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.
September 3 - 5 Camp Springs Labor Day Bluegrass Festival - Elon
Organizers at the revived Camp Springs Blue Grass Park, the site of large festivals in the 1970s and sporadically until the late 1990s, have ressurected its Labor Day Bluegrass Festival, which was first held in 1969. Several acts play afternoon and evening sets, and the campground offers hot showers, concessions, a fishing pond and more. The festival concludes with a Sunday morning church service. The park also presents a Memorial Day weekend tribute to Tony Rice. The Labor Day festival is in its eighth year in 2026.
Artists
Thursday: The Kody Norris Show, The Little Roy and Lizzie Show, Creekwater Collective.
Friday: The Grascals, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, Camp Springs Bluegrass Band, Will Clark Band, Wildwood Drive.
Saturday: Authentic Unlimited, Lonesome River Band, Junior Sisk, Bays Mountain Cut-Ups, The Brothers Young.
Festival Site: Camp Springs Blue Grass Park
Music starts 5 p.m. Thursday, 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Three-day pass: $100 before August 1, $130 at gate.
Thursday: $30.
Friday: $50.
Saturday: $50.
Younger than 16 free.
Primitive camping free with three-day ticket; additional camping info here.
September 3 - 6 Earl Scruggs Music Festival - Mill Spring
The celebration of the defining bluegrass banjo player features more than 30 bluegrass, folk and Americana acts at an equestrian resort well-appointed with multiple arenas for the main Flint Hill Stage, the Foggy Mountain Stage, and new for 2026, the Louise Scruggs Stage, plus restaurants, bars, shops and on-site lodging. There will also be food trucks, vendors and a variety of organized children's activities staffed by parents and educators from KidSenses Museum in Rutherfordton. Since 2025, the festival has presented the Battle of the Banjos competition for rising bluegrass, Americana and roots bands and solo acts, which gives the winner a stage show slot during the festival as well as a $500 prize. The festival also typically presents free shows by a few acts on Thursday evening as well as a variety of other free and ticketed activities during the weekend, including free horse jumping demonstrations and trail rides (for a fee). The festival is in its fifth year in 2026 and is a collaboration between the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby and WNCW FM at Isothermal Community College in Rutherfordton. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
Thursday: AVAS: The Acoustic Vibration Appreciation Society, The Blue Ridge Boys (Battle of the Banjos winners), Izaak Atlas Schwartz and Friends.
Friday: Bela Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart, The Earls Of Leicester with Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown Quintet, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Della Mae, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, Magoo, The Foreign Landers, Charly Lowry, Vickie Vaughn Band, Daniel Kimbro, AVAS, The Blue Healers, Junior Appalachian Musicians.
Saturday: Greensky Bluegrass, The Del McCoury Band, Alison Brown Quintet, East Nash Grass, Special Consensus, Jacoozy, The Scruggs Sessions ft. Travis Book and Friends, Pickers Anonymous, The Foxhounds, Murphy Campbell, Carolina Detour, Nick and Brew, Junior Appalachian Musicians.
Sunday: The Avett Brothers, Mountain Grass Unit, Lindsay Lou, Rissi Palmer, John Cowan Trio, Songs from the Road Band, Luke Bulla, Lonesome River Band, Telegrass, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Andy Falco and Travis Book Play Jerry Garcia, The Biscuit Eaters, The Carolina Bluegrass Band, Junior Appalachian Musicians, The Battle Of The Banjos Competition Winner.
Festival site: Tryon International Equestrian Center
Gates open 8 a.m. daily.
Check in for onsite lodging 11 a.m. Thursday and Friday, with activities onsite 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday.
General Admission (floor of main stage arena, additional stages): early bird: three-days $150.82; until September 5: three-days $190.09; Friday and Saturday (each) $94.25, Sunday $105.57; younger than 12 free with paying adult.
Grandstand (covered seating at main stage arena; admission to other stages, access to indoor concessions and restrooms, and second floor WNC makers market): early bird: three-days $268.16, until September 5: three-days $314.54; Friday and Saturday (each) $115.75, Sunday $133.85; younger than 3 free with paying adult.
Scruggs Club (three days, covered seating, VIP viewing areas near main stage, food service with tables and staff on the third floor of International Arena, four drink tickets per day, access to WNC makers market): until September 5: three days $493.29; younger than 3 free with paying adult.
See Additional Admission Packages, including preferred parking at main entrance and unlimited drinks.
Onsite lodging, including cabins, an upscale hotel, an inn, RV and trailer sites with full hookups, and dry (primitive) RV and tent camping, including Bluegrass Berm tent camping near stage area.
September 3 - 6 Wild Goose Festival - Harmony
The Wild Goose Festival describes itself as "a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice." In addition to music from multiple musical genres on multiple stages, the festival presents talks by authors and activists focused on social justice and progressive Christian spirituality.
