MerleFest 2026 Lineup Revealed: Alison Krauss, Old Crow Medicine Show, and More Headlining in Wilkesboro, NC
MerleFest 2026 is a must-attend event happening from April 23-26 in Wilkesboro, NC, featuring a stellar lineup recently announced. Headliners include Alison Krauss and Union Station, Old Crow Medicine Show, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Blackberry Smoke, with many more bluegrass acts scheduled to perform. The festival boasts 12 stages showcasing both legendary and up-and-coming artists like Molly Tuttle, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many others.
Notable names such as Jerry Douglas, Jim Lauderdale, Dom Flemons, and Reverend Peyton will also grace the stage. Emerging talents like The Castellows, The Creekers, AJ Lee and Blue Summit, Trey Hensley, and more will be worth catching. Additionally, local and regional acts from North Carolina will add to the diverse music lineup across the festival grounds.
MerleFest, founded in 1988, is named in memory of guitarist Eddy Merle Watson, son of Doc Watson, not Merle Haggard as commonly believed. While rooted in traditional country and bluegrass, the festival has evolved to include Americana, blues, and roots rock genres. For ticket purchases and further details, visit Merlefest.org.