First hosted by Doc Watson in 1988, MerleFest (@merlefest) began as a tribute to Doc's son Eddy “Merle” Watson. Now, the...

First hosted by Doc Watson in 1988, MerleFest (@merlefest) began as a tribute to Doc's son Eddy “Merle” Watson. Now, the annual old-time, bluegrass and country festival held in Wilkesboro is a mighty event, drawing artists and audiences from around the country. Are you going to MerleFest 2025? If so, you’re in for quite a time April 25 to April 28th! With just artists performing from North Carolina alone, you could put together quite a lineup: Wilder Flower (@thewilderflower), Rissi Palmer (@rissipalmermusic), The Avett Brothers (@theavettbrothers), Watchhouse (@watchhouseband), Kruger Brothers (@krugerbrothers), Jim Lauderdale (@jimlauderdalemusic), Woody Platt (@woodyplatt), Well Drinkers (@welldrinkers_bluegrass), and more will be amongst the throng of talent. Image: a MerleFest crowd, 2023 Alt. text: hundreds of MerleFest attendees seated on a green grassed hill