Musical Artists
HuDost, Flamy Grant, Crys Matthews, SkyBlew, Foosie, Bobby Jo Valentine, Hot Glue and the Gun, ValLimar Jansen, Brother James, Paula Fong, Tuf Francis Music: An Immersive Audio-Visual Experience.
Speakers: John Pavlovitz, Paula Stone Williams, Jaki Shelton Green, Yvette Flunder, Frank Schaeffer, Starlette Thomas, Diana Butler Bass, Doug Pagitt, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Victoria Robb Powers, Stan Mitchell, Sara Cunningham, Chanequa Walker-Barnes, David Gushee, Foosie, Elizabeth "Libbie" Schrader Polczer, Gareth Higgins, David Gushee, Libbie Schrader Polczer, Kristin Du Mez, Colby Martin, Lisa Sharon Harper, the Rev. Dr. Shaleen Kendrick, Thomas Jay Oord, and many more.
Festival Site: Van Hoy Farms Campground
Gates open 8 a.m. daily.
Weekend pass: $239 until January 5, $269 until first day of spring, $299 until first day of summer; $349 afterward.
Senior (65+) weekend pass: $199.
Student weekend pass: $149.
Youth (12 to 17 years old) weekend pass: $89.
Younger than 12 free.
Weekend parking: $30.
RV sites (weekend): 50 amp hookups $350, 30 amp hookups $250, no hookups $87.
September 4 - 6 Boomtown Arts and Heritage FestAVL - Asheville
The festival debuted in 2024 as an eclectic mix of performances, walking tours and community-driven activities celebrating Asheville's status as a turn-of-the-century boomtown and a current hub of creativity and innovation. Free shows in Pack Square are followed by ticketed late-night shows at several local music halls and clubs. In addition to music, the festival presents exhibits, community vendors, kids' actvities, speakers, workshops and various other forms of programming focused on Asheville's "architectural marvels, pioneering figures and stories of resilience."
Artists
Lettuce, Asheville Symphony, Cimafunk, Groundation, Toubab Krewe and Friends, Golden Dawn Arkestra, Empire Strikes Brass, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo "The Big Secret," Jon Stickley Trio, Stephaniesid, Electro Lust, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Atash, Wolph, New Dawn Starkestra, The Jlloyd Mashup, Auspicious Golden Fish, Suns Of Stars, Las Montanitas, Black Sea Beat Society, Adama Dembele and Les Amis, Coconut Cake, Dancing Drum, S.T.E.A.M. (Soul Transforming Energy And Movement).
Also: Alli Marshall's "Asheville Music History Walking Tour," Yoga In The Park Asheville, Asheville By Foot Walking Tours Presents "The Boomtown 26 Trail Tour," The Big Secret Family Stage w/collab sets, circus acts, interactive kids' programming and more.
Late Night
Saxsquatch, Birocratic and G Mills, Adam Deitch Producer Set, EarthCry Live (feat. Anthony Thogmartin and Mike Healy of Papadosio), EarthCry (Anthony of Papadosio), Elf Machine (ft. Mike Healy of Papadosio), Trouble No More "Celebrating the Music of The Allman Brothers Band (surprise lineup), Jeff Sipe and Friends, "Boomtown Super Jam," GFE (Granola Funk Express), Jelly Ellington, New Dawn Starkestra, Josh Blake's Jukebox "Tribute to Jamiroquai and Super Jam," Melissa McKinney and Friends, The Jlloyd Boomtown Mashup, Ajeva, Tand, Pink Mercury, Coconut Cake, DJ Topaz, John Trufant, Osiah, Dobarae, DJ Bowie, DJ Mookite, surprise guests.
Festival site: Pack Square Park, The Orange Peel, Asheville Music Hall, Nightshade, more
3 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, TBA Sunday.
Admission to Pack Square and Family Stage shows is free with RSVP at website. Late-night shows are ticketed events.
September 5 Stonington Farms Music Fest - Kinston
The 160-acre event venue in Kinston promises a "full day of live country, bluegrass and gospel music on a gorgeous North Carolina farm" as the festival debuts in 2026. There will also be "food sales onsite."
Artists
Malpass Brothers, Lorraine Jordan's Country Grass Show, Deeper Shade of Blue, The Lovesick Drifters (Hank Williams tribute show), Shannon Baker and Sometime Soon.
Also: Green Grass Cloggers.
Festival site: Stonington Farms
Gates open 11 a.m., music at noon.
$60 in advance, $75 at gate.
September 5 Charlotte Soul Fest - Charlotte
A day of music and dance instruction is presented alongside free health services (e.g., general screenings, mammograms and a blood drive), housing resources and financial tools. Organizers say the festival's second year in 2026 will be an even bigger, louder and more soul-filled day of live music, cultural dance, Black art, food trucks and an all-new Family Fun Zone packed with games, inflatables, mini golf and more.
