Each year, Wilkes County hosts four major events - the MerleFest in the Spring, the Heritage Festival in the Summer, and the Apple Festival and Wilkes Agricultural Fair in the Fall.

During the last weekend in April, Wilkes County rings with the sound of music from the MerleFest held on the grounds of the Wilkes Community College.  If you like music, and particularly, bluegrass, country, celtic and cajun, this is the place for you.  The event is for the whole family with live music and workshops from morning to night.

On the last Saturday in July bring the whole family and enjoy crafts, food, entertainment, and historical re-enactments as Wilkes County celebrates its rich heritage at the annual Wilkes County Heritage Festival.  The festival is held in the streets of Wilkesboro, and Cub Creek Park is designated for children's activities and special entertainment.

Fall is in the air and so is the smell of freshly baked fried apple pies.  On the first Saturday of October, join us for the annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, sponsored by the Brushy Mtn. Ruritan Club.  It's held annually in downtown North Wilkesboro featuring crafts, food, entertainment and Brushy Mountain apples. 

Thanks to the North Wilkesboro Rotary Club, Wilkes County has an exceptional annual Agricultural Fair, where all members of the family can have a fun and educational outing.  The Rotary Club  works very closely with the Wilkes County Cooperative Extension Service to provide a variety of displays and exhibitions, which show the county's many natural resources.  As a visitor, you will see varieties of livestock, canned goods, hand crafted quilts, and much more.  Ribbons and cash awards will be presented to winners in these categories.  Be sure to visit the Exhibition Hall and livestock area.   The Rotary Club always provides a wide array of amusement park rides and games for all ages.