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April 24 – 27, 2025

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#MerleFest2025

Close-up of a man's hands playing a banjo

Lineup

The initial MerleFest 2025 lineup has been announced! More artists will be announced soon. Sign up for our newsletter and get the news first!

A man standing on the Cabin Stage holding a ticket

Purchase

4-Day Reserved Seating, 4-Day General Admission, 3-Day General Admission, Single Day Tickets, Late Night Jam, and Parking Passes are on sale now!

A smiling woman wearing a MerleFest volunteer vest

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.

MerleFest Mega Raffle logo

Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle

New for this year is a 50/50 Raffle, along with a new twist to our Silent Auction: mobile bidding! Stay tuned for more details!

A man and two children smiling through the open windows of a parked white car

Getting Here

Getting to MerleFest is easy from any direction. If you are coming from North, South, East or West – we have you covered!

A little girl getting her face painted with a cat design at MerleFest

Things To Do

We have 12 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.

A crowd of people the Shoppes at MerleFest

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.

A typewriter sitting on a wooden surface

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.

Doc Watson Student Emergency Fund logo

Donate to MerleFest or the Doc Watson Student Emergency Fund

Give to the Doc Watson Student Emergency Fund and provide emergency financial assistance to Wilkes Community College students.

Photo of the Doc & Merle Watson Theatre

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!

FAQ

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.