Musical Artists
Jay D. Jones and Bobbi Bluu, Uptown Swagga Ban and Iconic Truth Band, Charnel and Brandon Stevens, Teaa and Brighter Day Community Choir, Dynasty and Taylor Monique featuring Nero Tindal IV, Harvey Cummings II and Braxton Bateman, Persona Bell, Gigi Mack and Sanpriest, Derwin Friday, DJ Mina Marie.
Festival site: First Ward Park
11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Free admission.
No outside food, no alcohol, no smoking, no tents/oversize umbrellas, no pets.
September 5 - 6 ProgDay - Chapel Hill
The intimate festival of progressive rock music typically features artists from around the world and often affiliates with local prog rock club shows and/or films in addition to the weekend's daytime shows. The festival is in its 31st year in 2026. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
Saturday: Consider the Source, French TV, Refestramus, Bruteus.
Sunday: Discipline, Isolation Tank Ensemble, PKT, Sonus Umbra.
Festival site: Storybook Farm
Music starts 10:15 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Two-day pass: $130 in advance, $160 day of show; $80 ages 16 to 18 and students.
Daily: $80 in advance, $90 day of show; $45 ages 16 to 18 and students.
Younger than 16: Free.
Patron Pass (parking adjacent to pavilion/stage area): $160 in advance, $180 day of show.
No overnight camping.
September 5 - 6 John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival - High Point
The Labor Day weekend festival is sponsored by The Friends of John Coltrane, which works to preserve and celebrate the life and music of John Coltrane and to enrich the lives of others through the introduction of jazz and other musical genres. The festival, which presents top names in jazz and pays homage to the blues, is in its 15th year in 2026.
Artists
Saturday: Garry Percell, Lao Tizer Band, Raul Midon, Mike Phillips, Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, Joey DeLeon, Anthony Crawford, Gene Coye, Elliott Yamin, Maiya Sykes, Chieli Minucci, John Coltrane Youth Jazz Workshop.
Sunday: Ravi Coltrane, Marcus Anderson, Ledisi, Cyrille Aimee, Adam Hawley, NC Coltrane All-Star Band with Garry Percell.
Also on Friday: Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers: An Interactive Masterclass with musical demonstrations, behind-the-scenes stories, insights into the creative process, Q&A.
Festival site: Oak Hollow Festival Park; High Point Theater (Masterclass)
3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, 3 to 11:15 p.m. Sunday. Masterclass 7 to 9 p.m.
Two-day pass: $149; military $119, students $45.
Daily: $89, miltary $74, students $30.
VIP (reserved up-front seats, parking, special entrance, a drink and a meal each day): two-day $299, daily $189.
Super VIP (reserved Row 1-7 seats, parking, special entrance, a drink and a meal each day, commemorative lanyard): two-day $369, daily $229.
Younger than 7 admitted for free.
Wooten Brothers Masterclass: $25, $20 students/youths; $5 with purchase of festival ticket.
Parking: $20.
No coolers or any outside food and drinks (other than water) allowed.
September 6 New River Blues Festival - Grassy Creek
The 2026 festival has been cancelled due to "illness in our King Bees-New River Blues Festival family," organizers say in a Facebook post.
This Sunday afternoon in the mountains features acclaimed artists performing in a picturesque setting on the banks of the New River. The King Bees are the festival hosts. The festival is in its 24th year in 2026.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included King Bees, Mojo Ike and Lady Val, Johnnie Marshall and two more.
Festival site: River House Inn
1 to 6 p.m.; gates open at 12:30 p.m.
$45 advance, $50.
Food, beer and wine will be on sale; no coolers allowed "on lawn."
No camping onsite; camping nearby at New River State Park.
September 10 - 12 Hopscotch - Raleigh
Hopscotch presents about 100 national and international bands from rock, rap, hip-hop, alt-country, heavy metal, dance, punk, noise, drone, folk and more at City Plaza downtown and at several clubs. New for 2026, the park at Moore Square is a family-friendly free admission area with musicians, artists, makers, food vendors, etc., and Totscotch, which will present kid-focused activities, interactive entertainment and creative play for young festivalgoers. The festival also presents bands at free-admission "day parties" beginning Wednesday at multiple venues around town. Hopscotch is in its 16th year in 2026.
Artists
City Plaza Stage
Thursday: Dexter and The Moonrocks, Momma, Liz Cooper, Leo Brooks Band.
Friday: Cory Wong, Duckwrth, Thee Sinseers, Butcher Brown.
Saturday: King Princess, Soccer Mommy, Willis, Sasami, Annie DiRusso.
Moore Square
Thursday: Churchyard Ghost, Georgia Moon and the Wrong Wagon, Entrez Vous, Jack the Songman.
Friday: T. Gold, Alagatr, Anne-Claire, Amelia Riggs.
Saturday: Mellow Swells, Bass Battery, No One Mind, Horse Deniers, Ricochet Chicken.
Also Saturday: Totscotch, live music for kids, live music by kids, plus more surprises (TBA).
