Established in 1988 by legendary musician Doc Watson, MerleFest honors his late son, Merle Watson. The festival is renowned for its “traditional plus” music style, blending bluegrass, folk, old-time, country, gospel, blues, Americana, rock, and more. It features performances across multiple stages and attracts more than 75,000 attendees annually, making it one of the largest music festivals in the U.S.

• Dates: April 24–27, 2025

• Location: Wilkesboro, North Carolina
• Ticket Information: Tickets are available for purchase. For general admission passes and other ticket options, visit the official website.
• 2025 Performers: The Avett Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Sam Bush, and more. For the complete lineup and artist performance dates, visit MerleFest.
• Accommodations:
  • Holiday Inn Express Wilkesboro: A comfortable hotel located approximately 2 miles from the festival grounds.
  • Days Inn by Wyndham Wilkesboro: An affordable option about 3 miles away.
  • Camping: While MerleFest does not offer on-site camping, several nearby campgrounds are available. For more information, visit the official website.

Since its inception in 1959, the Newport Folk Festival has been a cornerstone of the folk music scene. It has hosted iconic performances, including Bob Dylan’s famous electric set in 1965. The festival showcases a  lineup of folk, blues, country, and Americana artists, blending legendary performers with emerging talents.

Dates: July 25–27, 2025

• Location: Fort Adams State Park, Newport, Rhode Island
• Ticket Information: Ticket details will be announced closer to the event date. For updates, visit the official website, Newport Folk Festival
• 2025 Performers: The lineup will be announced in the months leading up to the festival. Historically, the festival features a mix of established and emerging artists in the folk and Americana genres.
• Accommodations:
  • Newport Harbor Island Resort: A luxury hotel located approximately 3 miles from the festival site.
  • Hammetts Hotel: A boutique hotel about 3.5 miles away.
  • Camping: There is no on-site camping at Fort Adams State Park, but several campgrounds are nearby. For more information, visit the official website, Newport Folk Festival

This annual singer-songwriter event celebrates the best of bluegrass and country music. Set against the stunning backdrop of the San Juan Mountains, the festival offers an intimate experience with performances from both established and up-and-coming artists.

• Location: Telluride, Colorado
• Ticket Information: Details will be available closer to the event date.
• 2025 Performers: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush Band, Lake Street Dive, Zach Top, Greensky Bluegrass
• Accommodations:
  • The Hotel Telluride: A luxury hotel located in downtown Telluride.
  • New Sheridan Hotel: A historic hotel in the heart of Telluride.
  • Camping: Telluride Town Park offers camping facilities, but availability may be limited during festival season.