Charlie Poole Festival 2025

Celebrate Music, Heritage, and Good Times at the Charlie Poole Music Festival!

Join us the second weekend in June for a toe-tapping, soul-stirring celebration of Americana music at the Charlie Poole Music Festival, held on the picturesque campus of Rockingham Community College in Wentworth, NC. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, you're in for a weekend packed with unforgettable tunes, talent, and tradition.

At the heart of the festival is a two-day concert series featuring some of the finest performers in Americana, bluegrass, and old-time music today. Get ready to kick back, relax, and soak in the sounds from a stellar lineup of musicians honoring the legacy of Charlie Poole.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Show off your skills in our thrilling music contests, including the prestigious Grand Champion Old Time 3-Finger Banjo competition—with a $1,000 cash prize up for grabs! Whether you're competing or just cheering from the crowd, the energy is electric.

But that’s not all—there’s boondock camping under the stars, jam sessions around every corner, a variety of food trucks to keep you fueled, and a whole lot of foot-stomping, fiddle-playing fun. It’s a weekend where music, community, and tradition come together in the best way possible.

Also, as we celebrate Charlie's 100th Anniversary of his first recording, an additional day and ticketed event has been added for those who are ambitious in learning more about this American music legend. Be sure to check out the Charlie Poole Symposium featuring leading historians and musicologists, intriguing discussions, gourmet-chef prepared dinner with menu items reflecting Charlie Poole's famous tune "Hungry Hash House," and a private indoor concert assembled by Laurelyn Dossett entitled "Payday at the Mill: Spinning Songs and Stories."

Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and join the jam!

Info: Gates open at 3 pm, Youth Competitions starts at 4 pm on the Apple Amphitheater Stage


Concert Stage:


6 pm: New North Carolina Ramblers

7 pm: Thomm Jutz

8 pm: Charlie Poole Festival Lifetime Achievement Award to Wayne Henderson and Helen White and performance by Wayne Henderson

9 pm: Lonesome River Band

Info: Gates open at 9 am


Adult Competitions start at 10 am on the Apple Amphitheater stage


Concert Stage:


2:00 pm: Jesse Smathers

3:00 pm: Payday at the Mill

4:00 pm: Tray Wellington Band

5:00 pm: Amythyst Kiah

6:00 pm: Lonesome River Band

7:15 pm: Presentation of Tony Rice Music Scholarship

7:30 pm: John McEuen & the Circle Band

8:45 pm: Presentation of the Charlie Poole Festival Lifetime Achievement Award to

Sammy Shelor and Riley Baugus

9:00 pm: Africa to Appalachia with Riley Baugus and Cheick Hamala Diabate

Also check out other Entertainment events in Wentworth, Music events in Wentworth, Festivals in Wentworth.