Club Shows
Algernon Cadwallader,
Arbor Labor Union,
Azul,
Babas,
Balaclava,
Bangzz,
Basic,
BedRumor,
Black Milk,
Buck Swope,
Choncy,
Chuck Strangers,
Cor De Lux,
Cosmic Collective,
D. Sablu,
Dagmar Zuniga,
Dogo Du Togo,
Dos Santos,
Dowsers,
E'Lon JD,
Eugene Chadbourne,
Forager,
Frances Chang,
Goobhunter,
Hiding Places,
Horsegirl,
Ista,
Jooselord,
Kooley High,
Kylesa,
Lady Kabela,
Landowner,
Laveda,
Long Relief,
Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon,
Los Mirlos,
Lucille Klement,
Make, M.A.T.B. (fka Miranda and the Beat),
Mdou Moctar,
Meltdown Rodeo,
Memorials,
Momma,
More Eaze,
Motocrossed,
Nana Grizol,
Nara's Room,
NC in C Presets: Terry Riley's "In the C,"
Oddisee,
Okonski,
Organically Programmed,
Otto Benson,
Parlor Greens,
Patois Counselors,
Peach Candy Nut Boys,
Pearl and the Oysters,
Pretty Baby,
Qur'an Shaheed,
Ron Gallo,
Sauteed Grabba,
Shagwuf, Setting,
Sonny Miles,
Soul Glo,
Spacemoth,
Spoils, Steef,
The Auxiliary, Sunshower,
The MerKaBa Brotherhood,
The Messthetics with James Brandon Lewis,
The Treasury,
Thomas Dollbaum,
Truth Club,
Ultra Lights,
Way.Yliving,
Weirs.
Festival sites: City Plaza, Moore Square, Lincoln Theatre, Kings, Nash Hall, Neptunes, Slims, The Pour House
City Plaza gates opens 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday; Moore Square music starts 1 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11:45 a.m. Saturday; Totscotch at Moore Square is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Other venue times vary.
Ticket prices rise periodically as unspecified quantities sell out.
Three-day pass: $129, $159.
Daily: $78.99.
Three-day VIP and Club Fast Pass (priority access all shows, VIP parties, Hopscotch merch, Oak Lounge at City Plaza and Moore Square): $299, $349.
Admission to Moore Square and Day Party shows are free.
September 11 - 12 Mountain Song Festival - Brevard
The Steep Canyon Rangers host a weekend at the Brevard Music Center's open-air amphitheater. There are 1,800 permanent seats under the covered section and ample lawn seating on both sides of the venue. The festival is in its 20th year in 2026. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County.
Artists
Friday: Sam Bush Band, Shannon Whitworth and Woody Platt, Steep Canyon Rangers.
Saturday: Steep Canyon Rangers, Tim O'Brien Band, Alison Brown, John Cowan Trio, Trey Hensley Band, Cody Hale.
Festival site: Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium, Brevard Music Center
Gates open 3 p.m., music starts 5:30 p.m. Friday; gates noon and music 2 p.m. Saturday.
2025 prices; 2026 tickets on sale April 20.
Two-day pass: $112 amphitheater, $92 lawn.
Friday: advance $56 amphitheater, $46 lawn; day of $62 and $52.
Saturday: $67 amphitheater, $57 lawn; day of $72 and $62.
Amphitheater seats are reserved, lawn is general admission seating; children younger than 10 free on lawn.
Camping nearby at Davidson River Campground and elsewhere in the Pisgah National Forest.
September 11 - 12 Blue Bear Music Fest - Todd
The campground-based show features side-by-side stages on a 155-acre mountaintop site. Admission includes two days of live music, two nights of camping, "nightly free beer truck," weekend parking and local vendors. Previously, attendance has been limited to 500 people.
Artists
Down River Collective, The Fried Pies, Damn The Banjos, The Harris Brothers, The Louie Pardue Band, more TBA.
Festival site: Blue Bear Mountain Campground
Ticket prices TBA (includes camping and parking). Website says phone (828) 406-4226 for tickets; no online orders.
September 12 Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival - Mocksville
Proceeds from the day benefit the CBC Scholarship Fund and the CBC Development Fund. The Carolina Bible Camp and Retreat Center hosts summer camps for youths from across the Southeast. The bluegrass festival, which is in its 14th year in 2026, also features sales of pulled pork, barbecue chicken and a variety of side dishes.
Artists
Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, The Biscuit Eaters, Ettore Buzzini, Blue Diggity, Lucas Ross.
Festival site: Carolina Bible Camp
10:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
$20 in advance, $25 at gate.
Younger than 12 free.
RV camping with full hookups, $50 per night (Friday and Saturday).
No alcohol, no coolers, no pets.
