Music lovers are invited to spend their Friday evenings in downtown Oakland as the Oakland A&E District and the Garrett County Arts Council proudly present the Little Yough Summer Music Festival, a long-running, much-loved summer tradition featuring live music. Running every Friday from July 10 through September 4, the festival offers eight weeks of free outdoor concerts at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion, with performances beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The festival showcases an exciting lineup of talented regional and local musicians representing a variety of musical styles. Whether you’re a fan of bluegrass, classic rock, country, Latin rhythms, or energetic party bands, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The series kicked off on July 10 with The Jason Shaw Band, who entertained the crowd with popular hits from several decades and across several genres.
The musical lineup continued on July 24 with The Plate Scrapers, a high-energy bluegrass band known for blending traditional sounds with modern influences.
On Friday, July 31, The Cooley Gang takes their turn on the Little Yough Summer Music Festival stage. From their website: “The Cooley Gang was founded by an Appalachian multi-instrumental singer-songwriter cousin duo with roots in WV and PA. Since 2000, Jason Jaros and Ryan Cooley Gaujot produce sounds that span many classic genres including: bluegrass, old time, rock & roll, gypsy jazz, folk, jam band, and cowboy songs.”
August begins with The Chris Blaney Band on August 7, delivering an evening of crowd-pleasing Southern Rock. On August 14, audiences can enjoy the versatile sounds of the Tom Batchelor Band. Based in Morgantown, WV, the Tom Batchelor Band performs music spanning the genres from reggae to rock.
One of the festival’s most anticipated evenings will be August 21, when regional favorite Optimus Riff brings its energetic rock performance to the Mountain Fresh Pavilion. The excitement continues on August 28 as local legends The Remedy entertain audiences with the music that has made them a longtime favorite throughout the region.
The 2026 Little Yough Summer Music Festival concludes on Friday, September 4, with the lively rhythms of SabroSon Latin Band. From SabroSonLatinBand.com “SabroSon Latin Band was born in 2016 out of a simple idea, friends coming together to share their passion for Latin music.
Founded and directed by José Ramírez-Macías, a visionary flutist, educator and entrepreneur, the group began with lively rehearsals featuring piano, bass, and congas. What started as a joyful pastime quickly grew into a musical force that captured the attention of local audiences and businesses alike.”
More than just a concert series, the Little Yough Summer Music Festival is a celebration of community and how art brings people from all walks of life together. Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, gather with neighbors, and enjoy an evening under the summer sky. Food trucks will be on site each week, making it easy to grab dinner or a sweet treat while enjoying the music. In August, the Oakland A&E District hopes to add vendors selling their products to create a traditional festival feel to the event.
Held in the heart of downtown Oakland along the Little Youghiogheny River, this series of concerts provides the perfect setting to experience live entertainment while supporting the vibrant arts and culture scene in the town. The event has become a favorite summertime tradition, attracting residents and visitors alike to enjoy quality performances in a welcoming outdoor atmosphere.
Admission is free, and with a playground steps away from the concert venue, the Little Yough Summer Music Festival is an
ideal way to spend Friday nights with family and friends..
Mark your calendar, bring your chairs, and get ready for another unforgettable season of music at the Little Yough Summer Music Festival, when Oakland comes alive with great performances, great food, and great memories.
Written by the Garrett County Arts Council.