Merlefest

MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 27-30, 2017, is proud to announce its initial lineup of artists. 2017 will be a celebration of 30 years of MerleFest! The annual homecoming of musicians and music fans returns to the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

MerleFest, presented by Window World, has begun accepting entries for the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest this month and will continue until February 2017. The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is one of the most acclaimed songwriting contests in roots and Americana music and has a reputation for launching careers and discovering important new talent.
 

Join MerleFest on Thursday at AmericanaFest 2016 for a special Hot Chicken Lunch Party, featuring four powerhouse roots musicians: Ken TizzardKaia KaterDori Freeman, and Alison Brown.

MerleFest, presented by Window World, has wrapped up its 29th year. Early estimates show that from its start on Thursday, April 28, to its close on Sunday, May 1, aggregate participation over the festival’s four days was approximately 74,500 participants. MerleFest, held on the campus of Wilkes Community College, is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Endowment Corporation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.
 

With only one week until the start of MerleFest 2016, presented by Window World, the town of Wilkesboro, N.C. is buzzing with activity.

MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28-May 1, 2016, is proud to announce three powerful new additions to the 2016 lineup: breakout Americana star Jason Isbell, legendary Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel and inspiring gospel songster Mike Farris and The Roseland Rhythm Revue. These three new artists join over 100 other artists already announced, including John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dave Rawlings Machine, Brandi Carli

MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28-May 1, 2016, is proud to announce four more additions to the 2016 lineup: Brandi Carlile, Tim O’Brien, Sam Bush Band and Jim Lauderdale. These artists join over 100 other artists already announced, including John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dave Rawlings Machine, The Wood Brothers,

MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28-May 1, 2016, is proud to announce additions to the 2016 lineup: Old Crow Medicine Show, Alison Brown, Peter Rowan and Doug Seegers. The four-day event, the largest roots and Americana music festival in the nation, takes place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the heart of Appalachia. MerleFest continues the legacy of Doc Watson and is a benefit for the college.

MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28-May 1, 2016, is proud to announce the music festival’s initial lineup. The four-day event, an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans, will once again take place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

1.      Parking – Free (and plentiful) parking and shuttle services are available from the Blue Lot, located off Highway 268 West. The shuttle services runs non-stop during festival hours and until everyone is off campus at the end of the evening. Follow the “Blue Lot” parking signs. Also, the Blue Lot is an easy half-mile walk to the festival grounds.