entry to the festival for the entire day of your shift. More importantly, you will be supporting a major fundraiser for Wilkes Community College.
Chris Austin Songwriting Contest
This contest offers songwriters the opportunity to have their songs heard by a panel of professional songwriters from the music industry.
Getting Here
Getting to MerleFest is easy from any direction. If you are coming from North, South, East or West – we have you covered!
Things To Do
We have 13 stages of “Traditional Plus” music and so much more! Choices include Nature walks, Acoustic Kids Showcases, Little Pickers Area, a Pickin’ Place and a pleasing variety of food and craft vendors.
Vendors
The Shoppes at MerleFest is a centrally located shopping village of vendors and official MerleFest memorabilia. Festival guests can peruse vendor booths, check email, charge cell phones, and pick up an official MerleFest t-shirt all in one spot! Vendor applications are now closed.
Media Room
Here you will find our media releases, media credential request applications, high-resolution festival images, important dates and official Public Service Announcements. You will also find history about our festival and the Watson Family.
Donate to the Doc Watson Student Emergency Fund
Give to the Doc Watson Student Emergency Fund and provide emergency financial assistance to Wilkes Community College students.
About MerleFest
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and to celebrate ‘traditional plus’ music. We are about the MUSIC, MOMENTS and MEMORIES!
FAQs
Find out everything you need to know as you plan your MerleFest experience! If you still have questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.