MerleFest is held annually on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC. MerleFest is a beloved celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts numerous artists, performing on 12 stages during the four-day event. The annual event has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.