News & Events

Morganton’s foot-stomping concert series will be entertaining folks of all ages in the High Country throughout the glorious days of summer. The TGIF Concert Series has become a popular event for those who want entertaining things to do in Morganton NC—both locals and music lovers from afar. The TGIF event brings an average of 1,800 people to each concert. Crowds can double when there are special events that combine with TGIF.

This summer the free concert series runs from May 3-July 26th with a wide variety of performances to enjoy. The live bands perform from 7-10 pm. Arrive at six o’clock with a hearty appetite and you’ll find fabulous fare served up by the food and beverage vendors by the Historic Burke County Courthouse lawn. Spread out your blanket and gaze up at the starry night while the music fills the air. Rain or shine, the shows go on.

Here’s the amazing family-friendly TGIF line up:

• May 3; The Extraordinaires; Variety and Car Cruise In

• May 10; Grandmas Medicine; Rock n Roll

• May 17; Rooted; Americana

• May 24; Gotcha Groove; Soul

• May 31; Fox and Company; Dance

• June 7; Surf Cavalier; Indie Rock and Car Cruise In

• June 14; Sweet Revenge; Classic Rock

• June 21; Throw Down Jones; Rock

• June 28; Tuatha Dea; Celtic

• July 12; N-Spire; Party/Variety and Car Cruise In

• July 19; The Night Move Band; Beach

• July 26; Buick MacKane; Southern Rock

The twelve free concerts are produced by the Historic Morganton Festival, Inc., and its fifteen-member board, who work with gusto. In addition, the HMF produces the Historic Morganton Festival in September, farmers markets on Saturdays from May thru October, and various fundraisers for public art. HMF also collaborates with the community and other worthy organizations to offer the State of Origin Craft Brew Festival with Fonta Flora Brewery in June, and the October Oyster Outing with Burke Arts Councils each fall. The economic benefit to the local community is tremendous. Many volunteer to make these events happen, and any profit made is reinvested so that the community can continue to count on these cherished yearly traditions.

This sort of community spirit and camaraderie are among many reasons folks love Morganton. There is a pride in this town and a deep care for history as well as the charming town’s path moving forward. Morganton received the 2014 Great Main Street Award from the American Planning Association of NC. Stroll down Main Street and you’ll understand why folks cherish this quaint downtown with so much to offer and awesome things to do in Morganton NC. Whether it’s shopping, dining, sipping cocktails with your friends, catching professional entertainment, or attending an lively gala…there’s something for your every mood.

The Coves is just a town away from Morganton, which allows its lucky residents simple ease in attending all the town’s carnivals, festivals, food, art and brew crawls, parades, farmers markets, concerts, chili cook offs, fitness challenges and on! The Coves Mountain and River Club is a friendly gated community with a heart, and the folks who have made their home in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains sure do appreciate a good thing…like the mountain towns and communities that surround them.

Come and visit The Coves when you’re looking for things to do in Morganton NC and take the short drive to Morganton to discover why living in this region is truly idyllic. You’ll find plenty of unique handmade gifts and have an incredible selection of restaurants to choose from– Greek, Italian, American, French, Japanese, Sushi, and after your savory meal– tapas rolled ice cream or a Costa Rican bakery with fresh confections. If you’re thirsty there are cafes, breweries and wineries where you can relax and socialize with your friends. A visit to Morganton and The Coves will be the highlight of your summer.

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 70 page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide which provides more information about living in the foothills.