The Music of MerleFest is “traditional-plus” and Doc Watson himself describes it best: “When Merle and I started out we called our music ‘traditional-plus,’ meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play. Since the beginning, the people of the college and I have agreed that the music of MerleFest is ‘traditional-plus’.”
Headliners
Festival lineup
- Alberti Flea Circus
- Alison Brown Quartet
- Andy May
- Bill Mathis
- Buffalo Barfield
- Buffalo Barfield
- Cadillac Sky
- Casey Driessen
- Catfish Keith
- Corb Lund
- Corey Harris and Phil Wiggins
- Crooked Still
- David Holt
- Del McCoury Band
- Doc Watson
- Donna The Buffalo
- Emmitt-Nershi Band
- George Hamilton IV
- Harper
- Jack Lawrence
- Jim Lauderdale
- Lost Bayou Ramblers
- Lyle Lovett
- Pete and Joan Wernick
- Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
- Richard Watson
- Sam Bush Band
- Scythian
- Sonny Landreth
- Susana and Timmy Abell
- The Doobie Brothers
- The Kruger Brothers
- The Local Boys
- The Sigmon Stringers
- The Wailin' Jennys
- The Waybacks
- Tim O'Brien
- Zephyr Lightning Bolts
Previous Years
Festival News and Rumors

Corona Capital 2023 Lineup Brings The Cure, Blur, and Pulp to Mexico City
Scoop Harrison June 5, 2023

Insane Clown Posse Announce Otherworldly 2023 Edition of Gathering of the Juggalos
The festival promises such such attractions as "ICP's Alien Probe Adventure"
Bryan Kress May 22, 2023

Hopscotch 2023: Pavement, Denzel Curry, Japanese Breakfast Top Lineup
Alvvays, Digable Planets, Soccer Mommy, and more will also hit the Raleigh fest this September.
Abby Jones May 19, 2023

Live Nation Offering $99 All-In Festival Tickets During Festival Weekend
Governors Ball Roots Picnic, Sound on Sound, and more are participating in the discount.
Carys Anderson May 17, 2023

The National's Homecoming 2023 Lineup Led by Patti Smith, Pavement, & The Walkmen
Weyes Blood, Snail Mail, and Bartees Strange will also play the Cincinnati festival.
Eddie Fu May 17, 2023

Riot Fest's Killer 2023 Lineup Led by Foo Fighters, The Cure & The Postal Service
Carys Anderson May 16, 2023