Alleghany Arts Council - Sparta, N.C.

06/11/2026

Calling All Local Artists & Makers!

Do you create handmade art, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, fiber arts, photography, candles, soaps, or other unique handcrafted goods?

The Alleghany Arts Council is looking for talented local artisans to join us at our remaining Music on Main events this summer in downtown Sparta!

Music on Main brings together live music, local businesses, food vendors, and hundreds of community members for an evening of fun, making it the perfect opportunity to showcase your work, connect with customers, and be part of one of Alleghany County’s favorite summer traditions.

Remaining 2026 Dates:
• July 4
• August 1
• September 5

Vendor Details:
• 10’ x 10’ booth space – $30 per event
• Juried artisan marketplace
• Set up begins at 3:00 PM
• Music and crowds from 5:00–9:00 PM

Whether you’re an established artist or just beginning to share your work with the public, we’d love to see what you’re creating.

Applications and additional information can be found on our website. Space is limited, so apply early to reserve your spot!

We believe great communities support local artists—come be part of the experience.

Signup here 👉 https://www.alleghanyartscouncil.org/music-on-main-artisan-booths/

Are you a local creator looking for the perfect venue to share your work? The Alleghany Arts Council is thrilled to invite local artisans to join our Music on Main summer concert series! This year, we’re opening up booth spaces for handmade goods to be featured alongside our live music lineup. It....

06/09/2026

What an incredible way to kick off the 2026 Music on Main season!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on Main Street Saturday evening for our first Music on Main of the season. From the first notes of the evening to the last song of the night, the energy, excitement, and community spirit were amazing to see.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of the musicians who shared their talents with us:

Wild Hares & Pearl in a Picnic
Red River Dawn
Above the Dam
The Water Peppers

And a special thank you to our headliner, 8-Track Minds, whose incredible energy had people dancing in the streets and helped make the evening one to remember!

Thank you as well to our volunteers, sponsors, Happy Gorditas Taco Truck, vendors, local businesses, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this free community event possible.

Mark your calendars now for our next Music on Main on Saturday, July 4th, featuring headliner The Entertainers. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again for another fantastic night of music, fun, and community.

Thank you for making the first Music on Main of the season such a success. See you on July 4th!

06/08/2026

Music on Main will be back for another unforgettable summer evening in downtown Sparta!

Join us on Saturday, August 1, 2026 as we welcome Empire Strikes Brass, a high-energy, ten-piece brass-funk-rock powerhouse from Asheville. Their explosive sound, infectious grooves, and incredible stage presence will have the whole town dancing from the first note to the last.

Bring a lawn chair, gather your friends and family, or simply lace up your dancing shoes and head to Main Street for a night of great music, community, and summer fun.

Local Opener Bands start at 5pm
• None of the Above
• Terry & Brandy
• Fly
• Two Tunnels
• Alleghany Ridge Runners

Headliner Empire Strikes Brass starts at 7pm!

Enjoy dinner from one of our local restaurants or food vendors, explore, shop and make an evening of downtown Sparta. We can’t wait to see you on Main Street!

Music on Main is presented by the Alleghany Arts Council and made possible through the support of our sponsors, volunteers, and community partners.

06/07/2026

Another amazing night for Music on Main!

06/06/2026

Take Home a Piece of Music on Main!

Celebrate the season and support the arts with our commemorative Music on Main T-shirts!

These limited-edition shirts are available for $25 each, with proceeds helping support the programs, events, and creative opportunities provided by the Alleghany Arts Council throughout our community.

Whether you’re a longtime Music on Main fan or enjoying your first season, this shirt is a great way to show your support while helping us continue to bring free arts and music experiences to Alleghany County.

T-shirts are $25 each.
Stop by our booth during Music on Main to purchase yours while supplies last!

Thank you for supporting local arts, local music, and the community spirit that makes Music on Main so special.

Wear the music. Support the arts. Keep the tradition growing.

06/06/2026

Today is the day!

The Alleghany Arts Council is excited to kick off the first Music on Main of the 2026 season in downtown Sparta!

Join us for an evening filled with great music, local artisans, delicious food, family fun, and the energy of our community coming together on Main Street.

Opening acts begin at 5:00 PM:
• The Wild Hares at Little Seed/Touch of Grace
• Red River Dawn at 27 on Main
• Above the Dam at the County Building
• The Water Peppers at the Community Bank

Then get ready for our headlining performance by 8-Track Minds starting at 7pm

While you’re downtown, be sure to visit our local shops, enjoy dinner at one of Sparta’s restaurants or food trucks, browse our artisan vendors, and let the kids enjoy the family activity area.

Bring your lawn chairs, invite your friends, and help us start the season off strong. We can’t wait to see Main Street filled with music, laughter, and community spirit once again.

Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, musicians, vendors, and local businesses who help make Music on Main possible.

See you tonight in downtown Sparta!

06/06/2026

The Alleghany Arts Council is saddened by the loss of our friend and fellow board member, David Piner.

David generously shared his time, talents, and enthusiasm in support of the arts and our community. His kindness, creativity, and willingness to serve will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

David’s presence will be deeply missed, and his contributions to our community will not be forgotten.

With gratitude and remembrance,

Alleghany Arts Council

06/06/2026

So excited!!