MerleFest has revealed the first wave of its 2027 lineup, and it delivers exactly what roots music fans expect from the long-running Wilkesboro tradition. The 39th annual festival runs April 29–May 2, 2027, on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Headliners include Americana duo Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, North Carolina favorites The Avett Brothers, country star Wynonna Judd, and Southern rock outfit Toy Factory Project. A centerpiece of the weekend is Del McCoury@88 – a MerleFest “Delebration,” honoring the bluegrass legend with Del McCoury & The Travelin’ McCourys.
MerleFest 2027 Lineup Highlights by Day
The initial announcement breaks down several key performances across the four days (more artists are still to be revealed, with additional names expected around December 7):
- Thursday, April 29: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, The Brudi Brothers, Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band, Donna The Buffalo, Presley Barker, Rev. Robert Jones, and others.
- Friday, April 30: Toy Factory Project, Del McCoury@88 – a MerleFest “Delebration,” The Earls of Leicester, Jake Shimabukuro, Kruger Brothers, Chatham Rabbits, Chatham County Line, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Magoo, Altan, and more.
- Saturday, May 1: The Avett Brothers, Sam Bush, Mountain Grass Unit, Alison Brown, Jim Lauderdale, Scythian, Mason Via, Tray Wellington, The Waybacks, and others.
- Sunday, May 2: Wynonna Judd, Jake Shimabukuro, Slap Dragon, Jim Avett, and more.
Additional confirmed acts include Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown, Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band, Mountain Grass Unit, Magoo, The Brudi Brothers, and a long list of traditional and “traditional plus” artists spanning bluegrass, old-time, folk, Americana, and beyond. Full details and updates are available on the official site.
A separately ticketed Late Night Jam features The Travelin’ McCourys presenting The Grateful Ball on Saturday night, continuing MerleFest’s tradition of spontaneous collaborations.
MerleFest 2027 Dates, Location & Festival Details
- Dates: Thursday, April 29 – Sunday, May 2, 2027
- Location: Wilkes Community College, 1328 S. Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
- Format: Four days of music across 12 stages in the signature “traditional plus” style (bluegrass, old-time, country, folk, gospel, blues, Americana, and rock)
- Gates: Open Thursday at 1:30 p.m.; Friday–Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
MerleFest was founded in 1988 by Doc Watson in memory of his son Merle. It remains a major fundraiser for Wilkes Community College while drawing tens of thousands of fans each spring for its mix of legends and rising talent.
MerleFest 2027 Tickets: On Sale Now
Tickets are currently available directly through the official site. Options include 4-day reserved seating, 4-day general admission, 3-day general admission, single-day tickets, covered patio seating, camping, and parking passes.
Key notes from the festival:
- Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult in general admission areas (tickets required for reserved seating).
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- The festival is alcohol-free.
- Mega Raffle tickets (over $120,000 in cash and prizes) go on sale February 8, 2027. Silent Auction online bidding opens April 15, 2027.
Buy official MerleFest 2027 tickets here: merlefest.org/purchase
Secondary market options may appear later, but face-value purchases through the official site are the safest and most transparent route.
Why MerleFest 2027 Stands Out
The combination of The Avett Brothers (hometown heroes in the North Carolina mountains), Wynonna Judd’s powerful country voice, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings’ intimate Americana songwriting, and a full “Delebration” for Del McCoury gives the 2027 edition strong appeal across generations of roots fans. Toy Factory Project adds a Southern rock flavor, while the deep bench of bluegrass and old-time acts (Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, Alison Brown, and others) keeps the festival true to its Doc and Merle Watson roots.
With more announcements still coming and tickets already on sale, fans looking for spring festival plans in the Southeast have a clear early option. Check the official MerleFest site regularly for schedule updates, the full lineup, and any additional guest announcements.
Official links:
- Festival homepage: merlefest.org
- Tickets & passes: merlefest.org/purchase
- Lineup announcement coverage: Grateful Web | Relix
This article is independent and not affiliated with MerleFest, Wilkes Community College, or any ticket sellers. Ticket prices, availability, and lineup details are subject to change—always verify the latest information on the official MerleFest website. Affiliate or resale links (if present on our site) may earn a commission.
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