Beaufort Music Festival
Beaufort Music Festival (BMF) is a community-supported, volunteer-run event put on by Beaufort Arts and Music, Incorporated, a 501c3 non-profit organization. For over 30 years, the free festival has taken place each May in historic Beaufort, and the town is packed on Friday and Saturday with locals and tourists alike enjoying the beautiful weather and some pretty great music.
Two of the main goals of the Festival are to present a diverse music line-up and to introduce attendees to fresh musical acts. In addition, the BMF strives to be a family-inclusive event and to provide an immersive experience for all ages over two days with food trucks, a family area with children’s activities, and a beer garden highlighting North Carolina craft brews.
Past BMF performers include the Avett Brothers, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, St Paul and the Broken Bones, Margo Price, Richie Havens, Southern Culture on the Skids, the Banditos, the Rosebuds, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Tift Merritt, Mandolin Orange, American Aquarium, Donna the Buffalo, Yarn, River Whyless, AJ Ghent Band, Chatham County Line, Old Man Markley, Bombadil, Justin Townes Earle, Wrinkle Neck Mules, and many, many more.
Each year, the Festival gives back to the local community with outreach activities. The BMF is funded by sponsorships from local businesses, donations, partnerships with local organizations, and beer and wine sales during the Festival, all of which allow it to remain a free event.
Festival Information
This is a FREE event!
Good to know before you go:
- NO outside alcohol (Help us abide by ABC laws).
- Each patron consuming alcohol on site will need to purchase a Beaufort Music Festival Steel Pint for $4 – we are eliminating plastic cups!! We encourage you to bring your BMF steel pints from previous years too!!
- A FREE water truck will be on site so each person is permitted and encouraged to bring ONE empty reusable water bottle.
- No coolers***
- No outside food or drinks***
- Food trucks will be on site.
- Vendors will be on site.
- NO “tailgating” in parking lots in Beaufort.
- Low chairs ARE allowed, though not directly in front of the stage.
- Bikes ARE allowed (and encouraged!) – Bring your own lock.
- Sunscreen and rain gear are a good idea. It’s Eastern North Carolina, you never know.
- There will be 2 FREE shuttle stops in downtown Beaufort SATURDAY ONLY:
- Beaufort Town Hall – 701 Front Street
- Parking lot beside Fishtowne – 150 Turner Street
- Limited paid parking will be available onsite at Gallant’s Channel for $10 both days of the festival.
- Only service dogs will be permitted.
- This is an all ages event equipped with a kid’s area!
***Our vendors are ready with a variety of delicious food and beverage options, including vegetarian fare! However, if you or your children have special food needs or dietary restrictions, we will allow small personal coolers for food items ONLY. All coolers will be subject to search upon entrance to the festival, as ABC laws prohibit any outside alcoholic beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a non-profit organization?
Yes, we are a not-for-profit organization; no one involved with the Music Festival will make a dime from this event. All of the money we make from the Festival (from fundraising events; sponsors; donations; and ticket, merchandise, and alcohol sales) is used to produce the Festival, either to pay for this year or to be put towards the next years event. In addition, as mentioned, we will be donating a significant portion of any profits over our total operating costs to various children’s arts programs in the county. The BMF is proud to support music and arts in the community!
Is this a family-friendly event?
Kids of all ages are encouraged to come out and celebrate this wonderful weekend. Kids are also encouraged to bring their parents to the family fun area! Thanks to the good folks at the Alexander and Marjorie Hover Foundation for sponsoring the family area and to the teachers and volunteers of Beaufort Elementary and the Tiller School for their hard work!
This sounds great! How can I be a part of it?
The Beaufort Music Festival is a community-supported event; many of our past volunteers have said that the time they spend volunteering at the festival is the best part of their festival experience. If you are interested in volunteering, please check back closer to the festival for our volunteer sign-up link.
Aside from knowing that you are a critical part of the BMF while getting to enjoy an amazing series of shows, you will also receive a gift of our appreciation. The more slots you choose the more love we shower you with! Please contact BMF at info@beaufortartsandmusic.org if you have any questions.
Is alcohol allowed?
You can support the festival for years to come by drinking in our “Beer Garden”; but per ABC rules, no outside alcohol is allowed.
How is this Festival supported?
The festival is supported through fundraising events held year-round, donations, merchandise and sponsorships. If you would like to donate, go here. If you or your business are interested in current or future sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@beaufortmusicfestival.com
How many years has the festival existed?
2021 will mark the 33rd annual Beaufort Music Festival.
How many days does the festival last?
The Beaufort Music Festival is typically a two day event taking place at Gallant’s Channel.
2021 Beaufort Music Festival Lineup!
The 2021 festival is TBD but while you’re here, checkout some jams from bands who would have been on the 2020 lineup!
