Outdoor Concert Series

Written By: Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC | Issue: April 2025

From May into September, the vibrant tunes of live music fill the air in downtown Highlands every Friday and Saturday night. Shows on both nights are free and take place from 6:00-8:30 P.M.

The 2025 season will kick off with a one-of-a-kind performance by Nashville Jukebox.

From ‘60s classics and ‘70s rock anthems to new wave gems and today’s biggest streaming hits, Nashville Jukebox delivers it all – because they’ve played it all. These aren’t just musicians covering songs; they’re seasoned pros who bring every note to life with the authenticity and skill of those who played them first.

The members of Nashville Jukebox are the best of the best, having played or recorded with legends spanning five decades, including Tom Jones, Al Green, Carrie Underwood, Wilco, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Kelly Clarkson, Roger McGuinn (The Byrds), Keb’ Mo’, Shania Twain, Steve Earle, Katy Perry, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Uncle Tupelo, The Verve Pipe, Jars of Clay, Lucinda Williams, Fitz and The Tantrums, and many more.

Friday Night Live showcases traditional mountain music and exceptional local talent on Main Street’s Town Square. The Friday night concerts are part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina, an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership and the N.C. Arts Council that works to sustain the rich music traditions of the region.

The Friday Night Live season schedule is as follows:

May 16 – Doug Ramsey
May 23 – The Foxfire Boys
May 30 – Nick Chandler and Delivered
June 6 – The Foxfire Boys
June 13 – Southern Highland Band
June 20 – Curtis Blackwell & Dixie Bluegrass Boys
June 27 – Spare Parts Bluegrass Band
July 4 – Diverse Groove, Special holiday Friday concert in Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park
July 11 – Nitrograss
July 18 – Johnny Webb Band
July 25 – ABC Combo
August 1 – Ezra & Katie
August 8 – McClain Family Band
August 15 – Shawn Lane Trio, featuring Lane Brothers
August 22 – Spare Parts Bluegrass Band
August 29 – The Foxfire Boys
September 5 – Silly Ridge
September 12 – Johnny Webb Band
September 19 – Curtis Blackwell & Dixie Bluegrass Boys
September 26 – Nitrograss

“Saturdays on Pine” features a variety of popular, regional bands and musicians at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

The Saturdays on Pine season schedule is as follows:

May 10 – Nashville Jukebox
May 17 – Gotcha Groove (High Style event weekend)
May 24 – Mo Money
May 31 – The Holiday Band
June 7 – Peggy Ratusz
June 14 – Boogitherapi
June 21 – Spalding McIntosh & The LionHearts
July 5 – Silly Ridge Special holiday Saturday Concert in Town Square
July 12 – Shane Meade & The Sound
July 19 – The Breakfast Club
July 26 – The Boomers
August 2 – High 5
August 9 – HC Oakes Band
August 30 – Southside Station
September 6 – The Parks Brothers
September 13 – Continental Divide
September 20 – Brandon Crocker Trio
September 27 – Shedhouse Trio with Darren Nicholson

The Outdoor Concert Series is made possible by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.

“Highlands thrives on the spirit of community, the rhythm of live music, and the breathtaking beauty of nature,” says Kaye McHan, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “So, grab your lawn chair or blanket, pack a picnic, and come join us!”

There will not be a Chamber-presented concert on June 28, August 16 and August 23 due to other events being held at Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park.