Wilkes Community College
MerleFest has 12 stages of Traditional Plus music and was founded in 1988 as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. From US 421 take Exit 286B, the Wilkes Community College exit, and a free shuttle runs between the parking lots and the festival's front gates. All stages are accessible by wheelchair, but the grounds contain steep hills and challenging terrain.
Before you go
- Capacity
- 12 stages
- Official site
- wilkescc.edu
- Next festival here
- MerleFest, Apr 29 to May 2, 2027
Worth knowing before you go
- The grounds contain steep hills and challenging terrain and may not be easily navigated.
- MerleFest is held rain or shine, though evacuation to seek shelter may be necessary in some isolated instances.
- Rivers Edge Campground has limited water access and no power, except for campers who need power without a generator for medical reasons.
- Large umbrellas, personal tents, canopies and chairs that block the view are not allowed.
- No pets are allowed, though service animals are.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Exit 286B off US 421 · Free shuttle from the lots to the gates · All stages wheelchair accessible.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You want to camp near the festival, with over 300 sites at Rivers Edge Campground.
- You want a festival with kids' programming such as Acoustic Kids Showcases and a Little Pickers Area.
Think twice if
- Steep hills and challenging terrain would be hard for you, even though all stages are accessible by wheelchair.
- You need power at your campsite: Rivers Edge has none, apart from medical needs.
Getting there and parking
Festival-specific · MerleFestComing by US 421, take Exit 286B, the Wilkes Community College exit, and follow the festival signs for parking. A free shuttle runs between the parking lots and the front gates of the festival.
Accessibility
Festival-specific · MerleFestADA approved equipment is allowed, and all stages are accessible by wheelchair. The festival grounds contain steep hills and challenging terrain and may not be easily navigated.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (wilkescc.edu).
Camping
Festival-specific · MerleFestRivers Edge Campground is along the Yadkin River at the Rivers Edge sports complex. It has over 300 sites, from a tent to a pop up camper, a tear drop camper or a 40 foot RV. Water access is limited and there is no power, except for campers who need power without a generator for medical reasons.
Festival-specific · MerleFestThere are water hydrants for sharing of water throughout the complex, along with port a jons and a bath house.
Food, water and what you can bring
Festival-specific · MerleFestNo alcohol, smoking, vaping or drug use is permitted. No personal tents, canopies or chairs that block the view for other attendees; small infant domes are allowed if they do not obstruct the view of others. Large umbrellas, including beach or patio umbrellas, are not allowed. Chairs and blankets can help with seating.
Festival-specific · MerleFestThere are a variety of food and craft vendors. No pets are allowed, though service animals are.
Sound and sensory
Festival-specific · MerleFestCovered patio seating has a view of the Watson and Cabin stages. Because seating is limited, fans of all ages need Patio access credentials to enter this area, and children 2 and under are exempt.
Quick answers
Is MerleFest wheelchair accessible?
Partly. ADA approved equipment is allowed and all stages are accessible by wheelchair, but the grounds contain steep hills and challenging terrain and may not be easily navigated.
How do I get to MerleFest from US 421?
Take Exit 286B, the Wilkes Community College exit, and follow the festival signs for parking.
Is there a shuttle at MerleFest?
Yes. A free shuttle runs between the parking lots and the front gates of the festival.
Can I bring alcohol to MerleFest?
No. No alcohol, smoking, vaping or drug use is permitted.
Can I bring chairs and umbrellas to MerleFest?
Chairs and blankets can help with seating, but personal tents, canopies and chairs that block the view for others are not allowed. Large umbrellas, including beach or patio umbrellas, are not allowed.
Can I bring my dog to MerleFest?
No. Pets are not allowed, though service animals are.
Can you camp at MerleFest?
Yes. Rivers Edge Campground, along the Yadkin River at the Rivers Edge sports complex, has over 300 sites for tents, pop up campers, tear drop campers and RVs up to 40 feet. Water access is limited and there is no power.
Does MerleFest go ahead in the rain?
Yes. MerleFest is held rain or shine, though in some isolated instances evacuation to seek shelter may be necessary.
A little history
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and to celebrate traditional plus music. Today it has 12 stages, with nature walks, Acoustic Kids Showcases, a Little Pickers Area and a Pickin' Place alongside the music.