The Carolinas know how to throw a party, and their music festivals are proof. From bluegrass in the mountains to hip-hop on the coast, North and South Carolina offer a lineup of events that draw crowds year after year. With 2025 shaping up to be a big year for live music, these festivals stand out for their vibes, talent, and pure Carolina spirit. Mark your calendars—these are the hottest tickets in town.
1. MerleFest – Wilkesboro, NC
Kicking off late April, MerleFest is a roots music mecca held on the Wilkes Community College campus. Started in 1988 to honor Doc Watson’s son, Eddy Merle, it’s grown into one of America’s top folk and bluegrass festivals. Expect 2025 to bring heavy hitters like Sam Bush, The Avett Brothers (they’re NC natives!), and rising Americana stars across 13 stages. Last year, it pulled in 75,000 fans over four days, with camping, jam sessions, and mountain views sealing the deal. Best for: acoustic soul and small-town charm.
2. Spoleto Festival USA – Charleston, SC
Running late May into June, Spoleto transforms Charleston into a global arts hub—and its music lineup is unreal. This 17-day fest mixes jazz, opera, and indie rock in historic venues like the Gaillard Center and Dock Street Theatre. Past acts like Norah Jones and local jazz legend Ranky Tanky hint at what 2025 might hold. Founded in 1977, it’s a cultural juggernaut, with over 100 performances and a vibe that blends Southern elegance with cutting-edge sound. Best for: eclectic tastes and city sophistication.
3. Hopscotch Music Festival – Raleigh, NC
Early September in downtown Raleigh means Hopscotch, a three-day indie music marathon. Known for its curated mix of national acts and up-and-comers, it’s spread across venues like Kings Barcade and the City Plaza main stage. In 2024, it rocked with Spoon and Waxahatchee; 2025 promises more buzzworthy names—think alt-rock, hip-hop, and electronic beats. With 10,000 attendees grooving through bars and streets, it’s a gritty, urban contrast to the Carolinas’ outdoor fests. Best for: indie fans and late-summer energy.
4. Charleston Music Confab – Charleston, SC
Late September brings the Charleston Music Confab, a fresh contender blending festival vibes with industry networking. Launched in 2022, it’s already a magnet for hip-hop, R&B, and soul, showcasing acts like SZA protégés and local rappers in intimate venues like Music Farm. It’s smaller—think 5,000 attendees—but growing fast, with workshops, panels, and after-parties that keep the buzz going. The 2025 edition should amp up the lineup, making it a sleeper hit. Best for: urban beats and insider vibes.
Why These Festivals Shine
MerleFest keeps Appalachian traditions alive with banjos and fiddles, while Spoleto’s high-art polish draws sophisticates. Hopscotch delivers raw, indie edge, and Confab’s new-school spin caters to younger crowds. Together, they hit every note—rural to urban, classic to cutting-edge—proving the Carolinas are a music lover’s playground. Plus, they boost local economies: MerleFest alone pumps millions into Wilkesboro each year.
Plan Your Festival Run
Start with MerleFest in NC’s foothills (April 24-27, 2025—dates TBD, but it’s always late April). Swing south to Spoleto in Charleston (May 23-June 8, likely). Hit Raleigh for Hopscotch (September 4-6, based on past years), then wrap up back in Charleston for Confab (late September, exact TBD). Pro tip: book lodging early—Spoleto and MerleFest sell out fast. Whether you’re pitching a tent or snagging a boutique hotel, these fests are worth the trip.
The Carolinas’ 2025 music scene is stacked. Which one’s calling your name? Drop your pick in the comments!
