The Beaufort Music Festival (BMF) has a three-decade history! It's one of the favorite events for locals and tourists annually in May in the historic district of Beaufort, North Carolina. Beaufort is hosted on the picturesque waterfront of Gallants Channel, owned by the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Festivalgoers can expect a weekend by the ocean of live music and entertainment.
The organizers aim to introduce the audience to a diverse range of new music. Over two days, visitors can listen to more than 15 musical bands, catering to music lovers with various tastes.
In the past, the festival stage hosted performances by the festival's stage hosted Margo Price, Richie Havens, Avett Brothers, St Paul and the Broken Bones, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Southern Culture on the Skids, the Rosebuds, the Steep Canyon Rangers, the Banditos, Tift Merritt, Mandolin Orange, Donna the Buffalo, Yarn, Grace Potter, River Whyless, AJ Ghent Band, American Aquarium, Chatham County Line, Old Man Markley, Bombadil, Justin Townes Earle, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and others.
This year, the festival will feature performances by The Future Birds, Big Something, American Aquarium, Cha Wa, Funk You, Blue Footed Boobies, Strung Like a Horse, Talia Keys, Clay Street Unit, Harvey Street Co, The Kind Thieves, MC J. Sales. So, music enthusiasts of different genres will find something for themselves.
The festival positions itself as family-friendly, with music and entertainment organized to make people of all ages feel comfortable. In addition to the musical program, BMF attendees can enjoy a food court with diverse cuisine, purchase artworks and other items at the marketplace, and spend time in the family zone with activities for children. Adults can also sample strong drinks from Voodoo Ranger Hard Charged Tea.
Beaufort is organized by the non-profit organization Beaufort Arts and Music 501c3 with support from the local community. Each festival participant automatically becomes a volunteer, as all proceeds from the event, donations, and commercial sponsors are reinvested in community development and the live alternative music scene. Specifically, festival organizers support local youth, youth organizations, and music programs. In previous years, BMF funded The Boys & Girls Club, the Crystal Coast Restaurant Workers COVID-19 Relief Fund, and more.
