Every summer, Fredericksburg, Virginia, comes alive with the sounds of live music through the cherished tradition of Music on the Steps. Celebrating its 41st year in 2026, this free, family-friendly concert series transforms the front steps of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Fredericksburg Branch into a vibrant stage, offering a diverse lineup of musical performances that resonate with the community’s rich cultural tapestry.
A Summer Staple in Fredericksburg
Held every Monday evening from June through August, Music on the Steps invites residents and visitors alike to gather at 1201 Caroline Street from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to enjoy the open-air concerts. In case of inclement weather, performances are moved indoors to the library’s theater, ensuring the music continues rain or shine.
2026 Lineup
The 2026 season boasts a mix of genres and talents, reflecting Fredericksburg’s dynamic music scene.
- June 1: LADIA
- LADIA is a women-led band celebrating women in music, covering women artists and women-led bands across all genres and eras.
- June 8: Tampa Taiko
- Tampa Taiko is a professional Japanese-style drumming and performing arts ensemble based in Virginia and Florida.
- June 15: Adwela & the Uprising
- Adwela & the Uprising is an internationally touring reggae band based right out of central Virginia. They have had the pleasure of playing opening sets and festivals for more than 20 Grammy winning and nominated artists. Their 2 full length albums have enjoyed charted positions on numerous music charts and are pleased to give our fans a seasoned roots reggae experience!
- June 22: Stafford Opera Troupe
- Stafford Opera Troupe is a non-profit, community-based organization producing accessible, high-quality opera performance and education opportunities for high school, collegiate and community performers.
- June 29: Twist of Fate
- Twist of Fate offers classic covers of artists like Dylan, Springsteen, and the Beatles, and jazz and blues standards.
- July 6: Trash Rocket
- Fueled by punk energy and pop melodies, Trash Rocket will have you dancing beyond the stratosphere.
- July 13: Angela Easterling & Brandon Turner
- Angela Easterling brandishes her songwriting chops with rootsy, refreshing, homespun tunes, while her duo partner, Brandon Turner, masters many complex styles, with instrumentation that fleshes out the stories in Angela’s songs, and adds some rocking fun.
- July 20: Harry Wilson Quartet
- Led by renowned vibraphonist Harry Wilson, the group delivers a distinctive, high-energy blend of traditional jazz, R&B, and Latin influences.
- July 27: ThoseNewYorkKids
- Multidisciplinary creator shaping sound, energy, and community through art, symbolism, and service, carrying lightning-born purpose into every connection he makes.
- August 3: Hālau O ‘Aulani
- To teach and perpetuate the cultures, traditions, and values of the People of Hawai‘i through dance, language, arts, music, history, and customs.
- August 10: Steven Gellman Trio
- Americana/Folk with a twist–incorporating unique instruments such as woodwinds and ukulele along with guitar, harmonica, and three-part harmony.
- August 17: Sheryl Warner & the Southside Homewreckers
- This Richmond trio explores roots music from the Delta blues to Piedmont rags to the jazz-inspired songs of the legendary blueswomen.
- August 24: Limon & Latin Feeling Band
- Danceable Afrocuban Latin Jazz fusion of music with original compositions and arrangements by Cuban percussionist, Alberto Limónta Perez.
- August 31: The Tollbooth Buskers
- The duo of Laurie Rose Griffith and Peter Mealy are returning for their 41st consecutive performance atMusic on the Step as the Tollbooth Buskers, a five piece ensemble that adds a great new energy to their eclectic mix of pop, folk, rock, and original music.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor exploring Fredericksburg, Music on the Steps offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene. Mark your calendars for Monday evenings this summer and be part of a tradition that has been bringing joy to the community for four decades.
For the full schedule and any updates, visit the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Music on the Steps page.
Come for the music, stay for the memories. See you on the steps!