Live music in Wake Forest, NC

Tim McGraw performs live with 49 Winchester at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. This country concert is part of Tim McGraw’s Pawn Shop Guitar Tour, with 49 Winchester listed as the supporting act. Expect a high-energy night of sing-along hits from both artists.

Now in its fifth year, this showcase of music and home cinema takes over the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in downtown Raleigh. Explore more than 60 listening rooms where leading audio and video brands unveil new products and innovations. Learn directly from industry professionals, with guidance that ranges from DIY tips to deep-dive calibration techniques. Talk with product managers and engineers, move from room to room to compare systems, or settle in and take it all in. Demonstrations feature a wide spectrum of high-performance gear, from budget friendly setups to ultra high-end equipment. Tickets are offered as early-bird and on-site options. Early-bird pricing is $25 for a 1-day pass and $45 for a 3-day pass, with free admission for children and students 21 and under. On-site pricing is $30 for a 1-day pass and $50 for a 3-day pass, with children and students 21 and under admitted free. Every ticket includes access to all listening rooms, educational sessions, panel discussions, and a concert with a keynote presentation.

A recurring party is held on the first Friday of every month.

The Carolina Theatre of Durham presents a back-to-back screening of two landmark movie musicals. The program opens with Rob Marshall’s Chicago (PG-13, 2002, 113 min). In 1920s Chicago, chorus hopeful Roxie Hart and headliner Velma Kelly land on death row and vie for the help of smooth-talking attorney Billy Flynn. Their struggle to avoid execution becomes headline-grabbing entertainment that blurs the line between notoriety and fame. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and features high-energy musical numbers and razor-sharp satire. The evening continues with Bob Fosse’s Cabaret (PG, 1972, 124 min). Set in 1931 Berlin, American singer Sally Bowles performs at the Kit Kat Klub as the Nazi party rises, while the enigmatic Master of Ceremonies presides over a glittering refuge from the encroaching turmoil. Fosse’s direction and choreography shape a haunting, sophisticated musical, highlighted by Liza Minnelli’s Academy Award winning performance.

Luther S. Allison leads a sextet featuring Brandon Woody on trumpet, Lenard Simpson on alto saxophone, Jeffery Miller on trombone, Jonathon Müir-Cotton on bass, and Michael Piolet on drums, with Allison at the piano. Praised by the New York Times for breathing fresh life into the jazz piano tradition while honoring its legacy, the Charlotte, North Carolina native is a widely sought-after multi-instrumentalist whose playing draws on blues and gospel with firm roots in bebop and soul. His credits include performances with Jazzmeia Horn, Helen Sung, Samara Joy, Rodney Whitaker, Etienne Charles, The Baylor Project, and Ulysses Owens Jr., highlighting a bandleader recognized as a standout voice among his generation.

Dogstar brings the ALL IN NOW TOUR to Ritz Raleigh for an all-ages show. Ritz Raleigh operates as a general admission standing room only venue, and supporting acts may change without notice. The box office is available on event nights and can also handle purchases for other upcoming shows when inventory allows. Ticket options include a general public sale, presales for Citi Cardmembers and Live Nation, an artist presale, and VIP packages including a Dogstar VIP option.

Country music stars Tim McGraw and 49 Winchester are taking the stage for an evening show at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Doors are scheduled for 7:00 PM, with tickets available via Ticketmaster through Spotify’s ticket link.

Dogstar, along with The Backfires, is set to perform at The Ritz in Raleigh. The show starts at 7:00 PM.

Mason Via will perform an acoustic country, folk, newgrass, Americana, and bluegrass set at The Wake Forest Listening Room. The show is scheduled to start in the evening, with tickets available through ticket partners listed on the page.

Stanczyk's Music Bar in Durham hosts a ska showcase featuring three local bands for $15: The Spectacles, The Unsustainables, and Ruler! Each group has a new record available now or arriving soon, and the merch table is the place to look for copies to take home.

At Lincoln Theatre Raleigh in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sleeping Booty appears alongside Police and Thieves.

Sleeping Booty performs with Police & Thieves in a live show. Ticket options include general admission at $14.50 in advance or $20 on the day of the show. Balcony general admission is $25, with a day of show balcony price of $30.

Southgate 40 returns to Real McCoy's in Wake Forest for another rock-filled show. Back at the spot of a previous celebration, the band brings a party vibe once again.

