MerleFest, presented by Window World, has revealed the first wave of artists set to perform at its 2026 edition, happening April 23–26 on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Leading the lineup are 14-time Grammy winners Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, returning to the festival for the first time since closing out its 25th anniversary. Also returning are Old Crow Medicine Show, longtime MerleFest favorites who will headline this year’s Late Night Jam, a beloved tradition recently revived to great fan acclaim.
Joining them are Charles Wesley Godwin, Blackberry Smoke, Molly Tuttle, Ketch Secor, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Creekers, Trey Hensley, and an impressive roster of roots and Americana mainstays including Sam Bush, The Jerry Douglas Band, Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band, Sister Sadie, Jake Shimabukuro, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, and Donna The Buffalo. Each year, MerleFest honors the legacy of North Carolina legend Doc Watson through its “traditional plus” approach—melding time-honored sounds with genre-bending artistry to create one of the most cherished music gatherings in the country.
Fans can also look forward to the Saturday Late Night Jam, hosted by Old Crow Medicine Show, which promises one-of-a-kind collaborations exclusive to MerleFest. The WCC Foundation’s Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle will also return, raising funds for the SAGE First Year Experience program supporting student success. For tickets, auction details, and the full lineup, visit merlefest.org/purchase.