Wilkes Community College

Allison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas will headline Merlefest in 2026.

Alison Krauss & Union Station to headline 2026 MerleFest

Paul Garber

Alison Krauss’s MerleFest performances date back to the 1990s, but she hasn’t taken the stage at Wilkesboro Community College since 2011. That’s scheduled to change when she headlines the event in April with her band Union Station.

Bonnie Raitt performs during the Tribute to Fats Domino at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 2018 in New Orleans. She's scheduled to headline MerleFest in April. (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

Arts & Music

Bonnie Raitt to headline 2025 MerleFest

Paul Garber

The festival continues the legacy of High Country musician Doc Watson and his son Merle.

Among the musicians at this year's MerleFest is Sami Braman. Image courtesy Sami Braman.

Music & Culture

The return of MerleFest means music for fans, support for students and community

The annual MerleFest returns for its four-day run Thursday. The festival is not just a celebration of traditional American music, but also an important way to bring in money for local causes.

Education

Wilkes Community College Partners With Tyson For New Poultry Learning Lab

Keri Brown

Wilkes Community College is welcoming hundreds of baby chicks to campus as part of a new learning lab that will give students hands-on experience for jobs…

Music & Culture

Across the Blue Ridge #69- Merlefest at 30

Paul Brown

A festival that started small at Wilkes Community College in North Carolina has become one of the most enthusiastically supported roots music events in…