Carolina Music Festivals is a comprehensive calendar and guide to multi-act, daylong or multiple-day music festivals in North Carolina.
Dates and other details may be estimated based on last year's festival until this year's plans are confirmed by festival organizers.
June 3 - 5 Cherokee Bluegrass Festival - Cherokee
A long-running bluegrass festival at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a family-oriented festival held at a campground pavilion. Bands play afternoon and evening sets, though headliners may only play once.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Malpass Brothers, Appalachian Road Show, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage and 10 more.
Festival site: Happy Holiday RV Village
Noon to 11 p.m., 10 p.m. Saturday.
Three-day pass: general admission $125 advance, $135 at gate; reserved seats $135 advance, $145 at gate.
Daily pass: general admission $50 advance, $55 at gate.
Younger than 13 free with adult's purchase of ticket.
No alcohol.
June 4 - 5 Bluegrass & Old-Time Fiddlers Convention - Mount Airy
The festival dedicated to old-time and bluegrass music and dance includes competitions, jam sessions and workshops in a family-friendly environment. Winners in solo and band competitions are awarded cash prizes. There's a dance after Saturday's competitions. The festival is in its 55th year in 2027.
Artists
Friday & Saturday: Contestants TBA in old-time and bluegrass bands, and individual bluegrass fiddle, old-time fiddle, bluegrass banjo, old-time banjo (clawhammer), guitar, mandolin, bass fiddle, dobro, dulcimer, autoharp, folk song and dance (adult and youth).
Festival site: Veterans Memorial Park
Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m., youth dance and awards 5:45 p.m., band performances 6 p.m. followed by adult dance.
$10 daily; younger than 7 free with adult.
$20 for contestants ($10 refunded Saturday after performance).
$20 for campers for entire weekend (in addition to camping fee).
Camping: $10 per day, RVs $35 per day with water and electricity.
No alcohol or dogs on site.
June 4 - 6 Ocrafolk Festival - Ocracoke Island
Ocrafolk is presented by Ocracoke Alive, a nonprofit cultural arts organization that presents student and community arts programs on Ocracoke Island. In addition to music on three or four stages and musicians' workshops, the festival presents storytellers, visual arts vendors and other activities. Click on the photo for more information.
Musical Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Sweet Megg, the Rev. Robert Jones, Rhonda Robichaux and 13 more.
Festival site: Berkley Manor
Three-day pass: $120 through April 30, $130 afterward.
Friday: $60 through April 30, $65 afterward.
Saturday: $70 through April 30, $75 afterward.
Friday and Saturday nights (6 to 10 p.m.; each): $25 through April 30, $30 afterward.
Sunday: $50 through April 30, $55 afterward.
Younger than 18 free.
Discounts available for Ocracoke residents, property owners and businesses.
June 5 Carolina Beach Musicfest - Carolina Beach
The show formerly known as the Carolina Beach Music Festival presents a day of classic beach music from well-known groups, plus activities like a shagging contest with cash prizes. The festival, which is in its 41st year in 2027, is known as the longest-running beach music festival in the United States still held on the beach.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup was The Tams, Band of Oz, Jim Quick and Coastline.
Festival Site: On beach near Carolina Beach Boardwalk
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
$35 advance, $40 at gate.
Younger than 11 free.
Umbrellas and Shibumi shades not permitted. 10x10-foot tent spaces may be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis at phone number at link above.
June 9 - 13 High Country Jazz Festival - Boone
The festival typically presents "anchor events" featuring nationally known artists plus additional shows, lectures, etc., to raise money for local arts and education programs, including jazz studies at Appalachian State University. The festival is in its sixth year in 2027.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Spyro Gyra, Wycliff Gordon, Emmet Cohen Trio and more.
Festival site: Appalachian Theatre and additional venues
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.
Miguel Zenon and Luis Perdomo: $100 (includes pre-concert wine and cheese reception and onstage general admission seats).
Friday, Saturday, Sunday shows: regular reserved seats $85, premium $100.
June 10 - 12 Charlie Poole Music Festival - Wentworth
The Charlie Poole Music Festival honors the legacy of the groundbreaking bandleader Charlie Poole and North Carolina string bands and roots music with more than 20 musicians' competitions in addition to stage shows. In 2026, stage shows were indoors in the evening and competitions were held outdoors with free admission during the day Friday and Saturday. The festival also presents musicians' workshops, local arts and craft vendors, and the presentation of a lifetime achievement award. The festival was revived in 2023 for its first edition since 2016, but had been held for more than 20 years prior to the break. See competition categories here, including Grand Champion old-time three-finger banjo player, which earns a $1,000 cash prize. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Amythyst Kiah, Rissi Palmer, New North Carolina Ramblers and six more, plus contest participants.
Festival site: Rockingham Community College
Thursday gates open 4:30 p.m., concert 5 p.m.; Friday gates open 3 p.m., youth competitions 4 p.m., concert 6:30 p.m.; Saturday gates open 9 p.m., adult competitions 10 a.m., concert 6 p.m.
Three-day pass $75.
Daily pass: $30.
Daytime competitions: free admission.
