Brooks and Dunn Tribute on May 22 kicks off the 2026 Rock’n the Park series at Bicentennial Park

ASHEBORO — This year’s Rock’n the Park concert series kicks off this Friday with a country flair:  A Brooks and Dunn Tribute.

It will be the first of four tribute concerts taking place in the outdoor venue of Bicentennial Park in downtown Asheboro.

The tribute bands have proven to be a big hit since their debut in 2022. 

Sunday night concerts had been taking place for a few years prior and they always brought out good crowds. 

But what took place when the City of Asheboro started introducing tribute bands may have been bigger than anyone could have hoped.

Thousands of people were turning out and filling gaps in the crowd when the city began to bring in bands that sparked memories for old fans and introduced popular groups to new fans.

These bands weren’t just cover bands; they mimicked the looks, action and sound of the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, The Beatles, AC/DC, Michael Jackson, Cold Play and several more that have made the trip to Asheboro. Acts that many people may have never had the chance to see, but here was a taste of what that might have sounded like.

It’s not the real thing, of course, but it’s certainly close enough to spark memories and spur thousands of people to sing along to songs to which they may have been surprised to find they still knew the lyrics.

This summer’s lineup should be equally tantalizing. Besides Brooks and Dunn, there’s groups paying tribute to Heart, Black Pearl and Earth, Wind and Fire.

On each of those Friday nights, local opening acts also get a chance to play before large crowds. This summer’s opening acts were finalized recently, so here’s who’s on tap and when:

May 22 — MegaStars Of Country Tribute to Brooks & Dunn. Opening act: Corey & The Wise.

June 26 — Heart Breaker: The Ultimate Heart Tribute Band. Opening act: Kelsey Hurley.

July 24 — Black Pearl Party Band: The Ultimate Yacht Rock Experience. Opening act: Mr. Brandon Shepard.

August 14 — September: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire. Opening act: Southern Chill.

If you want to check one out, just bring your chair or blanket, sit in the grass, visit a downtown restaurant or pub (the Zoo City Social District is in effect, so you can walk over with an alcoholic beverage you purchase downtown), or bring your own food, kick back, dance the night away, sing along ... the options are many, and the choices are yours!