From laid-back lakeside shows to jam bands in city streets, the Triangle has loads of regular shows to check out in 2025.
by WALTER staff

This warmer weather is here to stay! This means it’s time to kick off Raleigh’s extended season of easy-to-experience live music. From bluegrass jam sessions at Transfer Co. to the North Carolina Symphony’s Summerfest at Koka Booth to Midtown’s lively beach music shows, there are a variety of music series coming up over the next couple of months to enjoy a range of genres of varied settings. Save this list to keep the jams flowing!

NCSU’s LIVE@ Lake Raleigh

One of Raleigh’ best-kept spring secrets is this family friendly concert series on the banks of Lake Raleigh at NC State’s Centennial Campus. On select Thursdays in April and May, enjoy food trucks and musicians of various genres performing outside. Kicking off these shows on April 10 is Latin- influenced band Ricardo Diquez & The Tropic Orchestra and then on April 24, award-winning bluegrass musician, The Tray Wellington Band will take the stage. Food trucks are open for business at 5, music starts at 6 and parking is free!
April 10 & 24 | 5 p.m.; Free; corner of Main Campus Drive & Campus Shore Drive; live.arts.ncsu.edu

PineCone Open Bluegrass Jam at Transfer Co.

Hear fiddle and mandolin players at Transfer Co. Food Hall at PineCone’s monthly Bluegrass Jam. In this “circle jam” style, anyone can join in and play their favorite bluegrass instrumentals or vocals. Facilitated by musician Russell Johnson, who leads the bluegrass program at UNC-Chapel Hill, “this is just a fun place where the community can gather to celebrate their love of bluegrass music. Whether you are a player or just a fan, the connections at this jam lead to long-lasting friendships, growing musical appreciation and a strong sense of community,” says Tray Wellington, PineCone’s communication manager. Get there early to grab a burger from Mama Crows or a bite from Che Empanadas before the music. This happens every fourth Monday of the month.
Fourth Monday of each month, ongoing; 7 – 9 p.m. | Free; 500 E. Davie Street; pinecone.org 

Live Music Fridays  at Raleigh Brewing

Head to Raleigh Brewing in either Raleigh, Cary or in Johnston County to unwind after a long week! Offering live music and their staple Fired Up Pizza and BBQ, this event will be sure to become a weekly tradition for you and your friends. Allow yourself to be immersed in the music as you enjoy fulfilling foods and as you make your plans for the upcoming weekend (Saturdays in Saxapahaw perhaps?) 
Every Friday | 5 p.m.; Multiple locations | raleighbrewing.com

Midtown Beach Music Series in North Hills

Get ready to groove: North Hills’ Midtown Beach Music Series is back for its 16th season! Running every Thursday from April 10 to June 26, this 12-week outdoor concert series transforms Midtown Park into a lively hub where locals and visitors can enjoy live music, cold beverages, food trucks and warm weather. Last year’s event included performances by The Chairmen of the Board, Liquid Pleasure, Band of Oz, and The Embers featuring Craig Woolard. Be sure to stay tuned to find out what exciting lineup awaits for 2025.
April 10 – June 26 | 6 – 9 p.m.; 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street; visitnorthhills.com 

Saturdays in Saxapahaw

This free to the public event offers family-friendly fun out in the country. Enjoy your Saturday with some local bands, food trucks, a huge Farmer’s Market and (the best of all) ice cream! Often there are plenty for the kids like water games, bubbles, hola hoops and of course the nearby Haw River views. 
Every Saturday starting May 3 until August 23 | 5 p.m.; 1711 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road | saturdaysinsaxapahaw.com

Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s Live After 5

This is perfect if you work downtown for an easy post-work meet up with friends for drinks. On Fayetteville Streets’ One City Plaza, explore different vendors, support local businesses and purchase delicious foods and alcoholic beverages while dancing along to your favorite songs. Keep an eye out for the lineup coming soon — last year one popular event had local music a-listers singing Taylor Swift, and the last one of the season is always a big-time band!
Wednesdays May 21, June 18th, July 23rd, August 20th | 6 p.m.; Free; City Plaza on Fayetteville Street; liveafter5raleigh.org

UNC Health Summerfest at Koka Booth

Get ready for warm nights, picnic blankets and the sound of world-class music drifting through the trees – UNC Health Summerfest is back at Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary. Presented by the North Carolina Symphony, this summertime tradition offers a lively lineup of classical favorites and nostalgic hits. This year’s schedule is stacked: experience a night of Gershwin including Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blu, a John Williams tribute and themed night around summer in Paris.
May 24, May 30, June 6 | 8 p.m.; 8003 Regency Parkway; Cary | ncsymphony.org

Music Near the Gardens: The Pinhook Edition

This summer, Duke Arts brings a twist to its beloved concert tradition with Music Near the Gardens: The Pinhook Edition. While Sarah P. Duke Gardens undergoes renovations, the series finds a new home on Duke University’s East Campus, offering free, walk-up concerts every Wednesday at 7 p.m. from May 28 to June 25. Curated by musician and activist Kim Register, owner of Durham venue The Pinhook, and hosted by local artists Stormie Daie, the series celebrates the venue’s legacy as a haven for creativity, community and marginalized voices. Each night features two live acts, followed by a free after-party concert at The Pinhook.
Every Wednesday starting May 28 – June 5 | 7 p.m.; 712 Broad Street; Durham | arts.duke.edu

Live Music Wednesdays at Waverly Place

This June, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. each Wednesday, enjoy a rotating lineup of local favorites performing under the open sky. From beach music to rock or soulful covers, there will be something for every music lover. The series kicks off June 4 with The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, followed by the Magic Pipers on June 11. On June 18, The Ray Band will bring high-energy hits, and the series wraps up on June 25 with the popular North Tower. Wine and beer will be available for purchase on-site. Perfect for a laid-back evening with family, a casual date night or catching up with friends, guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and settle in on the Park lawn.
Wednesdays in June starting June 4 | 5:30 p.m.; 302 Colonades Way; Cary | waverlycary.com/events/summer-concert-series/ 

This article was originally published on April 10, 2025 on waltermagazine.com