November 10, 2026 (Wilkesboro, NC) Over the past 39 years, MerleFest has become a tradition for music lovers not only from the Western North Carolina mountains but from across the U.S. The festival, started by Doc Watson to honor the memory of his son and musical partner Merle Watson, now honors Doc as well. From its beginning years with a flatbed trailer for stage on the campus of Wilkes Community College, until the current configuration with more than a dozen stages indoors and out, MerleFest is one even not to be missed by anyone who loves roots music.
Next year’s festival, set for April 29–May 2, announces the return of Gilliam Welch & David Rawlings, along with Southern rockers Toy Factory. NC favorite songs The Avett Brothers will perform, along with Wynonna Judd. Mason Via, recently named IBMA’s 2026 New Artist of the Year, will also appear, along with the Chatham Rabbits, Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Tray Wellington, and more.
Another special event for the coming year will be a special “Delebration,” honoring the iconic Del McCoury at 88, with performance by Del McCoury Band and the Travelin’ McCourys. Other returning festival favorites include Sam Bush Band, Jerry Douglas, the Earls of Leicester, and Alison Brown. Other groups on the roster, gaining fans and attention, are Mountain Grass Unit, Magoo, and the Brudi Brothers.
The Waybacks and special guests will also deliver another Hillside Album Hour, with “Google-proof clues” in advance.
For this year’s Late Night Jam, a separately ticketed event held after the regular show schedule, will feature the Grateful Ball presented by the Travelin’ McCourys, promising to be another those “only at MerleFest” moments. Visit merlefest.org/purchase for details and to stay tuned for guest announcements.
The complete lineup, at this time, also includes Jake Shimabukuro, Chatham County Line, Altan, Slap Dragon, Larry & Joe, Jim Avett, Rev. Robert Jones, Scythian, Donna The Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, Presley Barker, Andy May, Banknotes, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, The InterACTive Theatre of Jef, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Joe Smothers, Josh Goforth, The Knackered Ramblers, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Pete Wernick, T Michael Coleman, Tony Williamson, and Wayne Henderson, with additional artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
Keep watching for other announcements for further additions to the already stellar lineup.
The WCC Foundation will continue the Silent Auction, featuring a variety of exciting, high-quality items and the convenience of online bidding, which opens April 15, 2027, along with the Mega Raffle, with tickets going on sale Feb. 8, 2027. Proceeds support the Supporting Academic Goals for Education (SAGE) First Year Experience program. Stay tuned for more details at merlefest.org/silent-auction.
MerleFest 2027 tickets are available now. For general admission passes, as well as covered patio seating, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.
For media inquiries, contact Danielle Dror (danielle@teamvictorylap.com) or Karaline Bailey (karaline@teamvictorylap.com) at Victory Lap Media.