Spend some time in Cumberland Valley, and you may notice that it echoes with sound. From the South Mountain to the Blue Mountain, you will catch every musical rendering from classical orchestra to bluegrass and most genres in between.
Music with a View
Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind music experience? Check out the Valley's outdoor venues. At King's Gap Environmental Education Center, you can enjoy monthly Music on the Mountain concerts during the warmer months. These occur at the top of a winding four-mile-long road in front of the Mansion. Or, hop on a Blues Cruise, Jazz Cruise, or Party Cruise on the Pride of the Susquehanna to enjoy music while cruising on the gentle Susquehanna River with scenic views of the Harrisburg skyline. (NOTE: The Pride of the Susquehanna is currently fundraising to make needed repairs. The 2025 season has not yet launched.)
Surround Sound
There are a variety of options to enjoy a classic concert experience in Cumberland Valley's theaters and performing arts venues. The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center offers a diverse range of performances throughout the year, including the summer Festival Series, which features three symphony concerts. The Carlisle Theatre, with its Art Deco style, has been entertaining audiences since 1939 and offers a diverse range of musical acts. The Playhouse at Allenberry has delighted visitors since 1949, presenting Broadway productions and musical performances. The recently renovated West Shore Theatre in downtown New Cumberland is a great place to catch small-scale theatrical and musical performances as well as concerts.
Cumberland Valley Beer Trail
Many Cumberland Valley Beer Trail locations host open mic nights and live music. From intimate acoustic solos to hard rock concerts, find your musical flavor. Check out a list of weekly events on the Beer Trail, including Big Hill Ciderworks, pictured above.
Festivals and Events
The Valley boasts a plethora of annual festivals and events that showcase live music performances. Here are some highlights. Browse our online event calendar for a complete list.
Live Music: Summer Artists Series
Sunday, June 22, 2025 - Sunday, July 27, 2025
The Carlisle Parks and Recreation Department brings you musical/cultural performances from talented local artists in beautiful Thornwald Park. The Summer Artist Series is held outdoors on Sunday evenings beginning in June from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. These FREE concerts... Read More
Music on the Mountain
Sunday, July 06, 2025 - Sunday, September 07, 2025
Join the Friends of Kings Gap for this free annual summer concert series on the first Sunday of June, July, August, and September! Bring your lawn chair or blanket to the top of the mountain to enjoy an afternoon of great music. Food vendors will be ready to serve you. All summer concerts begin at... Read More
Summer Concert Series @ Historic Peace Church
Sunday, June 22, 2025 - Sunday, September 28, 2025
Enjoy great music in a beautiful, historic setting. The concerts are held outdoors, and the historic church will be open to explore. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for comfortable outdoor seating. Concerts are held every Sunday from June through September. There are no concerts on Father's Day, July... Read More
June Shoemaker Summerfair Concert Presented by HSO
Sunday, July 06, 2025
Join Carlisle Summerfair in welcoming the Harrisburg Symphony for a free concert at 8 PM on July 6 at the John Dickinson Campus, Dickinson College, to end our 10-day schedule of Carlisle Summerfair events! This concert is named in honor of June Shomaker, who recently passed away. Shomaker was... Read More
Bluegrass on the Grass Festival 2025
Saturday, July 12, 2025
The Bluegrass on the Grass Festival returns on July 12, 2025. Get ready for great music from: New Dismembered Tennesseans Danny Paisley and The Southern Grass Five Mile Mountain Road The Po' Ramblin' Boys Seating is open. Admission is free. Bike racks are available throughout campus. The lawn may be... Read More
