Rock’n the Park 2026

This year’s four free to attend summer acts are in place; here’s a taste of what’s ahead for music fans in Downtown Asheboro’s Bicentennial Park

Each outdoor concert will begin with a local opening band at 6:30 p.m. with main act on at about 8 p.m. Food trucks will be on hand and other restaurants are within easy walking distance. Bring your own chair.

May 22

MegaStars Of Country Tribute to Brooks & Dunn

Larry Turner and Doug Brewin perform a tribute to one of the most popular and influential duos in country music history, Brooks & Dunn. Larry (who sings the parts of Kix Brooks) and Doug (who sings as Ronnie Dunn) have been performing tributes to the country music duo since 2013. Both use their own natural singing voices and love bringing to the stage the sound and energy of the famous country music duo.

The duo are part of Megastars of Country, which also provides tributes for Alan Jackson, George Strait, Dolly Parton,  Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson and more, sometimes with concerts featuring more than one of the acts. Their website is megastarsofcountry.com.

June 26

Heart Breaker:  The Ultimate Heart Tribute Band

This group describes itself as “a national touring act based in North Carolina with the goal of playing each song with love, respect and a true passion for the original material. We bring you not only Heart’s greatest chart-topping hits (“Alone,” “These Dreams,” “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda”) but you also get a taste of the great Led Zeppelin songs that inspired Heart.”

At the heart of the group are Staci McBeth of Winston-Salem and Joan Burton of Myrtle Beach. Both are veterans in the music business. McBeth is a vocalist with the range of Ann Wilson, Pat Benatar, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin and has opened for the likes of Vince Gill, Brett Michaels and more. Burton can play guitar or piano and has opened for the likes of Peter Frampton and Electric Light Orchestra.

July 24

Black Pearl Party Band: The Ultimate Yacht Rock Experience

The Black Pearl Party Band is based in Burlington, NC.

The original Black Pearl was an American rock and roll band formed in San Francisco that was active from 1967 to 1978.

One description of the term “yacht rock” is “classy, smooth, and perfect for listening on a boat.” Think Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Hall and Oates, Steely Dan, Boz Skaggs. Then enter the Black Pearl Party Band, which adds on a rocked up edge. 

 As the band notes on its Facebook page, “We have truly captured ‘Lightning in a bottle.’ We have no rules !! We play what 

you want to hear !! Your favorite songs from the 70’s, 80’s,90’s and beyond !!!”

August 14

September: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire

A band from Raleigh, September: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire describes itself as a vibrant and dynamic tribute band that pays homage to the legendary sound and spirit of its iconic namesake. Formed by a group of passionate musicians and performers, September captures the essence of the original band, bringing their classic hits and electrifying performances to life.

Expect a repertoire that spans decades and features timeless songs like 

“September,” “Shining Star” and “Reasons” while blending elements of R&B, funk, jazz and disco to entertain audiences of all ages with dazzling choreography, colorful costumes, and a powerful live band

Don’t forget these Sunday concerts, with 6 p.m. start times in Bicentennial Park

May 17

Band of Oz

This beach music band started in the mid-1960s with high school students. Known for its 1995 hit single “Shama Lama Ding Dong,” it was inducted into the Beach Music Hall of Fame in 1997.

June 14

Part Time Party Time Band

Another popular Southeastern beach music entertainment group, this one formed in 1980. PTPTB entered the CBMA Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

July 19

The Catalinas

A beach music band formed in Charlotte in 1957, more than 60 guitarists, keyboardists, trumpet players, drummers, bass players and singers have been part of the band. It joined the Beach Music Hall of Fame in 1995.

August 9

Phatt City

Beach music, R&B music, soul music, blues music, Motown music, Chicago music, Earth, Wind, & Fire ... it has been playing a variety of music since being formed in the 1970s and playing off and on ever since.

September 13

The Entertainers

A beach music band formed in 1980 has among its work the beach hit “Thank Goodness She Cheated.” In its performances up and down the East Coast, it also plays Top 40, Classic Rock & Roll and Country selections.