Settle into SATURDAZE at Boxyard RTP, a brunch-friendly live music series where you can pick up food and drinks from on-site vendors and ease into the weekend with eclectic, electric sounds. This installment features Danger Hall, a renegade quartet exploring the boundaries of songwriting and mystical body jazz. Performances take place on the BeatBox stage beneath the covered Pavilion and generally continue in most weather, however shows will be canceled if flooding, ice, or lightning creates unsafe conditions. Check Instagram for any updates to the schedule or cancellations. By attending, guests consent to photo, video, and audio recording for use by Boxyard RTP in any medium. Find the band on Instagram at @dangerhall_band.

Durham Parks and Recreation presents a free, family-friendly Summer Concerts in the Park event now hosted at Rock Quarry Park, featuring live music, a relaxed setting, and food trucks. This date spotlights Ally J with a mix of country, soul, R&B, Motown, and funk. Bring a blanket or chair and settle in with friends and family to enjoy the music. The concert is rain or shine, and alcohol and smoking are not permitted.

RadioStar brings a high energy night to Zinchouse Winery & Brewery, spanning the 80s MTV era through the 2000s. Expect danceable, singalong favorites with hits from artists such as Journey, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Jon Bon Jovi, Pat Benetar, Alanis Morrisette, Guns and Roses, The Outfield, Walk the Moon, Jimmy Eat World, Backstreet Boys, Radiohead, Britney Spears, Paramore, Blink-182, Killers, Nirvana, and Fall Out Boy. A lively celebration of chart-toppers across decades, perfect for anyone who loves classic and modern pop-rock anthems.

Cosmic Charlie brings its annual Days Between celebration back to Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, honoring Jerry Garcia with an evening devoted to the Grateful Dead’s music. Formed in Athens, Georgia in 1999, the band channels the Dead’s spirit while shaping the songs with its own creative voice and high energy. Rather than copy note for note, they lean into improvisation and interaction, often stepping onstage without a setlist so any tune can surface and audience requests can help steer the night. David Gans of the Grateful Dead Hour has praised the group for keeping the conversation alive in their own way. Expect spirited jams, a mix of tradition and fresh ideas, and those shared peaks when everything locks in.

Les Trois Chats brings danceable hot club jazz inspired by Django Reinhardt, blended with the lively swing tradition of the Benny Goodman and Charlie Christian sextets. The program also eases into smooth Brazilian bossa nova for a rich mix of rhythms and moods. The group features Triangle musicians Robert Striegler on guitar and vocals, Jodi Miller on violin, Josh Brinkman on clarinet and sax, and Ian Finlay on upright bass.

Trivuj – Triangle Music Project presents Komolapur Express for an evening of Bangla band music in the Triangle, blending nostalgia, high energy, and a celebratory atmosphere. The lineup features vocalist Anila Chowdhury, known for songs such as Ek Paye Nupur 2 and Gaibona, alongside Gourav Golpo, a Bangla music performer from the DMV area. With a full live band, the artists revisit beloved songs on stage in Raleigh, NC.

Will Campbell leads a jazz sextet that highlights his roles as alto saxophonist, composer, and arranger. He serves as Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Saxophone at UNC Charlotte, holds a DMA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas. During his time at UNT, he performed with the One O’Clock Lab Band and conducted the Three O’Clock Lab Band. From 1999 to 2019 he was part of the University of North Texas Summer Jazz Workshop faculty and has been invited to direct All-State Jazz Bands in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Earlier in his career he toured internationally and recorded with the Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestra. His writing has appeared in Jazz Education Journal, The Saxophone Journal, Teaching Music through Performance in Jazz, and The Saxophone Symposium, and his compositions and arrangements are published by University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press and Dorn Publications. He is an Artist and Clinician with the Conn-Selmer Company and a Performing Artist with D’Addario Reeds. The ensemble features Dave Finucane on tenor saxophone, Evan Roberson on trombone, Greg Santa Croce on piano, Jason Foureman on bass, and Kobie Watkins on drums, with Campbell on alto saxophone.

Catch Stephen Wilson Jr. live at Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, with The Lone Bellow also on the lineup. The show kicks off in the evening, with ticket availability listed through Ticketmaster.

Huron Stage Music Venue hosts a night of original music featuring Forest Rising, Megayacht, and Square One. Three local bands share the bill for a varied showcase of homegrown material.

Catch Bronco live at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh. The show is scheduled for 8:00 PM.

