MerleFest has just announced its first round of artists for 2027. Once again the event will take place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC. It will run from Thursday, April 29 through Sunday, May 2.
MerleFest began in 1988 as a fundraiser for the Garden of the Senses at Wilkes Community College, while serving as a memorial for Doc Watson’s late son, Eddy Merle Watson. The festival presents 12 stages of music while raising funds for the WCC Foundation.
This year’s headliners are Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Toy Factory Project, The Avett Brothers and Wynonna Judd. The festival lineup also includes: Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Mountain Grass Unit, The Earls of Leicester, Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band, Alison Brown, Magoo, The Brudi Brothers, Jake Shimabukuro, Chatham Rabbits, Chatham County Line, Donna The Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale and many others.
On Friday the festival will host a special “Delebration.” Del McCoury@88 will pay tribute to the bluegrass legend, featuring Del McCoury & The Travelin’ McCourys, with some guest musicians likely as well.
The Late Night Jam also has a connection to the McCoury family this year. It is titled The Travelin’ McCourys present The Grateful Ball. Information about additional participants is expected to follow over the weeks to come. This is a separately ticketed after-hours event.
Tickets for MerleFest are now available.
