These mountains are known as much for the music that comes out of them as they are for their picturesque vistas, cascading waterfalls and alluring trails.
Some of the world’s finest musicians have come from Western North Carolina and that rich tradition carries on today.
Here in Jackson County, the Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce team up to produce the Concerts on the Creek series at the Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva every Friday from 7-9 p.m., typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The 17th annual season will start on Friday, May 22 (Memorial Day weekend) and end on Friday, Aug. 29 (Labor Day weekend). That will be 17 Fridays of Concerts on the Creek, with the Fireworks Festivities and concert on Friday, July 4 sprinkled in for good measure.
Concerts on the Creek is proud to announce it has once again been nominated for the prestigious USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in the category of Best Outdoor Concert Series. This national recognition highlights the series’ continued impact as a beloved community event and regional attraction.
Voting is now closed. The top 10 winners, as determined by readers, will be announced on Wednesday, May 20 at 12:00 p.m. EDT.
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recognize standout attractions and businesses across the country, offering readers trusted recommendations for exceptional experiences. Being nominated is a testament to the vibrant atmosphere, talented performers, and strong community support that define Concerts on the Creek. Organizers invite residents, visitors, and fans of live music to show their support by voting to help bring this notable national recognition to Jackson County.
Here is the 2026 schedule:
May 22 - The ‘80S Rewind Band - Get ready to turn back the clock and crank up the neon - The Rewind isn’t just another 80s tribute band it is a show. More at Home | The Rewind
May 29 - TLQ+2 - Terri Lynn Queen, Scott Baker, and Kevin Jamison play a wide-ranging repertoire gathered from years of performing music! More at Facebook
June 5 - The V8S - Rock n Soul from Western North Carolina. Classic Southern Soul and Garage Rock Nuggets..Keepers of the Flame. More at The V8s
June 12 - Mission Accomplished - Mission Accomplished is not your average classic rock cover band. This high-voltage quintet trades scrubs for Stratocasters and beeping monitors for Marshall stacks. They bring medical precision and heart-pounding passion to every performance. More at Facebook
June 19 - Summer Brooke Band - Appalachian Singer/Songwriter. The group mixes traditional bluegrass with pop covers. More at Facebook
June 26 - Darren Nicholson Band - A group of Appalachian musicians who have common respect for and love of American acoustic music. They are known for creatively blending bluegrass, folk, gospel, and swing, into a new music experience. More at Darren Nicholson | Original Americana Music
July 3 – PMA - Western NC Roots/Reggae/Dub/Fusion. More at Facebook
July 4 - Gotcha Groove - These guys love the stage and are known for their attention to arrangement details and incredible harmonies. Their repertoire is massive and diverse, covering R&B, soul, funk, classic rock, oldies, beach, and dance tunes from the last nine decades! More at index
July 10 - Suns of Stars - Blends contemporary and traditional bluegrass with a high energy jam style. More at Home | Suns of Stars
July 17 - Arnold Hill Band - An alternative rock band based out of the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. More atArnold Hill
July 24 – Natti Love Joys -Reggae band. Co-bills include Joan Jett, Three Dog Nights, The Band, The Clash, The Ramones and more. Natti Love Joys - Band, T-Shirts
July 31 – Ska City -This high-energy nine-piece ska band brings the infectious rhythms of over six decades of ska music to life, blending the best of rocksteady, dancehall, two-tone, third-wave ska, and punk. More at Ska City
August 7 - Whiskey Mountain Band - Delivers electrifying performances filled with high-energy classic rock and dance tunes and a touch of blues and country. More at Music | Whiskey Mountain Band
August 14 - Dashboard Blue - Dashboard Blue is a five-piece band based in Asheville with 27-plus years of professional experience. They perform classic hits.
August 21 - Tuxedo Junction - This six-piece group is celebrated for its remarkable range, performing hits from swing, country, country rock, classic rock, pop, folk, funk, and disco – all with three, four and five part harmonies. More at Facebook
August 28 – Rockabilly Roy & the Kopy Kats - Trio bringing the catchiest songs to your dance-floor in a Rockabilly reimagining. More at Facebook
September 4 – Get Right Band - The Band is a psychedelic indie rock power trio. More at The Get Right Band – Psychedelic Indie Rock from Asheville NC
These events are free with donations encouraged. Everyone is welcome. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers or tents allowed. Bring a chair or blanket. We will have food trucks available on select nights.
"These concerts are provided in part by our friends, members and partners/sponsors in the community," said Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Todd Vinyard. "Thank you to all who take part."
This year, those partners are:
Platinum:
- Harris Regional Hospital
Diamond:
- iHeart Radio/KISS Country FM 99.9
- Mountain Credit Union
- Stanberry Insurance
- Tatham Mountain Park
- Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air
- Western Carolina University
Gold:
- Service-Men Home Service Group
- BalsamWest
- Brown Haven Homes
- Champion Credit Union
- Duke Energy
- Jackson County Economic Development
- Pepsi Cola
Silver:
- Andy Shaw Ford
- Blossman Gas
- Conley Rogers Real Estate Group
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- Nantahala Bank and Trust
- Ridenour & Goss Law Office
- Southwestern Community College
- State Farm Insurance-Charles Wolfe Agency
For more information, please contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 828-586-2155, visit our Facebook page, or visit us online at www.mountainlovers.com.
