ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — Long summer days mean more time to kick back and enjoy live music around the county. We’ve created a list of concert series, open mics, festivals, and other shows for you to attend this summer.
Did we miss something? Email info@athensindependent.com!
Festivals
Ohio Brew Week: July 10–18
The 21st annual celebration will feature live music 4–10 p.m. at First Call Friday, July 10, on Court Street from West State Street to West Washington Street in Athens.
Ohio Brew Week will also host a Brew BQ, featuring live music 4–10:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, at the former Athens Train Depot, 123 W. Union St.
Last Call takes place 1–11 p.m. Saturday, July 18, from East Carpenter to West Washington streets in Uptown Athens.
Ohio Brew Week performers have not yet been announced; events are free.
Athens Community Arts & Music Festival: Aug. 1
The annual Athens Community Arts & Music Festival will take place Saturday, Aug. 1 in Uptown Athens on West Union Street, between Congress and Court streets. The festival this year features an eight-act lineup with performances starting at 2 p.m. Headliner Shannon Shaw Band plays at 10:30 p.m. The festival is free and also showcases local artisan vendors.
Parade of the Hills: Aug. 19–22
Nelsonville’s 76th annual Parade of the Hills features nightly entertainment on a main stage in addition to the annual Ohio State Old Time Fiddlers Contest, held at Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville.
Concert series
Under the Elms
Ohio University’s annual concert series wraps up soon with a special Independence Day celebration at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2, featuring Rod Miller as John Philip Sousa. Free; outdoors. Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, 33 University Terrace, Athens.
Jackie O’s x Blackout Booking Summer Concert Series
Shows are happening at Jackie O’s Taproom & Brewery at 25 Campbell St., Athens, all summer long. Admission: $13. All shows are at 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays:
- June 27: DANA, with special guest The Peel.
- July 11: Heather Redman & The Reputation.
- Aug. 15: M Ross Perkins and The New Marshfields.
- Aug. 29: Ernie Johnson from Detroit.
- Sept. 5: End of summer bash, lineup TBA.
“The Beat Goes ON” Free Music Series
Monthly concerts will take place this summer at Chauncey Community Park, 8433 W Bailey Road, Chauncey; featuring free henna tattoos. All shows are free and start at 6 p.m. Wednesdays:
- July 15: Caitlin Kraus.
- Aug. 26: Athens County Dixie Stomplers.
- Sept. 16: Tim Gowens.
Other performances
- 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16: Charlie Parr at Creekside Stage. Snow Fork Event Center, 5685 Happy Hollow Road, Nelsonville. Free. Hosted by Stuart’s Opera House.
- 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10: The Creekers at the Athens County Fair. A six-piece band rooted in the bluegrass tradition performing at 286 W. Union St., Athens. Admission: $15.
- 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13: Angela Autumn at Creekside Stage. Snow Fork Event Center, 5685 Happy Hollow Road, Nelsonville. Free. Hosted by Stuart’s Opera House.
