Merlefest 2021 Adds COVID-19 Entry Protocols To Upcoming Festival

Due to the soaring uptick in COVID-19 cases nationwide, MerleFest has announced updated safety protocol for this year’s event taking place Sept. 16-19 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

All attendees to the 2021 event must provide either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of entering the festival. MerleFest organizers will be working with local and state officials, and in accordance with CDC guidelines to develop all aspects of how the event will operate going forward.

“Safety first,” explains Festival Director Ted Hagaman. “After many conversations with public health officials, it’s clear that the smartest and safest change we can make is to require vaccinations or proof of a negative test.” He continues, “With the festival being less than 5 weeks away, we wanted to give music fans an early heads up on the protocol changes. I’d like to express gratitude in advance to all festival participants for their patience as we iron out our safety protocol in an ever-changing environment.”

Specific details for MerleFest’s 2021 COVID-19 safety protocol will be released in the coming days through the festival’s website.

Merlefest joins the growing list of events, businesses and venues who have announced new COVID-19 protocols over the previous weeks, including Garth Brooks who shared that he will be cancelling the next five shows on his 2021 stadium tour. Among the others are Bonnaroo, Summerfest, Pilgrimage Fest, Live Nation, AEG Presents, and a group of independent Nashville venues, such as Exit/In, the Basement, 3rd & Lindsley, and the Cannery Complex.