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 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 plenty of great music. As of 2019, the festival has moved to a new location in Beaufort called Gallants Channel, an annex owed by the NC Maritime Museum and is situated on that water at Gallants Point.
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 beer activations Powered by Fat Tire!
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, Old Crow Medicine Show 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. The money raised from our events goes toward funding the May festival but also goes back into our community through music and arts focused children’s programs, The Boys & Girls Club and issues affecting our community like the Crystal Coast Restaurant Workers COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Festival Information
This is a 2-day festival bringing you an array of music to the waterfront venue at Gallants Channel in Beaufort, NC! This is a family friendly event equipped with a kid’s area, food trucks, beer activations Powered by Fat Tire, vendors and more.
Friday, May 19, 2023 :: Doors open at 4:30pm & music starts at 5pm
Saturday, May 20, 2023 :: Doors open at 11:30am & music starts at 12pm
2023 Beaufort Music Festival Lineup!
We are excited to present to you the 2023 Beaufort Music Festival lineup!! And here’s this year’s playlist to get you hyped for the action in May!
FRIDAY, MAY 19th:
9:20pm :: Andy Frasco & the U.N.
7:40pm :: John “Papa” Gros
6:00pm :: Saxsquatch
5:00pm :: Brooke & Nick
SATURDAY, MAY 20th
9:00pm :: Grace Potter
7:05pm :: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
5:25pm :: The Tan & Sober Gentlemen
3:45pm :: Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels
2:02pm :: Blue Footed Boobies
1:10pm :: The Green Room
12:00pm :: Harvey Street Co.
ALL DAY :: MC J. Sales
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 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?
2023 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.
