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Dates & Times
April 23
-
April 26,
2026
Thursday, 1:30-11:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location
Wilkes Community College
1328 S. Collegiate Dr.
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Cost
Please check the website
Contact
Wilkes Community College
merlefest@wilkescc.edu
(336) 838-6260
View Event Website
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MerleFest is all about the Music, Moments and Memories.
The Music of MerleFest was best explained by Doc Watson himself: “When [Eddy Merle Watson] and I started out we called our music ‘traditional plus,’ meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play. Since the beginning, the people of the college and I have agreed that the music of MerleFest is ‘traditional plus’.”
The moments of MerleFest are those unique experiences that only happen here. It may be two musicians you never expected to see collaborating, a shooting star over the Watson Stage during an evening’s closing set, or that one set that seems to have touched everyone in the audience.
The Memories of MerleFest include the memory of Eddy Merle Watson, who we honor each day with “The Tribute to Merle” and the new memories we create each year as we come together to celebrate MerleFest. Fond memories we will always cherish are those of Doc and his unending contributions to the festival, the college and the music world. At MerleFest, fans would always flock when Doc graced the stage with his amazing flat-picking style, rich baritone voice and humble presence…a presence that will always be missed.
MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, serves as an annual homecoming for musicians and music fans. Held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of American music legend Doc Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts numerous artists, performing on 12 stages during the course of the four-day event. The annual event has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.
The Music of MerleFest was best explained by Doc Watson himself: “When [Eddy Merle Watson] and I started out we called our music ‘traditional plus,’ meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play. Since the beginning, the people of the college and I have agreed that the music of MerleFest is ‘traditional plus’.”
The moments of MerleFest are those unique experiences that only happen here. It may be two musicians you never expected to see collaborating, a shooting star over the Watson Stage during an evening’s closing set, or that one set that seems to have touched everyone in the audience.
The Memories of MerleFest include the memory of Eddy Merle Watson, who we honor each day with “The Tribute to Merle” and the new memories we create each year as we come together to celebrate MerleFest. Fond memories we will always cherish are those of Doc and his unending contributions to the festival, the college and the music world. At MerleFest, fans would always flock when Doc graced the stage with his amazing flat-picking style, rich baritone voice and humble presence…a presence that will always be missed.
MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, serves as an annual homecoming for musicians and music fans. Held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of American music legend Doc Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts numerous artists, performing on 12 stages during the course of the four-day event. The annual event has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.
