musicreporterblog

Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass

Monthly Archives: July 2026


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Boots in the Gorge featuring Clint Black, Josh Turner, Confederate Railroad and more set for July 31-Aug. 1

Boots in the Gorge is a two-day country music festival at ACE Adventure Resort in West Virginia’s New River Gorge, featuring top country artists, outdoor adventures and on-site camping.

Boots in the Gorge 2026 will take place July 31 to Aug. 1 at ACE Adventure Resort in the New River Gorge, West Virginia The festival showcases a mix of national headliners, Nashville stars and Appalachian performers, including Clint Black, Josh Turner and Confederate Railroad. It is designed as a full weekend experience combining live country music with outdoor recreation.

Attendees can enjoy on-site camping, a variety of food and drink options, and a lively mountaintop party atmosphere. Mornings can be spent exploring the gorge with activities such as whitewater rafting, ziplining and hiking, while evenings feature live music performances under the stars. The festival caters to fans of red dirt, outlaw, pop-country, bluegrass and honky tonk.

Tickets and Information

Tickets are available for purchase through the festival’s official website, with options for general admission, VIP packages, and camping passes. The festival website also provides a comprehensive FAQ covering what to bring, where to stay, and how to maximize the festival experience. Visit bootsinthegorge.com.

Venue Highlights

ACE Adventure Resort spans 1,500 acres of scenic landscape in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, offering a combination of adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities and mountaintop relaxation wvpress.org. The resort hosts multiple music festivals during the summer, with Boots in the Gorge being its newest country-focused event. For anyone looking to combine live country music, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant festival atmosphere, Boots in the Gorge 2026 promises a memorable experience for all ages


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2026 Hopscotch Music Festival ticket prices increase at noon on Tuesday, July 28

Experience all three days of music at Hopscotch Music Festival on Sept. 10-12, 2026, in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, from Moore Square and City Plaza to the participating club venues. Tuesday, July 28, is the last chance to secure a Three-Day GA Pass for just $129! BUY PASSES

Single-Day Passes go on sale also on Tuesday at 12pm ET! Whether you can only join the festival for just one day or have your eye on a specific day’s lineup, this is your chance.⚠️ Quantities are limited, so don’t wait if you’re planning to grab one. Whether you’re coming for one day or all three, find the ticket that fits you and we’ll see you in September. BUY PASSES

The party doesn’t stop at City Plaza and Moore Square Commons – check out which of Raleigh’s most beloved and iconic clubs are joining us for Hopscotch 2026! From intimate halls to jam-packed clubs, this is where Hopscotch comes alive. LEARN MORE

Interested in Hosting a Day Party?

Bring Hopscotch to your doorstep!Learn how Downtown Raleigh businesses can host an official Day Party during festival weekend and land a spot on our schedule.Applications close on August 21st at 11:59pm ET. LEARN MORE


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3rd annual Next Door Music Festival set for Saturday, Aug. 8, in Oxford, N.C.

Experience one of Granville County’s premier summer music events at the Next Door Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 313 E. Spring St, in Oxford, North Carolina. This growing festival brings together talented North Carolina bands, local food vendors and a vibrant community atmosphere for a day of live entertainment. Enjoy performances by Cor De Lux, Blab School, Flatrock, Hex Files, Gone Ghost, and Worthington’s Law while exploring local vendors and enjoying festival favorites from area food trucks. Set in the heart of Oxford, the event showcases the region’s thriving music scene and creative culture, making it a perfect outing for music lovers, families, and visitors alike. The celebration continues with an official after-party at Humble Pour from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with additional details to be announced soon. Admission is free, so bring your friends, support local artists, and enjoy a memorable day of live music in Granville County.

Learn more at the following link: https://visitgranvillenc.com/whats-happening/#!/300679-next-door-music-festival


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North Carolina Folk Fest announces schedule for FREE events Sept. 18-20, 2026, in Greensboro, plus additional shows in July, August

You can find the schedule for this FREE event in Greensboro at the following link: https://www.ncfolkfestival.com/schedule

In the meantime, there are a number of free shows happening BEFORE the NC Folk Fest hits the stage:

local folk concert

Jul24

July 24, 2026

The Flat Iron

local folk concert

Aug14

August 14, 2026

The Crown

local folk concert + festival kickoff!

Sep17

September 17, 2026

The Pyrle

Local Artists. Right Now.

The next wave of folk starts here.

This summer, we’re highlighting LOCAL emerging artists who are shaping what folk music looks and sounds like right now. Four concerts. Four distinct sounds.

Presented in partnership with The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro.

Local Folk isn’t just about playing a show. It’s about supporting artists beyond the stage.

This year, we’re teaming up with Alycee Byrd Photography to provide day-of-show photography plus free professional headshots for participating artists.

We’re also partnering with Notes for Notes to offer free studio time, giving artists a chance to keep building their sound long after the set ends.

Participating venues will also provide sound board audio recordings of performances so artists can walk away with more than just the memory of the night.

Learn more at https://www.ncfolkfestival.com/localfolk.