The sounds of the river have their own rhythm and magic. It draws us in as we escape from the city life and head to the River Realm. As waves hit the shore, boat engines rev, campfires crackle and laughter fills the air, you may find yourself swaying to the beat of life in our enchanted region. If you head to one of our favorite music venues, you’ll have an even harder time not tapping your feet and swinging your hips!
Local restaurants, outdoor amphitheaters, and marinas are welcoming musicians back in a big way this year. You’ll find calendars full of concerts and special events that infuse soul into your River Realm experience. Let the music draw you in and help you escape. Stay for a night of fun at one of our favorite boutique hotels or camp out for the week at one of our many family friendly campgrounds.
Here’s a full list of our favorite music venues and what they have to offer:
Music on the Half Shell Stage at Kilmarnock Town Centre Park
150 North Main Street, Kilmarnock, VA
This River Realm amphitheater and park welcomes touring acts and local artists alike. Funky soul and jazz sounds from bands including Good Shot Judy, Soul Expression and Steve Bassett will keep the crowd moving. Local food trucks serve up fresh seafood creations and sweet treats during shows and events here. Come early with the family to enjoy Waterworks, a funky water park for the kids. The Town Centre Park also hosts other community events throughout the year.
Purchase concert tickets here.
Groovin in the Park at the Deltaville Maritime Museum
287 Jackson Creek Road, Deltaville, VA
The Deltaville Maritime Museum hosts a wide variety of community events and festivals. The museum itself memorializes the boat building skills that made the Deltaville area famous. Outside, the Holly Point Nature Park is a haven for children’s play and natural inspiration with a nature trail walk, kayak launch, picnic tables and a pier walk. Every fourth Saturday during the summer, the Deltaville landmark transforms for the “Groovin’ in the Park” outdoor concert series. Artists like Tom Euler & the Memphis Blues Band take on the Waterfront Stage, which overlooks Mill Creek. In the event of rain, the concert is held in the Events Pavilion. Bring your own lawn chair, cooler and picnic. Come prepared to boogie during the outdoor dance party the whole family will enjoy. $10 advance/$15 door.
See a full list of artists on the Deltaville Maritime Museum website.
327 Old Ferry Road, White Stone, VA
If the cocktails and private beach don’t draw you into this popular eatery in Lancaster County, then the music will. Willaby’s welcomes artists neary every week at the waterfront restaurant. Expect a variety of easy and high energy waterside listening. Blues, folk, Americana and reggae are all part of the regular rotation here. Stuck on a Name is a crowd favorite. The reggae group is always full of energy and laid back vibes. Nothing beats watching the sunset over the river while slurping down oysters and other local seafood favorites. Visit the Willaby’s website for a full calendar of music.
1025 Goodluck Rd, Kilmarnock, VA
The rolling hills and sprawling porch make Good Luck Cellars the perfect place to kick back, sip some wine, and enjoy some jams. Here, Wine Down Fridays is always lively and totally tasty. Good Luck Cellars welcomes local food trucks and musicians for a relaxing party open to all. Wash down fresh seafood from Salty Bob’s with with the vineyard’s extensive list of award winning wines.
See the Good Luck Cellars food and music schedule here.
274 Bucks View Lane Deltaville, VA
On Friday nights, you will find Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar filled with smiles from wall to wall, mostly because there’s a musician jammin to set the mood during the weekends. Boat up or drive in for waterfront dining. You’ll get a view if you sit inside or outside. You’ll see the many boats, big and small, cruising in and out of Jackson Creek. Enjoy live music with a side of fresh oysters, Crab Puppies, or a Broad Creek Boil. Colorful cocktails like Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita or a Rum Punch brighten the mood and set the vacay vibes.
Music By the River at Belle Isle State Park
632 Belle Isle Road, Lancaster, VA
Gather the family, pack a picnic, and head down to Belle Isle State Park on Saturday nights, June through August. Friends of Belle Isle State Park offer free popcorn and $0.50 drinks. The kids can enjoy ranger-led games while you lean back and enjoy the evening breeze off the Rappahannock River. The park welcomes local and regional bands like Garden Variety String Band and Southern Grace to play on the water side. There is a park entrance fee of $5, but no extra event fee.
Check our events page for each concert.
210 Oyster Road, Urbanna, VA
Spend a summer night dancing under the stars next to the enchanting Urbanna Creek. New to the music series lineup this year, the Urbanna’s 2nd Saturdays will host live music monthly May to September from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Historic District. Bring your own chair, blanket, coolers and pets! Enjoy local food from rotating vendors including Positive Pizza, Cakes by Jen, and Northern Neck Popcorn. You’ll feel like one of the locals as you take part in the small-town charm of Urbanna.
See more music in the River Realm
Visit our Events Calendar to see what’s playing during your trip!
Share Your Musical Memories
Discover a new favorite band? Catch a killer sunset while you danced the night away? We want to see! Tag us using @virginiasriverrealm and we’ll share your photos of your favorite boogie nights.