Primitive camping onsite is free but requires reservation.
June 11 - 13 Cape Fear Blues Festival - Wilmington
The festival put on by the Cape Fear Blues Society and hosted by The Rusty Nail features local, regional and national acts in a local club and outdoors under a beer tent. There's also a vendors' market and food available. The festival is in its 30th year in 2027.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Carter Minor Blues Band, Randy McQuay, Dream Family Jam Band and five more.
Festival site: The Rusty Nail
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday: $10.
Saturday: TBA.
Sunday: TBA.
June 12 Be More Grateful Festival - Charlotte
Organizers say the Be More Grateful Festival brings together music by rap and hip-hop acts and DJs with food and culture in a high-energy, feel-good environment that includes food trucks and a vendor marketplace. 2027 is the festival's second year.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included DaBaby, 50 Cent, Yung Miami and 17 more.
Festival site: Route 29 Pavilion
1 p.m.
General admission: $106.94 (early bird), $134.43.
General admission-plus (priority entrance, access to area closer to stage): $134.43 (early bird), $266.87.
VIP tables for 8: Standard (reserved covered table near stage, expedited entry, dedicated waitress, one "premium bottle") $2,124; Premium (Standard features plus tented covering with wall-mounted fans) $2,653.76.
15-person VIP Party Tent (private covered lounge with wall-mounted fans near stage, expedited entry, dedicated waitress, two "premium bottles," food truck menus and ability to order from lounge): $5,751.49.
Chair rentals will be available; no personal chairs, tents or similar setups allowed.
June 12 Bluff Mountain Festival - Hot Springs
The free all-acoustic show presents old time music, bluegrass, ballads and more, including cloggers, a silent auction, raffle, and art and food vendors. The festival benefits the Madison County Arts Council and is in its 30th year in 2027.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Nobody's Darling, White Rock Revival, Sourwood Ridge and 10 more.
Festival site: Hot Springs Resort and Spa
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free.
Campground information here.
June 17 - 19 PreddyFest Bluegrass Music Festival - Franklinton
PreddyFest, held on a 130-acre site on the Tar River, returns in 2027 after the family-friendly event became a campout for pickers without featured acts and then was not held for several years. The festival will also present food trucks and other vendors, and the grounds include a covered shelter area with picnic tables for shade and a place to rest. PreddyFest was previously held on the first weekend of August, beginning in 1997.
Artists
The Malpass Brothers, Authentic Unlimited, Lonesome River Band, Starlett and The Bluegrass Knights, Charlie Oakley and Blazin Grass, Carolina Road, Country Grass, Kevin Prater Band, Cuttin Grass, MariBella and The Pigkickers, The Price Sisters.
Festival site: PreddyFest Bluegrass Park
Show times TBD. "You're welcome to arrive whenever you'd like to enjoy the vendors we have," the website says. Campers may enter grounds as early as 8 a.m. June 12.
Three-day pass: $100 plus processing fees until June 6, $120 afterward.
Daily: $40 plus processing fees.
Younger than 14 free with an adult.
Camping free with ticket purchase. No hookups; showers and portable toilets on site.
Golf cart rentals available.
No alcohol, pets or smoking in stage area.
June 17 - 19 Willow Oak Park Bluegrass Festival - Roxboro
Bluegrass promoter Mike Wilson and musician Lorraine Jordan partner to carry on the tradition of "family-style" bluegrass festivals. In addition to stage shows, the festival typically presents musicians' workshops, storytelling and a jamming tent. Bands usually play two sets each day they appear. Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road are the festival hosts.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Authentic Unlimited, Kody Norris Show, Lonesome River Band and nine more in addition to the host band.
Festival site: Willow Oak Park
Music starts 1 p.m. Thursday, noon Friday and Saturday after musicians' workshops Friday and Saturday. Bands typically play afternoon and evening sets.
Three-day pass: $100 until June 1, $120 at gate; ages 13 to 16 $45.
Daily: $40.
Age 13-16: $15 per day.
Younger than 13 free with an adult.
Camping: primitive camping $10 per day; parking in camping area $5 per day. Sites with electricity (30 amps) are $25 per day (three-day minimum to reserve). Sites with full hookups ar $50 per day (six-day minumum to reserve).
No alcohol, smoking or pets in the concert area.
June 18 - 20 Boonerang Music and Arts Festival - Boone
The free music and arts festival in downtown Boone presents shows by nationally and regionally recognized music acts on multiple stages, dance performances, food, beer, arts, crafts and other vendors, a "vintage market," a kids' zone and additional actvities. The festival also presents free silent disco sessions on Friday and Saturday nights following the days' street festival, and various downtown restaurants and venues will host music and after-parties throughout the weekend. Boonerang is in its sixth year in 2027.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Fireside Collective, Kaleta and Super Yamba Band, Toubab Krewe and 26 more.
Festival site: Downtown Boone
5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Free admission.
