Live music in Charlottesville, VA

Join the Bellair Farm crew and friends for an After Hours event from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Enjoy farm-to-table plates prepared by chef Bud Porter, wine tastings and sales from Dogwood & Thistle Wine Co., and live music throughout the evening.

Hosted by C'Ville Bachata Social and Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery, this outdoor social features salsa and bachata dancing, sunset views, and on-site food and drinks. Begin with traditional Dominican bachata instruction led by Katia and Joseph from Washington, DC, then continue with social dancing as DJ SING plays salsa, bachata, and more. All experience levels are welcome on the dance floor. For reservations, call (540) 302-2529.

Fridays After Five celebrates its 38th season at Ting Pavilion with a free concert presented by Bud Light featuring Alligator with Don't Look Up. Enjoy live music along with food trucks, vendors, drinks, and a welcoming setting for families. Alligator brings a Charlottesville lineup dedicated to the early years of the Grateful Dead, emphasizing high energy, tight instrumental interplay, and adventurous experimentation. The band features Aaron Evans on guitar, associated with Indecision and Aaron Evans and Friends; Charlie Pastorfield on guitar and vocals from Skip Castro Band, Gladstones, and Mama Tried; Craig Dougald on drums from Indecision, 77s, and Nightfall of Diamonds; Kent Raine on drums from Echoes Farm and Mama Tried; Shep Williams on keys from Cactus Liquors; Stephen Barling on guitar and vocals from The Cows, BC, and Nightfall of Diamonds; Stuart Holme on bass from The Cows, Nightfall of Diamonds, and Mama Tried; and Susan Munson on vocals from Mojo Pie, Neon Angels, and Mama Tried.

Crozet Park hosts a free community concert series filled with live music, local food trucks, and artisan vendors, all set to an easygoing summer vibe. Attendees can spread out on the grass with lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a family-friendly evening with friends and neighbors. The 2026 lineup includes Dropping Julia, Boxed Lunch, Tara Mills, South River Strings, Brisk, The Judy Chops, and Wolftown. There is no charge for entry. Vendor space is available for up to 25 participants at each concert, and inquiries can be sent to festival@crozetfestival.com.

Richelle Claiborne will perform at Chiswell Farm & Winery. The show is scheduled for Friday evening.

Baby Jo’s brings a New Orleans inspired boogie show to Pro Re Nata Brewpub & Music Hall, blending dance classics linked to Billie Holiday, Frogman Henry, Fats Domino, Louis Prima, and Louis Jordan with original material and fresh arrangements of jump blues, Latin tunes, and mambos. Admission is free. The lineup features Betty Jo Dominick on lead vocals and keyboard bass, Larry Bisgaier on guitar, Stuart Gunter on drums, Martha Cassidy on trombone, Summer Pupolo on backing vocals and washboard, James Toliver on trumpet, Tim Clark on tenor sax, and Bobby Greg on baritone and alto sax. Early arrival can help with seating, and food is available from PRN's Taproom Table. Support for live music is acknowledged from Rod Phillips Dogwood Realty Group, with credits also to PRN Music & Media, Brian Combs, and Gaslight BC Media.

A supportive open mic spotlighting emerging musicians and writers who share music, poetry, and short stories. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Those hoping to perform can sign up on site, and arriving a little early helps secure a spot. This series is dedicated to new voices, and writers are asked to read only unpublished work.

PJ Morton’s Saturday Night Sunday Morning Tour makes a stop at The Jefferson Theater. Ticketing includes a general public sale along with early access windows for artist, local, Spotify, and VIP options.

Verdi’s Egyptian drama comes to life in a 2025 Met performance with soprano Angel Blue in the title role, matched against mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi as the royal rival Amneris. Tenor Piotr Beczała appears as the warrior Radamès, and baritone Quinn Kelsey portrays Amonasro, the king of Ethiopia. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts a sweeping new production by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer that immerses audiences in ancient Egypt, with intricate projections and vivid animations that evoke towering pyramids and golden tombs.

Catch The Pollocks live at Albemarle CiderWorks on Saturday, Aug 8. Doors and ticketing details are available through the ticket link shown on the page.

The Gospel Explosion Community Concert returns to the Historic Jefferson School for an evening of praise, uplifting music, and shared community spirit. This edition honors 30 years of Charlottesville Abundant Life Ministries in the Prospect Avenue community, welcoming neighbors, churches, families, and friends from across the city and beyond. The program features headliner Ruby & Da Girlz, Harry Bryant & The VA Boyz appearing for the third year in a row, the North River Baptist Church Choir, and Jadiss, a Charlottesville Christian rap artist making a stage debut. More than a performance, the event supports Abundant Life’s community-centered work that empowers families through the purchase of tickets, sponsorships, and meals. Tickets are $15 and available on Eventbrite, and charitable donations are encouraged.

Corey Harris Band appears on the Rivanna Roots stage at Rivanna River Company, with an opening set from Jen Tal, for a riverside evening of music, food, beverages, and community. Corey Harris is a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader who has staked out a singular place in contemporary blues, drawing on early days performing in New Orleans and a formative year in Cameroon to blend traditional acoustic blues with elements of reggae, soul, rock, and West African music. Known for a commanding voice and deft guitar work, he brings both fresh takes on blues standards and original songs that balance heritage with forward motion in American roots music. Charlottesville based rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and award winning vocalist Jen Tal sets the tone with a sound that intertwines soul, R&B, and jazz, offering original compositions and inventive mashups of familiar tunes, delivered with authenticity and a strong connection to listeners. Food will be available from The Pie Guy and Arepas on Wheels, with beverages featured from Random Row Brewing Company, Potter’s Craft Cider, and Eastwood Farm and Winery, and artist hospitality supported by Hogwaller Brewing. Support for Rivanna Roots 2026 is provided by Sun Tribe, Martin Horn, NOLA Builds, The Nature Conservancy of Virginia, Alloy Architecture & Construction, Piedmont Paint & Finish, Bottle House, Woodard Properties, Mountaintop, Montessori, WNRN, and C-ville Weekly.

Slate River Band brings decades of classic country to Pro Re Nata Brewpub & Music Hall in a free show. Formed in 1989 by Michelle and Nick Nixon with Buddy Amos and revived in 2018 with their son, Trace, the group blends tight family harmonies with a sound that nods to the 1990s. Expect a mix of heartfelt ballads and toe-tapping, two-step ready tunes, drawing from both originals and covers with a touch of bluegrass. Early lineups featured Trace, Michelle, and Nick alongside the late Mike Sharp on dobro, Steve Easter on bass, and Morgan Easter on keys. The band now features long-time members Craig Lokey on drums, Eddie Shifflett on guitar and mandolin, and Randy Cook on steel guitar. Michelle Nixon’s career includes Virginia Folk Music Association female vocalist awards, SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year, and contributions to award-winning Daughters of Bluegrass recordings, while Nick Nixon has championed classic country throughout his career and earned recognition in national competitions. Arriving ahead of showtime helps with seating, and dinner is available from Hops Kitchen at PRN. This performance is supported by Rod Phillips of Dogwood Realty Group, with PRN Music & Media by Brian Combs of Gaslight BC Media.

Josh Mayo will bring his beautiful music and one-of-a-kind voice to The Bebedero. Come enjoy a live performance designed to lift the mood and soothe whatever ails you.