The initial MerleFest 2026 lineup has been announced! Sign up for our newsletter and get the news first!

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

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.

Stay tuned for more details!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.