The Blue Ridge Mountains are alive with the sound of music. This sound springs from the lively music scene that has grown in the city over the last few years. No matter your music taste, there are plenty of music venues in Lynchburg that will meet your style and genre. Make some noise at the music events and venues waiting for you in the Hill City.
Lockn’ Music Festival
Amidst the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a short drive from Lynchburg, the Lockn’ Music Festival is held annually at Infinity Downs & Oak Ridge Farm in Arrington, Virginia. This four day festival aspires to provide the ultimate atmosphere for live music with a blend of world-class music, local vendors, and community engagement by offering fans mind-blowing lineups and the best in local and regional cuisine, craft beers and wines, and opportunities to explore the picturesque setting.
Though their 2018 lineup has not been announced, past performers have included:
- Robert Plant
- Phish
- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
- The String Cheese Incident
- Willie Nelson
- Jimmy Cliff

Courtesy of The Lynchburg, Virginia Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
Opera on the James
Opera on the James celebrates its 13th Season as Lynchburg’s OPERA AMERICA Level Four Professional Company providing opera lovers the power and beauty of live opera. With stunning costumes and sets, partnerships with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra and Jefferson Choral Society , and perfect location at the Academy Center of the Arts, Opera on the James gives a feast for the senses.
Past and future performances include:
- Cosi Fan Tutte coming in March
- Don Giovanni
- La Boheme
- The Marriage of Figaro
- Carmen
- Tosca

Courtesy of The Lynchburg, Virginia Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
Academy Warehouse Series
Expanding on their successful summer Riverfront Park Concert Series, The Academy Center of the Arts , through the support of BWX Technologies, Inc. and Moore & Giles, has added a six-part indoor concert series for Fall 2017 and Winter 2018. The Warehouse Concert Series will feature national, regional, and local music acts, furthering the Academy’s mission to bring world-class music to Downtown Lynchburg.
The series continues into 2018 with eclectic and heart pounding sounds of the No BS! Brass Band on January 12th with more bands scheduled through April 19th.
Speakertree
Speakertree Records offers Lynchburg’s best selection of new and used vinyl records, as well as, other media.The shop recently moved to the Riverviews Artspace. The space hosts live acoustic shows for local, regional and national touring artists.Keep up with their planned events by following their Facebook page.
Lynchburg Concerts
Founded in January 2017, Lynchburg Concerts prides themselves on bringing premier talent to the Central Virginia. Their 2018 lineup includes:
- Colt Ford
- DEE – 1
- Corey Smith
- The Orphan, the Poet and the Victor
- Phil Vassar
- The Lacs
- And many more!
With the 2017 season coming to a close, keep an eye on their social media for next year’s schedule!

Courtesy of The Lynchburg, Virginia Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
Coffee Shops
For those that enjoy sipping on coffee while listening to music, Lynchburg has several shops that host live performances. The White Hart Cafe hosts regular guest artists from Lynchburg and the surrounding areas. Across town, The Muse Coffee& Roastery promotes their own selection of upcoming artists. Newcomer 5th St. Grind plans to hold regular Open Entertainment “Mic” Nights, where the floor is open for any type of performance, including music acts.

Courtesy of The Lynchburg, Virginia Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hill City Keys Piano Program
From April to October, a new crop of pianos thematically painted by local elementary and high school students, are placed at strategic points in downtown Lynchburg for anyone to play. This program has been a huge hit and has been a successful part of the music scene for the last four years. Come play them all and post your masterpiece to YouTube!
Catch your favorite band at any of these music venues in Lynchburg
Lynchburg’s music scene is growing and becoming more vibrant as bands and artists claim the City as their home. Events ranging from festivals to intimate acoustic sessions are always happening in Lynchburg, so view our events calendar to see upcoming shows and concerts.
Written by Lynchburg, Virginia for Lynchburg, Virginia.
Featured image provided by Courtesy of The Lynchburg, Virginia Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
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