November 12, 2024 (Wilkesboro, NC)
The initial 2025 lineup for the 37th annual MerleFest, set for April 24–27, was announced today, with the return of some favorite North Carolina-based groups, including The Avett Brothers and Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange). This year’s lineup also includes the legendary singer/songwriter Bonnie Raitt, IBMA New Artist of the Year East Nash Grass, Tony Trischka’s Grammy-nominated Earl Jam, and Canadian folk and bluegrass ensemble The Dead South. MerleFest 2025 will feature a return of the Late Night Jam, hosted by Sam Bush, and additional festival performances by regular favorites Kruger Brothers, Jim Lauderdale, Laura Boosinger, and more.
Also set to appear are such strong acts as Wyatt Flores, The War And Treaty, The SteelDrivers, Asleep at the Wheel, Brent Cobb, Alison Brown, and Della Mae. (View the full initial lineup below.)
Held on the campus of Wilkes Community College to honor the lasting legacy of its founding legend Doc Watson, MerleFest promises to present another unforgettable weekend in 2025, with more surprises in store. Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 Late Night Jam with Sam Bush and Friend joined by an all-star lineup of MerleFest artists. The Late Night Jam is a separately ticketed event. Visit merlefest.org/purchase for details.
Tickets for general admission, covered patio seating reserved seating, parking as well as for the late night jam are available at the MerleFest website. Additions to the lineup will also be announced on the website in advance of the festival.
New for 2025, the MerleFest Mobile App is available now for download on all Apple and Android devices. The app allows user to plan their festival, to receive the latest updates, set reminders for performance times, and discover new artists by listening to the official MerleFest 2025 Spotify playlist.
Initial lineup: MerleFest 2025 will welcome The Avett Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, The Dead South, Watchhouse, Wyatt Flores, The War And Treaty, The SteelDrivers, Sam Bush, Asleep at the Wheel, The Lil Smokies, Brent Cobb, Tony Trischka’s Earl Jam, Alison Brown, Della Mae, Peter Rowan, Scythian, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, TopHouse, Big Richard, John R. Miller, Woody Platt and the Bluegrass Gentlemen, John McEuen & The Circle Band, The Waybacks, Andy May, Banknotes, The Barefoot Movement, Carol Mallett Rifkin, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian From China to Appalachia, Charles Welch, Damn Tall Buildings, East Nash Grass, The InterACTive Theater of Jef, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Joe Smothers, Josh Goforth, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mattie Schell, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Muireann Bradley, Paul McDonald, Pete & Joan Wernick, Presley Barker, Rev. Robert Jones, Roy Booker Binder, T. Michael Coleman, Todd Albright, Tony Williamson, Wayne Henderson, with additional artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
For media inquiries, contact Danielle Dror (danielle@teamvictorylap.com), Karaline Bailey (karaline@teamvictorylap.com) or Sarah Wilson (sarah@teamvictorylap.com) at Victory Lap Media. o apply for media credentials to MerleFest 2025, please click here.
Applications are also open through April 15 for MerleFest volunteers, which comes with free entry on the day of the shift, free parking and shuttle, and 10% off camping at River’s Edge Campground.
Vendor applications are open through January 15 for merchants and food vendors, and food trucks.
The WCC Foundation is pleased to announce that we’ve added a new twist to our Silent Auction!
This year’s Silent Auction, presented by the WCC Foundation will also offer mobile bidding so that festival guests and supporters can view items and place bids even before the festival begins or from the comfort of their seats. New for this year is a 50/50 Raffle which will take place during the festival. Stay tuned for more details.
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