Best Music Festivals In North Carolina

Experience the Best Music Festivals in the Tar Heel State

North Carolina is home to some of the most exciting and diverse music festivals in the country. From the mountains to the coast, there’s a festival for every musical taste and preference. Whether you’re a fan of bluegrass, jazz, country, or rock, North Carolina has something to offer. In this article, we’re going to explore the best music festivals in North Carolina that you won’t want to miss.

Music Festivals in the Mountains

🏔️ MerleFest

MerleFest is one of the biggest and most popular music festivals in North Carolina. Held annually in Wilkesboro, this four-day festival features top bluegrass, country, and folk musicians from all over the world. The festival was founded in honor of the late musician Doc Watson and has been running for over 30 years.

🏔️ Mountain Dance and Folk Festival

Asheville’s Mountain Dance and Folk Festival is the oldest folk festival in the country. Established in 1928, this festival has been showcasing traditional Appalachian music, dance, and storytelling for over 90 years. The festival takes place over three nights and features some of the best musicians and dancers in the region.

Music Festivals in the Piedmont

🌳 Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance

The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is held twice a year in Chatham County. This festival is a celebration of world music, culture, and community. The festival features a diverse lineup of musicians and performers, as well as workshops, dance classes, and other activities.

🌳 Wide Open Bluegrass Festival

The Wide Open Bluegrass Festival is held annually in Raleigh and is one of the biggest bluegrass festivals in the world. This festival is a collaboration between the International Bluegrass Music Association and the city of Raleigh. The festival features top bluegrass musicians from around the world and also includes a street festival with food, crafts, and other vendors.

Music Festivals in the Coastal Region

🏖️ Beaufort Music Festival

The Beaufort Music Festival is held annually in Beaufort and is a celebration of local and regional musicians. This festival features a diverse lineup of musicians and genres, including rock, blues, reggae, and more. The festival also features local food and craft vendors.

🏖️ North Carolina Jazz Festival

The North Carolina Jazz Festival is held annually in Wilmington and is one of the oldest and most respected jazz festivals in the country. The festival features top jazz musicians from around the world and takes place over three nights.

Complete Information About Best Music Festivals in North Carolina

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to the best music festivals in North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place. In this section, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your festival experience, including dates, locations, ticket prices, and more.

MerleFest

When: April

Where: Wilkesboro

Ticket Prices: Varies (Check the official website for more information)

Website: https://merlefest.org/

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival

When: August

Where: Asheville

Ticket Prices: Varies (Check the official website for more information)

Website: https://folkheritage.org/mountain-dance-and-folk-festival/

Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance

When: Spring and Fall

Where: Pittsboro

Ticket Prices: Varies (Check the official website for more information)

Website: https://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/

Wide Open Bluegrass Festival

When: September

Where: Raleigh

Ticket Prices: Varies (Check the official website for more information)

Website: https://wideopenbluegrass.com/

Beaufort Music Festival

When: May

Where: Beaufort

Ticket Prices: Free

Website: https://beaufortmusicfestival.com/

North Carolina Jazz Festival

When: February

Where: Wilmington

Ticket Prices: Varies (Check the official website for more information)

Website: https://ncjazzfestival.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of music can I expect to hear at these festivals?

Each festival has its own unique lineup, but you can expect to hear a variety of genres, including bluegrass, folk, country, jazz, rock, and more.

How much do tickets typically cost?

Ticket prices vary depending on the festival and the type of ticket you purchase. Some festivals offer single-day tickets, while others require you to purchase a weekend pass. Check each festival’s official website for detailed pricing information.

Are these festivals family-friendly?

Yes, most of these festivals are family-friendly and offer a variety of activities for children, including workshops, crafts, and more.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to the festivals?

Most festivals allow you to bring your own food and drinks, but some have restrictions on what you can bring. Check each festival’s official website for more information.

Are there camping options available?

Most festivals offer camping options for attendees. Check each festival’s official website for more information on camping options and prices.

What should I bring with me to the festivals?

You should bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, and a portable chair or blanket to sit on. Some festivals also recommend bringing rain gear in case of inclement weather.

Can I bring my pet to the festivals?

Most festivals do not allow pets, but some may make exceptions for service animals. Check each festival’s official website for more information.

Are there any volunteer opportunities available?

Most festivals offer volunteer opportunities for attendees. Check each festival’s official website for more information on volunteering.

What kind of food options are available?

Most festivals offer a variety of food options, including local food vendors and food trucks. Some festivals also allow you to bring your own food.

Is there parking available?

Most festivals offer on-site parking, but some may require you to park off-site and shuttle to the festival grounds. Check each festival’s official website for more information on parking.

Is there an age limit for attendees?

Most festivals do not have an age limit for attendees, but some may require minors to be accompanied by an adult. Check each festival’s official website for more information.

Are these festivals accessible to people with disabilities?

Most festivals strive to be accessible to people with disabilities and offer accommodations such as wheelchair accessibility and sign language interpretation. Check each festival’s official website for more information on accessibility.

What kind of vendors will be at the festivals?

Most festivals feature a variety of vendors, including local craft vendors, artists, and merchandise vendors. Some festivals also offer non-profit and community group booths.

What is the atmosphere like at these festivals?

The atmosphere at each festival is unique, but you can expect a fun and festive atmosphere with lots of music, food, and activities.

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

Some festivals may offer tickets at the gate, but it’s always best to purchase tickets in advance to ensure availability and to take advantage of any early bird discounts.

Conclusion

If you’re a music lover, North Carolina is the place to be. With its diverse lineup of music festivals, there’s something for everyone. From the mountains to the coast, you can experience the best of what North Carolina has to offer. So why not plan your next festival getaway today? Don’t miss out on the fun and excitement.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to one of North Carolina’s best music festivals today and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Disclaimer