From jazz to good old rock ‘n’ roll, music festivals always draw a crowd. Whether you are a local or don’t mind traveling a few miles just to see your favorite act, the following are several music festivals in the Poconos you don’t want to miss!
Music Festivals in the Poconos
Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Music and Arts Festival
Held each summer since 2005, the Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Festival is a free, family fun event that features music and art. The weather is usually gorgeous and the perfect setting for experiencing music and art in two locations: the Main Stage and downtown Honesdale. Bands that participated in the past include Commander Cody, Big Leg Emma, MiZ, and The Farm Hands.
Delaware Gap Celebration of the Arts
Also known as COTA, this annual festival focusing on incredible jazz music is held each September. The Delaware Water Gap Festival was started in 1978 featuring local artists. When you attend this fun annual three-day event, you can hear seven or eight great bands each day with a variety of acts that are sure to please the whole family!
Wildflower Music Festival
For more than 30 years, music lovers have been going to the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills, PA, to enjoy incredible music in a beautiful outdoor environment. Held at a natural amphitheater, the Wildflower Music Festival features live music every Saturday between July and August. During inclement weather, performances are held at the local high school.
Buck Hill Skytop Music Festival
The Buck Hill Skytop Festival features a wide variety of music, including opera, jazz, dance, chamber music, cabaret and Broadway! Enjoy a different type of music in a different venue every day during this 8-day festival that spans two weekends in late July to early August.
Live Music in Hawley, PA
Even if there isn’t a music festival going on, there are still plenty of opportunities to see live music in the Poconos, especially right here in Hawley, PA!
Three of our favorite places include Harmony Presents, Glass-Wine.Bar.Kitchen at Ledges Hotel and The Settlers Inn.
Harmony in the Woods brings incredible acts to town and is famous for presenting “off the grid” independent musicians and comedians. Harmony in the Woods features performers from music genres including Americana, Funk, Rock, Bluegrass, Soul, Classics and more.
Concerts are held in the new outdoor amphitheater, Harmony in the Woods. Carved out of the hillside in Hawley, the tiered landscape creates a natural amphitheater. Visitors should bring their own blankets, chairs and refreshments to sit amid the trees and rocks. The covered stage was designed to blend into the environment. Order beer, wine, sandwiches and snacks, as well as coffee from Cocoon Coffee House to bring along to the concert.
Ledges Hotel features Glass-wine.bar.kitchen, a lovely bar and restaurant that overlooks the river gorges. Each Thursday, you can listen to John Curtain perform from 6-9 p.m. In addition, the summer features Blues, Brews and BBQ, weekly live blues performers outside on the decks overlooking the waterfall.
The Settlers Inn features Jazz on the Deck, live jazz music every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. from July through August. It’s the perfect setting for listening to talented artists perform and enjoy a delicious meal.
Silver Birches has Lakeside Live, every Saturday and Sunday, Memorial Day to Labor Day on the waterfront at the resort.
The Pocono region is rich with talented musicians and venues that attract artists from far-reaching destinations. Just about any time of year you visit this area, you’ll be able to find music festivals or live music event that will get your foot tapping!
Photo Credit: 8213erika / Thinkstock