Alibi ignites Real McCoy's with unrestrained rock chaos. Wild attitude and crowd-fueled jams set the tone as the band tears through a set of cover hits delivered hard and loud. The atmosphere centers on audience energy, and the band brings the Alibi with a full-throttle performance made for a high-volume night.

Presented by The MAKRS Society, this monthly market and concert series brings new bands to Midtown Park in North Hills alongside more than 50 local vendors, food trucks, and beer and wine. Browse unique finds, take in live performances, and enjoy food and drinks. The event offers a chance for friends and family to spend time together while supporting local vendors.

Banjo melodies set an easygoing backdrop for a beer and a casual bite. Choose a spot on the patio or take a seat at the bar and relax into the music.

Shape-note singing at Five Oaks Seventh-day Adventist Church features selections from The Sacred Harp (2025) and The Shenandoah Harmony. First-time singers are encouraged, and books to borrow will be on hand. Accessibility information is available.

Saxophonist, composer, and author Walt Weiskopf appears with a powerhouse quartet that highlights his New York roots and wide-ranging experience. He launched his career at 21 with the Buddy Rich Big Band in 1981, then went on to release 25 critically acclaimed recordings and amass numerous sideman credits alongside artists including Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs, and Michael McDonald. The ensemble features Weiskopf on tenor saxophone with Harry Appelman on piano, Amy Shook on bass, and Stefan Schatz on drums.

Prabhu Deva leads a live dance concert at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, joined by Lauren Gottlieb, Sonali Bhaduria, Harini Nilakantan, Saanve Megghana, Alexander Noel, and Natasha Sherpa. With more than 150 performers, celebrity appearances, and standout choreography, this large-scale production celebrates dance traditions from across India. Tickets are on sale, and savings are available by purchasing directly from the box office to avoid Ticketmaster fees. Use code PDNC10 for an early bird 10 percent discount, or PDGT15 for 15 percent off groups of 10 or more.

Jason Adamo curates a North Carolina songwriters-in-the-round showcase spotlighting eight artists: Daniel Anderson, Marye Amanda McDaniel, Jared Place, Dennis Kennedy, Brodie Cormack, Hunter Grant, Mysti Mayhem, and Nick Autry. Advance tickets are $14.50, day-of tickets are $20.00, and a VIP table for four is available for $120.00.

Enjoy an evening of live music with Jason Adamo as he presents North Carolina Songwriters in the Round, featuring eight NC artists. Doors open in the late afternoon, with the show starting shortly after.

A weekly Sunday dance social at Triangle Dance Studios, established in 2009 and now in its 18th year. It starts with a beginner-friendly salsa lesson, then moves into social dancing. The playlist favors salsa and bachata, with salsa making up close to half the music and bachata nearly as much, plus a few cha cha, kizomba, merengue, and cumbia tracks. Admission is 10 dollars at the door, or 8 dollars for active military and students with ID. Most DJs can accept Venmo and credit cards, but cash is recommended, and there may be an additional fee for card payments. Guests 17 and under are free with an accompanying adult, or 5 dollars if attending alone. The DJ lineup usually rotates by week, with DJ Abuelo Salsero Jack Wolf on first Sundays, DJ Salsa Mike and Michael Delucia on second Sundays, DJ Pedro Paz on third Sundays, DJ Monte Alban and Eliuth Cruz Lopez on fourth Sundays, and a guest DJ on fifth Sundays. For questions, contact Jack Wolf at jackhwolf49@gmail.com or 919-245-8393 or 743-208-5497. New visitors should know the building has no sign and looks like a two story cream colored house, and it is next door to Research Triangle Dental with a large sign.

The Wallflowers lead the bill, joined by special guest Aaron Lee Tasjan. Ticket options include a presale and a Live Nation presale, followed by a public onsale.

Matisyahu brings a genre-crossing performance rooted in reggae, hip hop, alt rock, and inventive pop, the result of nearly twenty years of constant evolution. He first reached a wide audience with King Without a Crown in 2005 and the Grammy-nominated, Billboard-topping album Youth, then continued with the Gold-certified One Day, which has earned over 150 million streams. His live shows are known for high energy and room to improvise, shaped by a creative journey that draws on his Jewish heritage and Old Testament influences dating back to the start of his recording career. His recent EP, Hold The Fire, featuring the single Fireproof, looks to those same themes while contemplating celebrity and artistic success.

