MerleFest runs April 29–May 2 in Wilkesboro. Plan the four-day roots festival around November ticket sales, parking/shuttles, camping options, accessibility and 2027 volunteer applications.
MerleFest 2027 quick answers - When? April 29–May 2, 2027. - Where? Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. - Tickets? 2027 sales open November 10, 2026. - Camping? Yes, through official/partner campground options. - Volunteers? 2027 applications open October 1, 2026. - Kids? Children 12 and under are free in general-admission seating with a paying adult. Plan admission, parking and camping separately MerleFest is a large campus festival rather than a single campground gate. Ticket products, parking credentials and camping reservations are separate planning layers. If you are staying at a campground, verify whether your camping product includes transportation or whether you still need to use festival parking and shuttle service. Transportation Festival parking is distributed around Wilkesboro with shuttle connections to the college. Accessible parking and accessible shuttle support are part of the organizer's current access plan. Volunteering The 2027 volunteer application opens October 1. Volunteer benefits include festival admission for the day of the shift plus volunteer parking/shuttle, while camping is discounted rather than automatically included. Weather Late April and early May in the North Carolina foothills can bring sun, rain and temperature swings. Plan for a full outdoor day and changing spring weather. Official resources: MerleFest · tickets · volunteer · festival information