Outdoor Concerts are Back in Hillsborough!
August 26, 2026
We are getting closer to fall, which means cooler temperatures and more time outdoors. September ushers in outdoor music season here in Hillsborough, with many outdoor festivals and events to choose from! Here is your guide to finding outdoor live, local music in Hillsborough:
Outlandish Hillsborough Scottish Festival – September 26th
Ayr Mount | $25 per adult, kids under 12 free | Scottish music and dancing
The Outlandish Hillsborough Scottish Festival will have live, Celtic inspired music on the main stage until 4pm! For fans of traditional Scottish music, there will be bagpiping by Andrew Prioli, and a performance by the NCSU Pipe and Drum Band to kick off the day. Then, catch local musicians Bogturtle, Nine Times Around, and Big Celtic Fun.
For those looking for more music, don’t miss the FREE Friday Night Ceilidh kickoff, in partnership with Last Fridays & the Art Walk. Andrew Prioli will open the evening with a bagpipe performance, followed by Scottish traditional dancing by the Monroe School of Highland Dance. Fiddle guru Colin MacLeod will also be joining in, playing fiddle tunes and teaching a hands-on workshop for all skill levels.
Flushfest – October 9th-11th
Eno River Brewing | Donate what you can | Piano, Latin, Funk, Punk and more!
Flushfest returns this October! West Hillsborough’s signature festival, Flushfest is a unique mix of genres and performances. Where else can you catch jazz, live piano, Latin cumbia, punk, and the Color and Light Choir all on one bill? Flushfest celebrates music and community, all while contributing to a good cause – the Appropriate Sanitation Institute.
Moorefields Bluegrass Festival – October 10th
Moorefields Historic Site | $30 adult, $13.45 teens, kids under 12 free | Local bluegrass
Moorefields is the perfect site for some bluegrass! Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy music on the lawn from 1-6pm. There will be food and drink, and an amazing lineup of local bluegrass musicians. There will even be a free kids bluegrass workshop led by the Hodnett Family Band after their performance.
River Park Concert – October 24th
River Park | FREE | Folk, bluegrass, and more
The annual River Park concert is a free, outdoor concert hosted by the Triangle Music Alliance. This year, the festival is headlined by the Brothers Comatose, a five-piece bluegrass band. Rounding out the lineup is local favorites Tan and Sober Gentlemen, Mason Via, Jack the Radio, and Ghost + Bones. This event is a favorite around town, and not to be missed!