Nine Authentic Music Experiences in Woodstock

Photograph by Stacy Brown

Fifty years ago this August, hundreds of thousands of fans converged on Woodstock, NY for three days of peace and music. These days, a Georgia city by the same name is becoming known as a music mecca. These nine great music experiences are why music lovers should plan a trip to Woodstock, GA.

1. Friday Night Live​ is the first Friday of each month, from March to December, 6 to 9 PM in Downtown Woodstock. The event always has a fun theme; shops and restaurants stay open late with sales and specials; and bands perform at two locations on Main Street.
2. Reformation Brewery​ hosts regular music events each month, including Reformers Live, Open Jam, and Musicians Open Mic. Cadence Fair in the fall is an all-day festival with a full line-up of bands and unexpected surprises, such as fire eaters and stilt walkers.

   

   Photograph by Clay Goswick

3. Madlife Stage and Studios​ delivers perfect evenings for concertgoers and performing artists alike. The space is visually intimate and sonically correct, so there’s great energy for regular events like Dueling Pianos, Patio Music Nights, and Undiscovered Artists Showcase. Madlife has one to two shows nightly, from Wednesday to Sunday, featuring nationally-recognized original artists and tribute acts.
4. Woodstock Roots Music Nights​ are on the third Thursday each month, from May to August, on the Elm Street Event Green. The line-up this year includes local, original artists Andrea & Mud, The Muckers, Pony League, and Reverend Hylton.
5. Woodstock Summer Concert Series​ is in its 22nd season. Concerts take place in Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater on the second Saturday of each month, May to September. Free shows start at 7:30 PM. Recent Grand Ole Opry inductee and hometown favorite Mark Wills, Better Than Ezra, BB King Blues Band Featuring Michael Lee, multi-platinum chart-topper Little River Band, and The Molly Ringwolds make up the 2019 season.

   

   Photograph by Darleen Prem

6. Downtown Woodstock​ restaurants host live music in the evenings. Rootstock & Vine hosts a weekly intimate music series called The Listening Room and it’s a destination for rooftop music every weekend as well. Other places in Downtown Woodstock to catch live acts include Copper Coin Coffee, Maxwell’s Cigar Bar, and Pure Taqueria.
7. The Lantern Series at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village​ is about conversations and community. The series takes place outdoors around tables of six and introduces new music, ideas, and cultures that aren’t typical for Woodstock. Coming up are Violet Bell on June 1, The Lee Boys on June 22, House of Waters on July 27, and The Lone Bellow on August 17.

   

   Photograph by Jillian Melko

8. If musical theater is your thing, don’t miss ​The Wizard of Oz at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village beginning July 10th.
9. You can also get an idea of the caliber of artists that call Woodstock home without ever leaving yours by checking out ​Dean’s Store Sessions​ on YouTube.

In addition to a great music scene, Woodstock has chef-driven restaurants in a vibrant downtown, charming independent retailers, name brand outlet shopping, miles of trails, and great places to stay. Plan your trip at ​visitwoodstockga.com.