The Carrboro Music Festival is returning for its 29th year this September. The free event will feature dozens of performers at multiple locations in downtown Carrboro.

The festival begins with several kickoff events Saturday, Sep. 26, including an Open Mic event at Carrboro Town Commons from 2 to 4 p.m. Festival merchandise, including pieces signed by performers, will be available at The Music Market at The ArtsCenter, and that evening Cat’s Cradle will host the festival’s official Kickoff Show.

The main festival begins the following day at 1 p.m., with a special hip-hop show in the Cat’s Cradle Back Room beginning at 2 p.m. Among the festival’s featured performers for the festival are The Shoaldiggers, the School of Rock Chapel Hill House Band, Lennon KC and Lonnie Rott. More information can also be found by downloading the official Carrboro Music Festival app, available on both the Apple Store and Google Play.

The full list of performers for the 2026 Carrboro Music Festival. (Image via Town of Carrboro)

Parking will be available throughout downtown Carrboro for the entire festival, though the Town of Carrboro encourages visitors to walk, bike, carpool or take public transportation when possible. A shuttle bus will run between downtown Carrboro and the Jones Ferry Park & Ride Lot off Berryhill Drive. The shuttle will be active between 12 and 9 p.m. Sunday and will run approximately every 15-20 minutes. Click here for a map of the shuttle’s route.

“The Carrboro Music Festival reflects what makes Carrboro special: a community where music, creativity and connection are part of everyday life,” the town said in a release. “For one day each year, streets, businesses, gathering places and community spaces come together as stages for a wide range of musical performances.

“Whether you’re a longtime festival fan or attending for the first time, the Carrboro Music Festival offers an opportunity to explore the community, hear new music and celebrate the people who make Carrboro’s music scene unique.”

 

Featured image via Chapel Hill Media Group/Dakota Moyer

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