September 12 Mira Music Fest - Pinehurst
The festival presents acts on indoor and outdoor stages, food trucks, margaritas, vendors and a kids' play zone with two bounce houses and face painting. The festival is a benefit for the Mira Foundation USA, which provides guide dogs at no charge to visually impaired American children ages 11-16.
Artists
Julia Golden Band, Wolf Kings, One Shot Left, Scarlett Tantrum Band, 2 Horizons Music, Amanda Acoustic and Chris Montgomery, Nolan Goodwin, Justin Reid, Matt Letch, Claire Larose.
Festival site: The Fair Barn
Gates open 11:15 a.m., music from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
$15 until May 31, $20 advance, $25 day of show.
VIP (10'x10' space in VIP area to set up your own tent): $100.
Premium VIP (10'x10' space with tent in VIP area): $200.
Younger than 15 free with a paying adult.
Preferred parking (paved lot near barn entrance; limited availability): $50.
September 17 - 19 Hoppin' John Old-Time and Bluegrass Fiddlers' Convention - Pittsboro
Shakori Hills presents concerts, musician showcases and workshops, square dances, and competitions that award cash prizes in Old Time String Band, Bluegrass Band, Non-Traditional Band, Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Bass, Folk Song, Song Duets, Instrument Duo, Youth Fiddle, Youth Other Instrument, Dance Youth and Dance categories. There are also musicians' and dance workshops, a hoppin' john cookoff, hay rides, cake walks, musical crafts and arts and crafts, musical instrument and food vendors. The festival primarily takes place on the Grove Stage and in the Dance Tent (see our Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance page). The festival is in its 19th year in 2026.
Artists
Friday Concert: Nest of Singing Birds (Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, William Ritter), A Different Thread.
Showcases
Friday: Son Jarocho (a community-based folk music tradition originated in Veracruz, Mexico, in the 18th century) with Son de Carolina.
Saturday: Old Fashioned Ballad Swap with Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, William Ritter and more singers TBA; Old-Time Banjo Styles of the Carolina Piedmont with Margaret Martin, Devon Flaherty, Scott Stegall; The Art of Bluegrass Fiddle with Jan Johansson, Stephen Fraleigh, Pattie Kinlaw.
Workshops
Friday: Son Jarocho Jarana with Son de Carolina, Uncle Norm Edmonds Tunes with Janie Rothfield, Flatfoot Dance with Rodney Sutton.
Saturday: Appalachian Ballads with Nest of Singing Birds, Bluegrass Fiddle Toolkit with Pattie Kinlaw, Two-Finger Banjo Styles of the Piedmont with Scott Stegall, Feminism in Folk Music: Flipping the Script with Alicia Best, Bluegrass Mandolin with Jon Hill, Uright Bass with Hasee Ciacco; Son Jarocho Dance: Zapateado with Son de Carolina, Clogging with Apple Chill Cloggers, Family Clogging with Tampa Enoch-Reese.
Musician competitions Friday and Saturday, Hoppin' John cook-off Saturday.
Festival site: Shakori Hills
7 p.m. Thursday, 4 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday.
Three-day pass: $28 through September 9; $31 at gate; competitors receive $10 refund.
Thursday: $5 at gate.
Friday and Saturday (each): $20 advance; $22 at gate.
Younger than 16 free.
Camping:
Car and tent: $25 through September 9, $30 at gate.
RVs, truck-trailer combo (24 feet or more total) $30 advance, $35 at gate.
110V electrical outlet access: $25 advance, $35 at gate.
Before Thursday: $10 per day.
September 18 - 20 North Carolina Folk Festival - Greensboro
The free North Carolina Folk Festival presents about 40 bands on five stages at various sites in downtown Greensboro. For 2026, the festival also presents a stage for buskers (apply here); "folk life" areas with cultural demonstrations, including dance, crafts and workshops; a family area; a makers' marketplace; and food trucks. The N.C. Folk Festival replaced the National Folk Festival in 2018 after it had been held in Greensboro from 2015-'17. Click on the photo for more information.
Musical Artists
Friday: St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Caleb Caudle, Florencia and the Feeling, Samir LanGus, Abigail Dowd, Tae and the Neighborly, Madison Cunningham, Signal Fire, Elora Dash, The Brass Queens, Karla Davis, Bala Roots, Victoria Victoria, Matty Sheets Memorial Open Mic with Tom Troyer.
Saturday: The Roots, Illiterate Light, Amelia Day, OKAN, Jackie Venson, Beats Batch presented by Katie Blvd, Andrew Scotchie, Yasmin Williams, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Medicine Singers with Lee Ranaldo and Yonantan Gat, Caleb Caudle, Bandits on the Run, William Prince, Leroy Pridgen IV, Matt Laird, Rett Madison, Karla Davis, Samir LanGus, Jazz Jam with Titus Gant, Matt Laird, Ranford Almond, Rakish, Victoria Victoria, Irish Seisiun with Gavin Douglas, Florencia and the Feeling, Emerson Bruno, Nikki Morgan.
