Live Music, Park Vibes, and Summer Nights at Gulley Park Concert Series
Some traditions are worth holding onto—and in Fayetteville, Thursday nights at Gulley Park are practically sacred.
The 29th Annual Gulley Park Summer Concert Series is back. If you haven’t experienced the magic of live music under Arkansas stars with a food truck taco in hand and your dog sprawled on a blanket beside you, you’re missing out on one of NWA’s most beloved summer rituals.
Where Music Meets Community (And Really Good Street Food)
Every Thursday from June 12 through July 24 (with a patriotic pause for July 4th), the community gathers at the Gulley Park Gazebo from 7-9 p.m. for what locals know is the perfect recipe for summer bliss: stellar regional acts, food trucks that actually know what they’re doing, and the kind of laid-back atmosphere that makes you remember why you moved to Arkansas in the first place.
The series brings together all walks of life, from families with kids who need to burn energy before bedtime to couples looking for a date night that doesn’t require reservations or uncomfortable shoes. And yes, your furry friends are not only welcome but encouraged—because what’s a perfect summer evening without your dog making friends with every other pup in the park?
This Year’s Can’t-Miss Lineup
June 12: Ultra Suede
Ultra Suede provides high-energy, interactive, dance party entertainment that blends disco and dance into something your feet won’t be able to resist. Consider this your official permission to bust out those moves you’ve been practicing in your living room.
June 19: National Park Radio
Here’s where it gets good. This nationally touring indie-folk “power duo” calls the Ozark Mountains home, and their beautiful harmonies are the stuff of local legend. Husband and wife duo Stefan & Kerrie Szabo have made a name for themselves with incredibly inspiring songwriting and unique, energetic live shows that’ll have you downloading their entire catalog by Friday morning.
June 26: Emo Night: Taylor’s Version (Plus Kidz Night!)
Plot twist: This is a high-energy pop-punk/rock show featuring your favorite Taylor Swift tunes in a genre-bending celebration that somehow makes perfect sense. The evening gets even better with Kidz Night featuring obstacle course inflatables, bounce house, face painting, and jumbo size yard games. It’s chaos in the best possible way.
July 10: Rochelle Bradshaw & Hypnotion
Born into a musical family, Rochelle’s voice carries lessons and wisdom passed down through generations, creating a deep connection to her roots. Her reggae-influenced sound promises to transport you somewhere warm and life-affirming—exactly what a summer Thursday should feel like.
July 17: Dandelion Heart
Four women creating a unique Americana sound by blending individual songwriting styles with penetrating harmonies and sparse instrumentation. Expect folk, blues, bluegrass, rock, and indie sounds from this hometown band that knows how to capture beauty in simplicity.
July 24: King Cabbage Brass Band
The grand finale deserves fanfare, and eight performers driving the groove with a five-piece horn section on a mission to spread joy delivers exactly that. Think jukebox of funk, soul, jazz, and R&B with sing-along songs that last all night—the perfect send-off to summer.
Pro Tips for Gulley Park Veterans (And Newbies)
Bring the Essentials: Lawn chairs, blankets, and maybe a cooler if you’re feeling ambitious. The food trucks will handle dinner, but you’ll want something to sit on and something cold to sip.
Arrive Early: Not because you need to claim territory (this isn’t Coachella), but because watching the park fill up with families, couples, and friend groups is half the charm.
Explore the Art Market: Local artists and makers showcase their work in a vibrant market setting that’s perfect for pre-show browsing.
Get the Swag: The iconic Gulley Park Concert t-shirt can be pre-ordered online and picked up at the Parks department booth, or you can grab one at their storefront on Rock Street.
The Details:
📍 Gulley Park Gazebo, 1850 East Township Street, Fayetteville
📅 Thursdays, June 12-July 24 (skipping July 3)
⏰ 7-9 p.m.
💰 Free
🐕 Leashed pets welcome
Mark your calendars, dust off those lawn chairs, and prepare for the kind of summer nights that remind you why you love calling Northwest Arkansas home. Trust us—if you attend one show, you will undeniably be back for the remaining shows.
See you on the grass.
