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!
Food Trucks:
- Dank Burrito Truck
- Circa 81 Pizza Oven
- Social Q BBQ
- Encompass Eatery
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!!
- 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 ONLY ON SATURDAY:
- Beaufort Town Hall – 701 Front Street
- Parking lot beside Fishtowne – 150 Turner Street
- Limited on site parking will be free on Friday night. Limited paid parking will be available onsite at Gallant’s Channel for $10 on Saturday.
- Only service dogs will be permitted.
- This is an all ages event equipped with a kid’s area!
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 the music programs of the Tiller School and Beaufort Elementary School. The BMF is proud to support Music in Schools!
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 on Saturday, please go to our page.
Volunteers who sign up for one 90-minute shift will receive a FREE beer ticket. Volunteers who sign up for two shifts will receive a beer ticket and a Steel Pint. If you want to volunteer for more than two shifts, talk to any committee member about joining the BMF organizing committee!
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?
2019 will mark the 31st annual Beaufort Music Festival.
How many days does the festival last?
The Beaufort Music Festival is a two day event taking place on Friday, May 17th and Saturday, May 18th, 2019 at Gallant’s Channel.
2019 Beaufort Music Festival Lineup!
Friday Evening Performances:
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm :: Chatham Rabbits
6:30 pm – 7:15 pm :: Driskill
7:15 pm – 8:15 pm :: The Tan and Sober Gentlemen
8:15 pm – 9:30 pm :: Stop Light Observations
9:30 pm – 11:00 pm :: No BS! Brass
Saturday Performances:
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm :: Qualian
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm :: Strung Together
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm :: Hot Buttered Grits
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm :: Brothers Egg
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm :: Durty Dub’s Tribute to Charley Pride
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm :: Pie Face Girls
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm :: The Artisanals
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm :: Kamara Thomas
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm :: Aaron Lee Tasjan
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm :: Lilly Hiatt
9:30 pm – 11:00 pm :: Hiss Golden Messenger