Sunday: Molly Tuttle, D.A.L.I.A., World Percussion Jam with Bashir Shakur, William Prince, Susto Stringband, Yasmin Williams, Too Phat Brass Band, Evan Blackerby and the Bandwagon, Murphy Campbell, OKAN, Jacob Sharp, Folkknot, Rett Madison, Honky Tonk Jam with Mark Dillon, Andrew Scotchie, GMAJ Youth Jazz Ensemble, Bala Roots, King M Dot and the Leftovers, Tom Troyer, Old Time Jam with Christen Blanton.
Festival site: Downtown Greensboro
5 p.m. Friday, noon Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday.
Free admission.
VIP admission (air conditioned VIP lounge; shaded or tented seating at all stages; free limited beer selection starting at 4:30 p.m. each day; cocktails on Friday and Saturday evenings after 5 p.m.; complimentary water, non-alcoholic drinks and grab-and-go snacks; convenient parking; flush-toilet bathrooms; more):
Three-day VIP pass: $275 until first 30 are sold; $325 until July 21; $375 after July 21.
Friday VIP: $100.
Saturday VIP: $200.
Sunday VIP: $150.
September 19 Cigarbox Guitar Festival - Robbinsville
In addition to performances featuring the rustic sounds of cigar box guitars, expect workshops, exhibitions and insights into this unique instrument in a festival put on by the Robbinsville Tourism Authority. The festival is in its fourth year in 2026.
Artists
Skye Paige, Travis Bowlin, Steve Arvey, Guido Torres, Eric Denton, Cigarbox Scott, Rhymers Ferry.
Festival site: 12 N. Main Street
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free admission.
September 19 Uwharrie Music Fest - Albemarle
The festival presents a day of country and country rock by local artists, plus food trucks, local wines, craft beers, vendors and axe throwing and other outdoor games. The festival is in its third year in 2026.
Artists
TBA. 2025 lineup included Tony Logue and 184, Pressley Laton Band, Cheslie Blackwelder Band and two more.
Festival site: Uwharrie Vineyards & Winery
11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
General admission: $36.38.
VIP (access to indoor wine room and lounge, specialty bar drinks, "tableside VIP service," outdoor patio, indoor restrooms): $73.83.
Free admission for younger than 16.
Must be 18 or older to buy tickets. Younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
September 19 Creedmoor Music Festival - Creedmoor
The street festival presents music from local and regional artists, sometimes including school choirs and marching bands, on two stages. There's also a car show, more than 100 food and craft vendors, craft beer and wine, and free children's activities. It is in its 33rd year in 2026.
Artists
Southern States Stage: Level X - Tribute to Women Who Rock, Ryan Rice and the Silver Eagles, GrassStreet, South Granville: Shades of Ble and Viking Voices.
Sanderford Street Stage: Amari Alexander, The Smokin' Toads, LucretiaJ, Covenant Life Worship.
Festival site: Main Street
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; car show starts at 8 a.m.
Free.
September 19 - 20 Honeybee Hemp Fest - Lewisville
Honeybee Hemp Farms' music and healing arts festival presents music from two dozen acts on two stages, plus dozens of farming and healing arts workshops, local food and drink vendors, product vendors, raffles, a drum circle and a camper afterparty. The festival is in its third year in 2026.
Artists
Saturday: The Hourglass Kids, Smiley Rojas, Raury, T. Walker, Nate Jones and the Pollinators, The Drew Vincent Band, Sky Blue Bells, Tanner Hunt, Gavin Murback, Byle Krooks, Caleb Street. DJ Eleven12 (late night).
Sunday: The Digital Shamans, DJ Watty Tha Shepherd, Layton Meacham, G-$antana, The Ries Brothers, I.Star, Morgan Bevis, Riverwind, Trajan Baker, Caleb Von, Gavin Murback.
Festival site: Honeybee Hemp Farms
Gates open 9 a.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. Sunday.
Weekend Pass (includes tent camping): $107 advance, $117 at gate.
Two-Day Pass (9 a.m.-8 p.m. each day): $90.95 advance, $95.95 at gate.
Single Day Pass (9 a.m.-8 p.m.): $48.15 advance, $53.15 at gate.
Tent Camping add-on to Single Day Pass: Saturday $32.10 advance, $37.10 at gate; Sunday $26.75 advance, $31.75 at gate.
Friday Tent Camping: $26.75 advance, $37.10 at gate.
RV Camping: $69.55 advance, $74.55 at gate.
September 23 - 26 Antlers & Acorns: The Boone Songwriters Festival - Boone
The festival presents singer/songwriters in bars, restaurants, cafes and theaters throughout the mountain college town. In addition to afternoon and evening theater concerts, "Songwriters in the Wild" appear at multiple bars and restaurants over the course of the weekend. Organizers also promise good food, great drinks and lots of interaction with the songwriters and musicians. The festival is in its fifth year in 2026.
