Highlighting artists and events throughout North Carolina
Dex Fest 2026
June 26-27, 2026, Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC
This two-night event celebrates the music and legacy of rockabilly/garage luminary Dexter Romweber. Notable NC artists performing include Certain Seas, Dallas Tetnus, Dynamite Brothers, Entrez Vous, John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff, as well as a few imported acts from across state lines. Doors: 6pm
Mike Krause & The Third Expression, Floy Doy
June 28, 2026, Stanczyks, Durham, NC
Mike Krause and company create instrumental explorations influenced by everything from Jazz to Americana. Floy Doy mine a more experimental vein, embracing the tag of “psychedelic roots jazz.” Doors: 1pm
Tiger Bear Wolf, Verity Den, Forced Fun
July 16, 2026, Local 506, Chapel Hill, NC
Greensboro’s Tiger Bear Wolf heads to Chapel Hill to release their third LP of driving, melodic rock riffs. Carrboro’s Verity Den supports with their brand of shoegaze adjacent indie. And Durham’s Forced Fun opens with their 90’s DC punk-influenced tunes. Doors: 7pm
Rabbit Fighter, Erik Sugg & Thee Ole Night, The Trousers
July 17, 2026, The Cave, Chapel Hill, NC
Greensboro’s Rabbit Fighter bring their catchy, melodic guitar rock to the Cavern Tavern. Also on the bill: Raleigh’s Erik Sugg & Thee Ole Night, with their gothic doom folk, and the high energy garage rock of The Trousers. Doors: 9pm
Monster Wave
July 24-25, 2026, NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC
With opening sets for Messer Chups and The Phantom A.D. under their belt, Asheville’s Monster Wave bring their horror-themed instrumental surf-rock to Carolina Cryptidfest with sets planned for both days. Heed the humid call of the ‘squatch! Doors: 10am
John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff
August 8, 2026, Haw River Ballroom Outdoor Stage, Saxapahaw, NC
The “Saturdays in Saxapahaw” series has become a summer staple for this tiny, former mill village and remains free to the public. Add NC’s finest country music songcrafter to the bill, and you have a truly unique Piedmont, North Carolina experience. Doors: 5pm
The Mountain Goats
August 22, 2026, DPAC, Durham, NC
While some may miss their sloppy, raucous, pre-Colbert sets at smaller (and now mostly defunct) Durham venues, seeing this very polished version of The Mountain Goats at a grand venue like DPAC definitely offers its own experience. Doors: 7pm
Glow in the Dark Scars, Sonic Blooms
August 27, 2026, Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar, Carolina Beach, NC
Wilmington indie rockers Glow in the Dark Scars closes out the 2026 Ocean Grill pier music series with Greensboro psych outfit Sonic Blooms. Doors: 5pm