I've always been a fan. In the past, always wanted to go. Now I've been several times. The last time, my wife and I had tickets for the entire festival. Now, we are fostering some children. We thought that we could make it a true "family" affair by bringing them with us. We can't be sure how much enjoyment they might get since their backgrounds are different and they are from younger generations. Merlefest does not make price concessions for these kids. We can't afford to take them at full price. Guess we will stay home. read more

Great time! Shuttle workers were nice. We loved the atmosphere and the food options were great and delicious! Tried an Elvis dog and I surprisingly loved it! read more

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Merlefest is one of the very best festivals in the US. The 35th edition did not disappoint despite a torrential rain storm or three. The Merlefest crew did a fantastic job managing the muddy mess. The quality of the music is phenomenal. Top notch virtuosos like Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and Peter Cowan to up and comers like Presley Barker filled four days with outstanding music. The Avett Brothers put on one of their best shows ever Friday night and The Waybacks knocked it out of the park with an incredible version of The Who's 'Who's Next" during their famous Album Hour ( which thankfully is longer than an hour). Merlefest is a well-oiled machine that connects the attendees with the musicians in a personal way. This is a family affair and everyone feels welcomed. A very fun, relaxed vibe to go along with the best Bluegrass, Roots, Americana, Blues, and country music. read more

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This was one of the BEST Festivals ever! (And I am of a certain age to have attended many) The organization, venues, shops, huge food tent, several smaller food venues, extremely nice crowd and especially the MUSIC & MUSICIANS/ARTISTS. This is such a well-known event that draws 80k people over 4 days that I was concerned about such a big crowd, however it is spread out over the entire Community College Campus with 12 stages. In its 34th year they are quite well organized with transportation, great scheduling and covid safety amenities (bathrooms, porta-potties, sanitizer). There are no tobacco products nor alcohol permitted which contributed to the nice&easy crowd and NO political slogans anywhere. I look forward to returning and I see why accommodations are booked a year in advance. Oh the music!! As top notch as it gets -- closed down with EmmyLou Harris. read more

Merlefest - an annual homecoming in memory of edy merle hasson - Music Venues Near Me - Wilkesboro, North Carolina

I love the bands they select, it's just a shame there is no beer, liquor or wine. I don't even drink, however many of my friends I attended last year with had wished for an adult beverage. I'm guessing this must be a dry campus. Long story short, won't go back, we'll just play our own bluegrass by the fire so the adults can be adults. Side note food options we're poor, lots of place to buy hippie dresses and such. Oh and Duck Donuts was there, loved that!!! read more

Attended Merlefest 2023. It was an amazing experience as usual. I have went to this festival for several years now and would recommend this to most any music lover. There are several stages and acts that go on from Thursday to Sunday each year. It can get very crowded but there's plenty of space to hangout and listen. Food and other retail venders on site. I really enjoyed it and will be attending again next year! read more

Best time! Upgraded back stage access thanks to a wonderful musician Eli Paul Thorn did not disappoint Great crowd-wonderful outdoor venue Family friendly and loads of fun! read more

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We travel from SF to Wilkesboro NC just to see the Waybacks. Well, almost. Maybe the Blue Ridge mountains, four days of great music with friendly folks, and lots of great pig parts have something to do with it, too. But the Waybacks are a big part of it. Each year, they and amazing guest talent take the Hillside Stage on Saturday afternoon and produce a fun and memorable take of a classic album (kept secret until MerleFest) with (electrified) bluegrass style and harmonies. They'e done Abbey Road, Sticky Fingers, Eat a Peach, Led Zeppelin II, Are You Experienced, Before the Flood... each year they post a few clues and fans beat their rock music history brains out trying to guess the album before showtime. This year, the treat was CSNY's Deja Vu. This is a great festival to catch amazing acts like the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Jerry Douglas, and hot up'n'comers like Della May and Deadly Gentlemen. There are some big names too, this year Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Stanley, Merle Haggard took the main stage. Folks are friendly and the scenery in the Blue Ridge is unbeatable. How about a leisurely day driving the Blue Ridge Parkway to or from Asheville, where you can visit the all-American Moog factory?! Good stuff, buckaroos. read more

I can't imagine not returning to merlefest year after year. The music is of such a high quality, it's a four-day carpet ride of bliss. I am introduced to new bands who become my favorites and old favorites that just keep getting better. Speaking of which, the selection of comestibles was greatly enlarged this year, many more entree choices and prices still ridiculously low. We always make friends at the dining tables and learn about the region and beyond. The hillside album hour is my personal favorite, james nash and the waybacks continually surprise and delight with their musical talents and guests. I have already made my plans for next year, i guarantee if you attend merlefest you will make a lifetime commitment! read more

Second year in a row. Four day reserved pass is my favorite...guaranteed seat at the Watson stage takes some of the stress off. With so many stages and so many performers to choose from, you are sure to stay occupied all day with amazing music. But just in case you have some time in between performances, there are several vendors and lots of choices for amazing food. This place does its very best to accommodate everyone...several free activities in a tent for young ones, and a R&R tent for people of all ages to escape the sun, or even take a cot and take a nap! Already looking forward to next year! read more

Heard about Merlefest for years and finally had the opportunity to attend this year. Honestly, I was not impressed. Except for the main stage, the size of the seating areas around the stages were not large enough to accommodate the numbers of attendees allowed in each day. I should not have to set up my seat an hour before the show I want to see, but that's the only way to get a good viewing spot at many of the popular acts, unless of course you pay $$$ for the reserved seats. The whole point of a music festival is to be able to move from stage to stage to see several shows but we weren't able to successfully do that thanks to the large crowds. The Hillside Stage is a very steep grassy hill and very dangerous to navigate, however one of the most popular shows of the festival (Album Hour) is held there every year which makes no sense. Very annoyed by the fact that the festival's published rules regarding no overnight set up of chairs and no set up of sun shelters that block the views of everybody else is enforced at all. I witnessed several groups reserving their spots at stages days in advance by staking down tarps on the ground - that should not be allowed! I believe that the people who have been attending Merlefest for years and sing its praises have never been to other music festivals or are so blinded by their devotion to the festival that they do not see the shortcomings of this event. Merlefest would be improved by the event organizers limiting the ticket sales and thus reducing the crowds and by enforcing the festival rules that they have published. Save your money and instead attend any one of the other music festivals held across our state. read more