andmoreagain presents a show featuring Rodeo Boys with support from Gainsay and Kai & Clyde. Rodeo Boys draw from country twang and grunge grit on their Don Giovanni debut album Home Movies, shaping loud, hooky alternative rock. The record includes the single Sugar, landing in the territory between Bully and SPICE, the big, riff-forward Dog Leg, a dynamic finale in Tomboy Radio, and a brief cosmic folk pause with Hail Mary. Led by vocalist Tiff Hannay, the band embraces its queer, blue-collar identity and aims to amplify the voices of young queer people in small towns. Gainsay brings two lead singers and a palette rooted in U.S. punk and post-hardcore. Bassist Dante and guitarist Joe share melodies and lyrics over gritty, nuanced hooks, while drummer Ryan supplies tight, driving rhythms and layered harmonies. A studio EP is slated for late 2026. Kai & Clyde add an easygoing alternative slacker-rock flavor from Chapel Hill, with Kai Bishop on vocals and guitar, Clyde Lambe on bass, and Jude Dasher on drums, marked by fuzzy guitars and memorable riffs. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 on the day of the show.

The Philharmonik is bringing their alternative hip hop, spoken word, R&B, soul, and funk sounds to Kings in Raleigh. The show is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM.

Bingo Geeks leads a soundtrack-driven music bingo night at Crooked Hammock Brewery with three themed rounds and prizes for each round winner. The music keeps flowing while players mark their cards, sing along to favorite songs, and enjoy good-natured competition. Relax with a drink, kick back in a hammock, and soak up the easygoing atmosphere. Arriving early makes it easier to get comfortable before the first track starts.

The Old School Jam at Saints and Scholars brings musicians and artists together for an open jam focused on collaboration, networking, and live performance. It is a welcoming setting for swapping ideas, meeting potential bandmates, finding fill-ins, or connecting with new people to jam with. Sign-ups are in person only, with no advance reservations, and participants are encouraged to stay and support fellow performers throughout the night. The stage is fully equipped with sound and lighting, a drum kit, a Roland keyboard, two guitar amps and a bass amp, effects pedals, vocal monitors, and six microphones. A tablet is available with the Ultimate Guitar Chord app, scrolling lyrics, internet access, and a holder for devices. Video is captured from two camera angles and shared afterward with performers tagged, and professional event photography is provided. Attendees simply bring themselves and any instruments they play, such as guitar, bass, or pedal boards. The environment is well organized, free of drama and judgment, family friendly, and open to all ages and skill levels, whether performing or enjoying the music.

The Wake Forest Listening Room hosts an evening that pairs story-rich rock from Florence Dore and her band with the folk and old-time harmonies of The Carolina Junebugs. Nashville-born and based in Chapel Hill, Dore brings songs from her third album, Hold the Spark, a release praised by David Menconi of Walter Magazine as one that would resonate with fans who miss Tom Petty. Known for vivid storytelling and a strong sense of melody, she has drawn comparisons to James McMurtry and Lucinda Williams. The new songs move from a tender tribute to her daughter to a gritty, Stooges-style sendup of tedious meetings, from a thoughtful look at a long-missed romantic chance to a meditation on love and mortality that recalls Aimee Mann. Her emotive vocals sit atop a driving rock band. Hold the Spark features an Americana cast that includes Jason Wilber and Chris Masterson on guitars, Will Rigby on drums, with appearances by Mark Spencer and Gene Holder. It was produced by Don Dixon and mixed by Paul Voran, with guest cameos from Mitch Easter, Libby Rodenbough, Robert Sledge, Kelly Pratt, and Bonnie and Eleanor Whitmore. Offstage, Dore teaches songwriting and literature at UNC Chapel Hill, has spent time on Steve Earle’s tour bus alongside her husband Will Rigby of the Dukes, has written books, organized conferences including one at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and raised their daughter. Opening the night, The Carolina Junebugs are a Chapel Hill trio featuring Emma Bishop, Booth Bassett, and Ellary Smith. They draw on Doc Watson, Gillian Welch, The Avett Brothers, and traditional Celtic melodies passed down over generations. All three sing and write, share original songs at weekly gigs, and recently recorded an Editor’s Notes session at The Daily Tar Heel office. Their first EP, Down in the Valley, was captured in a single take at Bassett’s house by John Wood, a fellow Carolina Bluegrass Band member and bassist for Davie Circle, in a process that felt home-cooked. This bill brings together Dore’s narrative rock and the Junebugs’ rootsy sound for a warm night of songs and stories.