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 Beaufort’s historic downtown, 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!
- NO “tailgating” in parking lots in Beaufort.
- NO dogs allowed at the Historic Site.
- NO outside alcohol (Help us abide by ABC laws).
- 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.
About Beaufort Arts and Music
Beaufort Arts and Music is a volunteer-run, 501c3 nonprofit organization working with and in the community to bring tourism and music to Beaufort and to the Crystal Coast.
For 30 years, the festival has taken place in May on Beaufort’s historic downtown waterfront. The town is packed on Friday and Saturday with amazing bands performing for free, food, and a fun-filled kid area.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy the beautiful weather and some pretty great music. As laid back as the festival weekend is, it actually takes a whole year to plan.
The volunteer-run festival committee works tirelessly to get the final weekend ready to go. Fundraising occurs throughout the year by sponsorships and sanctioned events; these events serve to bring people together in a unique way and promote local art, activities and a community feeling.
The money raised from the events goes toward funding the May festival but also goes back into the community, specifically the community’s children.
As much as we are into our community, we are equally into its music. We live it. We breathe it.
You won’t want to miss the most amazing music festival and the best weekend in Beaufort!
2018 will mark the 30th annual Beaufort Music Festival.
The Beaufort Music Festival is a two-day event taking place this year on Friday, May 18th, and Saturday, May 19th.
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 Oceanside Pediatrics 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 Klean Kanteen steel pint OR a BMF t-shirt. 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”; while coolers with food, water and soft drinks are allowed into the festival grounds, as 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 john@beaufortmusicfestival.com
How many years has the festival existed?
2017 will mark the 29th annual Beaufort Music Festival.
How many days does the festival last?
The Beaufort Music Festival is a two day event taking place this year on Friday, May 19th and Saturday, May 20th.
2018 Beaufort Music Festival Lineup
Friday Evening Performances:
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm :: Matt Walsh & the Movers
6:00 pm – 6:45 pm :: Kate Rhudy
6:45 pm – 8:00 pm :: L Shape Lot
8:00 pm – 8:45 pm :: Laura Blackley & the Wildflowers
8:45 pm – 10:15 pm :: Town Mountain
Saturday Performances:
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm :: Arson Daily
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm :: Violet Bell
1:45 pm – 2:45 pm :: Leah Blevins
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm :: Brothers Egg
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm :: Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm :: Caroline Dare
5:15 pm – 6:15 pm :: Laura Reed
6:15 pm – 7:00 pm :: Ellis Dyson & the Shambles
7:00 pm – 8:15 pm :: Devon Gilfillian
8:15 pm – 9:00 pm :: Lyric
9:00 pm – 10:30 pm :: Seratones