June 24 - 27 Dex Fest - Carrboro & Chapel Hill
Dex Fest celebrates the life, music and cultural legacy of influential rockabilly and roots musician Dexter Romweber of Flat Duo Jets and The Dex Romweber Duo with shows at multiple venues by blues, garage, roots and folk rock artists. The weekend typically starts with a kickoff party on Thursday, includes DJ-hosted after-parties following the main show Friday and Saturday nights plus some other extras, and ends with a wrap party on Sunday. Dex Fest is in its third year in 2027.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Flat Do-Over Jets, Henri Cash and Seth Carolina (of Starcrawler), Jennifer Curtis and Friends, and 18 more.
Festival site: Cat's Cradle (Map), Local 506, The Cave, Lapin Bleu
Cat's Cradle performances 7 p.m., additional times TBA. Wrap party Sunday at Local 506 at noon.
Two nights: $80.89 in advance.
Sustainer (two nights admission, unique Dex Fest poster): $106.64.
Sngle-night tickets will not be available.
June 25 - 26 Lightning Bug Tiny Music & Arts Festival - Spring Creek
Lightning Bug is a small, intentional gathering where music, art and community come together in the Appalachian mountains of rural Madison County, N.C., its organizers say. In addiiton to live music, the days' activities included workshops in Appalachian dance and nature journaling, and local vendors and food trucks were also on hand. Proceeds support inclusive creative work with adult artists who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Jake Xerxes Fussell, Bella White, Raimee Sorenson and seven more.
Festival site: Rare Bird Farm
6 p.m. Friday, noon Saturday.
Two-day pass: $60.
Friday: $30.
Saturday: $45.
Ages 6-12 half-price, younger than 6 free with an adult.
Parking: $15 (limited to 100 vehicles; required for all Saturday and two-day attendees, free for vehicles arriving with three or more people).
June 25 - 26 NC State Annual Singing Convention - Benson
In addition to an amateur gospel singing competition, the festival typically presents one or two national recording acts and several winning groups from past conventions, local choirs and additional performances by competition winners. Prior to 2026, the festival was a three-day event. The "Benson Sing" is in its 106th year in 2027. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
Ernie Haas and Signature Sound, more TBA.
Festival site: Benson Singing Grove
Friday: 7 p.m.
Saturday: singing begins 10 a.m., concert 7 p.m.
Free admission.
Competition categories: Junior, Duet, Trio, Mixed Trio, Quartet, Mixed Quartet, Family, Bluegrass, Choir.
June 26 - August 1 An Appalachian Summer Festival - Boone
An Appalachian Summer Festival is a multi- and inter-disciplinary arts festival presenting and producing programs in music, theater, dance, film and visual arts. The festival also includes the Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young & Emerging (classical music) Artists, which concludes with a recital. The festival is in its 43rd year in 2027.
Musical Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Punch Brothers, Gladys Knight, The Jayhawks and eight more, plus competition participants.
Festival site: Appalachian State University and nearby venues
Performance times and admission fees vary. Get the schedule here.
June 26 - August 1 Brevard Summer Institute & Festival - Brevard
The Brevard Music Center's summer institute for classical music students aged 14 and older presents some 50 concerts throughout its month-long-plus festival, showcasing nationally recognized artists and the center's faculty musicians. The Independence Day concert at the Whittington-Pfohl open-air auditorium typically features live cannons during the 1812 Overture. The festival also embraces the BMC Presents Series of popular artists, which begins this year with the NC Guitar Celebration with Bryan Sutton and several well-known participating musicians, and Branford Marsalis with Jazz@Brevard. Keith Lockhart is the institute's artistic director.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Yo-Yo Ma, Garrick Ohlsson, The Janiec Opera Company and 12 more musicians and groups; the BMC Presents Series included Jason Isbell, Bela Fleck, Shannon Whitworth and Woody Platt with Orchestra, and more.
Festival site: Brevard Music Center and nearby venues
Performance times and individual admission fees vary. Season subscriptions and single-show tickets are available.
June 26 - August 1 Eastern Festival of Music - Greensboro
The summer classical music educational program for students age 14-24 provides opportunities to perform for the public with fellow students, faculty and staff, and with guest performers and conductors, with a focus on orchestra and chamber music. Gerard Schwartz is the music director.
Artists
TBA. 2026 guest artists included Paola Budani, Xenia Susha Edwards, Michael Wu and 17 more.
Festival site: Dana Auditorium, Guilford College and additional venues
Performance times and individual admission fees vary. Season subscriptions and single-show tickets are available.
June 27 Singing on Grandfather - Linville
Singing on the Mountain began in 1924 as a church picnic, and for nearly a century, the all-day, free festival of gospel singing was held each fourth Sunday of June on Grandfather Mountain. After stops during COVID and following the 2022 festival, it was revived by a local nonprofit foundation as Singing on Grandfather in 2024. There are also food trucks on hand, and the day includes a keynote speaker and a mid-day worship service.
Artists
TBA. 2026 lineup included Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Boone and Church, Patricia Smith and one more.
Festival site: MacRae Meadows, Grandfather Mountain
Gates open 10 a.m., benediction at 4 p.m.
Free admission.
No alcohol. No camping on MacRae Meadows. (Grandfather Mountain State Park camping is primitive backpack camping.)
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