Artists
Wednesday: TBA.
Thursday: Lera Lynn with Jess Klein, more TBA.
Friday: Kim Richey, John Moreland, Laurel Lewis, more TBA.
Saturday: James McMurtry and Band, Betty Soo, Beth Nielsen Chapman, more TBA.
Festival sites: Appalachian Theatre and other venues.
Show times and prices vary.
VIP tickets (preferred seating at all Appalachian Theatre shows, first dibbs on VIP-only shows by Kim Richey and Beth Nielsen Chapman): $375.
September 25 - 26 Breakaway Carolina - Concord
Breakaway Festivals, a multi-city festival of hip-hop, electronica and dance music presented on five stages, brings its show to Charlotte Motor Speedway. There are also vendors serving food all day, as well as "plenty of bars" serving nonalcoholic beverages in addition to beer and liquor. Must be 18 years old or older to attend.
Artists
Friday: Beltran, Chasewest B2B Discip, Chris Lake, Daily Bread, Darby, Dreya V B2B Cole Knight, GravaGerz, Hamdi, Kettama, Klo, Koastle (DJ set), MLE, Nimino, StarJunk 95, Svdko, What So Not, Bummy, Johnny!, ThrillBill.
Saturday: Bonnie X Clyde, Cassian, Cloonee B2B Chris Lorenzo, Distant Matter, J. Worra, Jay Pryor, Kai Wachi, Laszewo, NitePunk, Rad Cat, San Holo, Taiki NuLight, Tiesto, TroyBoi, Westend, Z3lla, Pharro.
Festival site: zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway
3 to 11 p.m.
Ticket prices rise as tiers with limited numbers available sell out.
Two-day pass: $158.99, $169, $199.
VIP (express entry lane, private bar and restrooms, lounge, commemorative laminate, exclusive merch tent): $279, $285, $299.
Two-day Space Deck Terrace (21 and older, SRO, dedicated entrance, private bar and restrooms, access to VIP and general admission areas): $329, $349, $499.
Ultimate VIP (everything listed with VIP plus complementary drinks and merchandise, unlimited water, special stage viewing areas, guest lounge, private entance): $899, $1,199.
See website for daily admission and additional ticket options.
Parking (two days): $68.32, VIP $92.57.
September 25 - 26 Carolina Indie Fest - Sanford
The free festival presents independent artists performing original music from a variety of genres. There will also be food trucks and local arts and crafts vendors. The festival is in its sixth year in 2026, and is also held in May. The September 2025 festival was cancelled due to bad weather.
Artists
Friday: Charlsee and Cam, Trash Van Fever, The Ghosts of Liberty, David Michael Miller.
Saturday: DAZR, Twurt Chamberlain, Julia., Oort Patrol, Modern Moxie, The Pinkerton Raid.
Festival site: Hugger Mugger Brewing Company
Music starts 5 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday.
Free admission.
September 25 - 27 Black Mountain Blues Festival - Black Mountain
The three-day festival presents an eclectic lineup of blues artists in the tourism district of Black Mountain and announced in May that all 2026 festival shows would be indoors with reserved seats. Previous festivals presented about 40 acts at multiple venues, along with workshops, blues-related films and talks, and other activities. The festival is in its third year in 2026. Click on the photo for more information.
Artists
Friday: Ghost Town Blues Band, Mama w/ Melissa McKinney, Ra'Shad the Blues Kid, Seth Walker, Peggy Ratusz and Daddy Longlegs.
Saturday: Stacy Mitchhart Band, Selwyn Birchwood, Derrick Dove and the Peacekeepers, Ra'Shad the Blues Kid, Max Hightower, Mac Arnold and Plate Full o' Blues.
Sunday: Southern Avenue, Mama w/ Melissa McKinney, DaShawn and Wendy Hickman, Rhoda Weaver and the Risers.
Festival site: White Horse Black Mountain
Show times TBA.
Reserved seats: $89 Friday, $109 Saturday, $89 Sunday.
Tables (front and center stage, table-side beverage service; four seats per table, minumum purchase of two): $129 Friday, $159 Saturday, $129 Sunday.
10% discount for Monthly Blues Society members.
About 200 seats available per day. Sales start 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 10.
September 26 Brewstock Music Festival - Gastonia
National and regional bands from multiple genres play on two stages in a festival founded "from the ashes of a previous festival" and built as an entirely new concept created by musicians to specifically support local and regional music. Brewstock is an all-ages event and is in its seventh year in 2026.
Artists
LANiiDAE, Haymaker, Seneca Burns, Den of Wolves, Dying Oath, Black River Rebels, Violent End, Frailskin; Come In, Travis!; Villian Over Heroes, East Viridian, Inferior Design, Screwed Ends, Home for the Day.
Festival site: The Rooster
Doors open 1 p.m., show starts 2 p.m.
$20 in advance, $25 day of show.
Younger than 11 free with a paid-ticket holder.
