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!

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 volunteer@beaufortartsmusic.org if you have any questions.

You can support the festival for years to come by drinking in our “Beer Garden”; but per ABC rules, no outside alcohol is allowed.

Does the Festival have sponsors?

The festival is supported through fundraising events held year-round, donations, merchandise and sponsorships. If you or your business are interested in current or future sponsorship opportunities, please contact chris@beaufortartsmusic.org . Click here to download a copy of the lastest sponsorship deck.

How long has the Beaufort Music Festival been happening?

The first Beaufort Music Festival was held in 1990.

Local Outreach

Giving Back

Monies generated from corporate sponsorships and revenue from the BMF help fund our youth-based music outreach activities. Since 2017, Beaufort Arts & Music has funded over $130,000 in music-centric outreach, with a primary focus on Carteret County schools. Our music outreach strategy continues to evolve through increased funding to our Music for Schools program and work on programs such as Music for Hope & Healing to provide music therapy for physically and mentally challenged young adults.

Beaufort Music Festival Outreach

Carteret Community Theatre Partnership

KATHY CROWE, PAM WALL, John Scibal, christine leary, Karen Gould, Chris Freeman and Tancred Miller

In spring 2024, Beaufort Arts & Music donated $10,000 to the Carteret Community Theatre to help preserve this beloved historic venue and expand its year-round programming. A significant portion of this gift is earmarked for new performance equipment—upgrading CCT’s sound system with industry-grade gear and leveraging our network’s expertise to ensure excellent audio for every show. This contribution builds on our long-standing mission to give back to children and families through arts and music, and lays the foundation for one-off, community-focused performances at CCT throughout the year. By strengthening local arts infrastructure, we’re fostering more opportunities for emerging talent, community engagement, and creative growth on the Crystal Coast.

Easterseals UCP EMPOWER Partnership

Katherine Barrientos, EMPOWER Easterseals Morehead City Director, Kimberly Wade, Recreation and Wellness Supervisor, John LoPiccolo, Chris Taylor, Music Director Mary Withington, and Music with Mary participants.

In 2022, Beaufort Arts & Music donated $2,500 to Easterseals UCP EMPOWER Morehead City to support their weekly music therapy sessions for adults with developmental disabilities. This gift furthers our commitment to giving back to children and families through arts and music, and enhances EMPOWER’s ability to deliver inclusive, therapeutic programming year-round. By funding new instruments, adaptive equipment, and specialized music therapists, we’re helping to create meaningful opportunities for participants to grow creatively and socially. Strengthening these vital programs reinforces our mission to nurture community connections and enrich lives through the power of music.

Beaufort Arts and Music is a volunteer-run, 501c3 nonprofit organization working in the community to promote tourism through music in Beaufort and the Crystal Coast. This partnership is part of the organization’s core mission to enhance music opportunities in the community. Proceeds from last year’s enormously successful festival are making it possible for Beaufort Arts and Music to contribute to music therapy programs serving members of our own community. This is only possible through the support of the festival fans and sponsors!

For over 30 years, the Beaufort Music Festival has taken place in May in historic Beaufort, hosting bands across many musical genres. Since 2019, the festival has moved to a new location in Beaufort at Gallants Channel on property owned by the NC Maritime Museum and is situated on the waterfront at Gallants Point.