“Everything good, everything magical, happens between the months of June and August.” — Jenny Han, author and screenwriter
Mark your calendar — Burke County’s got your summer plans covered. There will be plenty of good, magical things happening in Burke County this summer. Local cultural arts organizations, city and town officials, businesses, and theater companies have organized an outstanding lineup of stellar entertainment that’s sure to provide plenty of fun, music, and great food and drinks for locals and visitors alike.
So get out your date book, call up your friends, gather the family, and plan the best “staycation” ever. Burke County will be alive in the summer of ’25!
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CoMMA
- 401 S. College St., Morganton
- 828-433-7469
- morgantonnc.gov/comma
- (Watch for 2025-26 season tickets to go on sale soon!)
Saturday, June 14:
Bee Gees and ABBA the Ultimate Tribute Show Starring “One Night Only” and “Super Trouper,” 7 p.m.
Step into a dazzling tribute show that celebrates the timeless music of ABBA and the Bee Gees, where nostalgia and electrifying performances collide. As the lights dim and the crowd buzzes with excitement, the stage comes alive with iconic hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Stayin’ Alive.” Talented performers don vibrant costumes reminiscent of the ’70s, capturing the essence of these legendary bands.
Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Burke NAACP Presents Juneteenth Celebration
Burke NAACP Presents Juneteenth Celebration featuring educational and community information, marketplace vendors, kid friendly activities and lots of food. This is a free event.
Saturday, June 28, 7:30 p.m.
The 100th Army Band
The 100th Army Band, affectionately known as the “Band of Century,” is stationed at Fort Knox, Ky., under the 81st Readiness Division. The band consists of eight distinct ensembles, including the Concert Band, Rock Band, Jazz Band, Brass Quintet, and Woodwind Quintet, and performs for high profile community and military events. Averaging from eight to 14 performances each month, the band passionately shares its dedication for military service and music with thousands of people each year.
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BURKE ARTS COUNCIL
- 506 S. Sterling St., Morganton
- 828-433-7282
- burkearts.org
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Art in the Garden
The Burke Arts Council and the Mimosa Garden Club are pleased to announce their first “Art in the Garden” Tour. The event will take place rain or shine. The tour will feature local artists in each garden painting vignettes of the gardens. There will be five homes and two churches on this self-guided tour. All of the homes and churches are on West Union or a block or two off. This event will benefit the Burke Arts Council and the Mimosa Garden Club. The mission of the Burke Arts Council is to enrich the quality of life in Burke County through cultural and artistic activities.
Thursday, June 19, 7 p.m.
The Music Cities of the World Summer 2025 Tour
Featuring: Calico and the Webb-Tigert Duo
Calico, featuring Tina Neiderpold and Julian Stepaniak with their bassist Allbert Stepaniak, are known across Europe for their jazzy pop harmonies and playing skills, with multiple appearances in Austria (their home base), Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Scandinavia and more. Songs from the 1920s to the 2020s are all up for grabs with this energetic band. Two beautiful voices singing in harmony, two ukuleles and a funky bass make this trio a special treat. The Lisa Webb–Bob Tigert Duo has become one of the U.S.’s favorite ukulele performing and recording groups, with 13 festival appearances in the last 14 months, releasing three album projects in two years, and playing 62 concerts in 2024 alone. They are both Nashville songwriters.
Friday, June 20, 5:30 p.m.
Summer Strings with the Carolina Primrose Quartet
A collection of music celebrating summer, featuring The Carolina Primrose Quartet. There will be a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a performance from 6-7. The event will showcase Haydn’s “Sunrise” quartet, Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why,” and another debut by our member, Daniel Leich, plus a handful of other works for your enjoyment. This will be a bistro-style concert in the new BAC Theater. Ice Cream on the porch after the concert. Limited seating available.
Saturday, June 21, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
June Storytelling Festival with Connie Regan-Blake
Storytelling is easier than you think! This workshop welcomes all — teachers, parents, librarians, ministers, storytellers, and those just curious. Connie generously shares tools she has developed and learned throughout her trailblazing storytelling career that spans five decades and six continents.
With partner exercises and a ‘walk through memories,’ you will enjoy exploring events of your life in a supportive, creative atmosphere. Utilizing ‘deep listening,’ you will also experience how the five senses and the ‘colors’ of the moment bring a story to life and connect you with your listeners. Whether telling family on the front porch, a gathering at a party or on a stage, you’ll get a taste of ‘art & heart’ of storytelling.
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ROCK SCHOOL ARTS FOUNDATION
- Old Rock School
- 400 Main St. W, Valdese
- 828-838-9806
- rockschoolartgalleries.com
Current exhibit:
Missy Cleveland — Acrylic, Mixed Media
Tyler Stephens — Collage
Angie Micol — Mixed Media
On display June 6 through July 4
Artists’ reception: June 8 from 2-4 p.m.
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OLD COLONY PLAYERS
- Old Rock School
- 400 Main St. W., Valdese
- 828-522-1150
- oldcolonyplayers.com
From This Day Forward
Friday and Saturday nights
8 p.m.
July 11 through Aug. 9
The outdoor drama “From This Day Forward” is the flagship show of Valdese’s Old Colony Players. The summer of 2025 will mark the 57th season of production. This play tells the story of the Waldenses, a people from the area known as the Cottian Alps in Northern Italy near the French border, and the founders of the Town of Valdese.
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DOWNTOWN MORGANTON’S TGIF
Free Summer Concert Series
Historic Courthouse Amphitheater Stage
6-10 p.m.
Every Friday night (except July 4) through the end of July:
- June 6: Blackwater (variety)
- June 13: Casey Ray Band (country)
- June 20: Gotcha Groove (variety)
- June 27: Runaway Train (classic rock, Top 40)
- July 11: Jacoozy (alternative jam band)
- July 18: The Vinyl Junkies (variety)
- July 25: The Livehouse Band (dance/pop)
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FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHTS
Free Family-Friendly Concerts
Temple Field behind the Old Rock School
400 Main St. W, Valdese
7-10 p.m.
- June 13: Skaterink Jukebox (variety and classic rock)
- June 20: Night Move Band (beach and variety)
- June 27: Carson Hill (country/acoustic)
- July 4: Too Much Sylvia (beach and variety)**
- July 11: Little Johnny Trailer Trash (country)
- July 18: Garrett Huffman Band (country)
- July 25: Shakedown (variety)
**This concert is part of the town’s Independence Day celebration and will take place on Main Street.
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ART IN THE HALL
- Morganton City Hall
- 305 E. Union St. Ste A100
- morgantonnc.gov/city-manager/page/art-hall
Current exhibit: June and July
Karin Koval
Art In The Hall is a juried program offering a public space for people and groups to display their artwork and exhibits. Art In The Hall also enhances the experience of visitors coming to Morganton’s City Hall.
Exhibits are routinely shown on both floors of the lobby. Karin Koval’s work style is “colorist” and may be created in oil, oil and cold wax, acrylic, collage or mixed media. With a degree in interior design, she understands that personalizing our spaces in a meaningful way is important to human nature, and she creates with that in mind. Koval is based in Maiden.
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