September 26 Groove Jam Music Festival - Greensboro
This annual event is a fundraiser and food drive for Greensboro Urban Ministry, a local food bank and homeless shelter. In addition to hosts Rich Lerner and the Groove plus several other Greensboro area bands, there will be a variety of vendors, food trucks and games. The festival is in its 15th year in 2026.
Artists
Rich Lerner and the Groove, The Mighty Fairlanes, Greensbrothers, Doobe and the Accomplices, NOIDEA, Smitty and the JumpStarters, The Cesar Oviedo Combo, Ladies Auxilliary, Jimmy Murray and the Walnut Circle Band, Blind-Dog Gatewood, Darrell Craig, Kristy Jackson, Jeff Wall, William Nesmith.
Festival site: DooDad Farm
1 to 11 p.m.
Suggested donation of at least $20 plus nonperishable food items for local food bank.
No alcohol sales; BYOB.
Younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
September 26 Milton Front Porch Ramble - Milton
The tiny Caswell County town of Milton (pop. aprox. 150) puts on a free music and cultural festival with more than a dozen acts from multiple genres playing several stages in the downtown historic district. There will also be a beer garden, more than 20 art and food vendors, nonprofit groups, a kids' zone, axe throwing, eating contests, a dunk tank, historic workshops and more. The festival is modeled after the 66 Porch Ramble put on in 2025 by Milton 66, a local craft beer and seasonal garden center, which hosts this year's main stage.
Artists
Trashy Annie, Beautiful People Club, Crews and Company, Empyreal Echoes, Charlie Oakley and Blazin' Grass, Phase II Quartet, Fescue, Heart and Soul, Nelly Jones, JP Leon, Kristy Wilkins, Steppers, Tree of Life.
Festival site: Milton Historic District
11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Free admission.
September 26 - 27 Carrboro Music Festival - Carrboro
The festival presents about 100 acts from around the Triangle in all sorts of genres at about 20 indoor and outdoor venues all day and into the night on Sunday. There's also an open mic at Town Commons and band merch sales and artist signings at the Arts Center on Saturday afternoon, and a Saturday night kickoff show at the Cat's Cradle. And it's all free. The festival is in its 29th year in 2026.
Artists
Saturday: Joseph and Jacob and Friends, Wes Coatney.
Sunday: Alagator, All Y'all Country All-Stars, Autumn House, Batala Durham, The Beautiful People Club, Beaux Mondes, Boom Unit Brass Band, Burns and The Torchlights, C. Albert Blomquist Band, Certain Seas, Cherie Berry, CodeRedaktor, Crank Stallion, Crystal Bright, Cult Vacant, Daniel DeLorenzo Trio, Dave Hedeman and Friends, Django Haskins, Dub Lorenzo, Ephemeral Stream, Erie Choir, Fake Jr., The Fox Fires, Gio Mesto, The Gone Ghosts, Gentry Blue, Georgia Moon and the Wrong Band, Greylan Hall and The Nasty Kings, GrrrlBands, Hazen Rowe and The Horse Deniers, Heavy For The Vintage, Honey Magpie, Husbandos, Idol Talk, Ins Kino, Isha Isha, Jeff Hart and The Ruins, Jennifer Curtis and Gabriel Pelli, Jones Bell, June Mourning, Kat Farley and Ira Levy, Kristine Moon, La Poblanera, Lady Jane Grey, Larry., Le Weekend, Lemon Sparks, Lennon KC, Les Trois Chats, Lilac Drive, Locally Sourced Weaponry, Lonnie Rott,
Lud, M. Roomie, Manic Third Planet, Marshall Sidbury, Mary Anna, Medium Heat, Megayacht, The Moon Ringers, The Mothmen, Muirin, Mystery Ranch, Narsick, Neal Z. Shipe, Neon Ruins, New Orleans Masquerade, Nicole Tester, No One Mind, Novo Rodeo, Onyx Club Boys featuring Sophie Dal-Pra, Pippa Hoover, Project Mastana, Rabbi Solomon and Friends, Rafael Green, The Rattletraps, Red October, Ricochet Chicken, Saludos Compay, School of Rock Chapel Hill House Band, Scivic Rivers, Sean Thomas Gerard, Shelles, The Shoaldiggers, Silk Moth, Slow Teeth Sound System Seven, The Spectacles, T. Gold, Tacoma Park; Tim Smith, Eileen Regan and Friends; Tokyo Rosenthal, Too Much Fun, Tre. Charles, Triangle Afrobeat Orchestra, Triangle Jazz Orchestra, Turquoise Trader, The Unsustainables, Wake Moody, XOXOK.
Festival site: Downtown Carrboro
Saturday open mic at Town Commons 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday kickoff show at Cat's Cradle at 8 p.m., Sunday shows start at 1 p.m., Hip-Hop and Grooves at Cat's Cradle Back Room at 2 p.m.
Free.
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