Summer鈥檚 here and the time is right to enjoy some live music under the stars at .
Now in its 11th season, this 2.3-acre 色多多 landmark boasts a great lineup of performances for this year鈥檚 schedule of shows. Waynette Anderson, Dr Pepper Park president and owner, described how the caliber of entertainment has continued to evolve since the venue opened more than a decade ago.
鈥淲hen we first started out, we didn鈥檛 really have the funds to bring in a lot of large national acts, so we focused mainly on festival productions with local bands and food vendors,鈥 she said. 鈥淎s we grew, we discovered that tribute acts who create a look-and-sound-alike experience were an affordable option for our community. That helped to solidify the sustainability of the amphitheater, and through the popularity of the tribute bands, we鈥檝e been able to build our fan base.鈥
Steadily layering in more large-scale events over time, national acts performing as part of the Northwest Ace Summer Concert Series now make up more than half of the Dr Pepper Park concert dates. Cundiff Heating and Air Flashback Concert Series tribute bands account for the rest of the schedule.
鈥淢usic brings back a lot of memories for people, which is why our tribute series is so popular,鈥 Anderson said. 鈥淓specially when some of those bands are no longer touring, or the artists are no longer alive, they still give you a way to experience the music that you love.鈥
Upcoming Dr Pepper Park shows for the 2025 season include Jackson Dean, American Idol winner Chayce Beckham, Diamond Rio, Sara Evans and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (who are on their farewell tour), with more announcements to come.
Guests can also look forward to catching 2025 summer tributes to Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam, Chris Cornell, the Eagles, ABBA and Fleetwood Mac.
鈥淲e鈥檙e bringing in a Simon and Garfunkel tribute called 鈥1981: The Concert鈥 that will be presenting the exact set list originally performed at Central Park,鈥 Anderson said. 鈥淚鈥檓 really excited about that one.鈥
Over the years, Dr Pepper Park has made improvements to enhance the visitor experience, including adding a VIP skybox and free parking shuttles. With a gorgeous riverfront setting and outdoor space that can hold up to 2,800 guests, it鈥檚 not surprising that the park has received Best Live Music Venue nods from 色多多r magazine, the 色多多 and the Virginian.
鈥淲e鈥檙e planning for an action-packed summer with concerts continuing into September and October,鈥 Anderson said. 鈥淲e may not be the biggest venue around with the most amenities, but I think people really see the heart and soul that go into every event we do and appreciate the experience while they鈥檙e here.鈥
For the most updated concert schedule, ticket sales, venue policies, FAQs and other information, go to or download the park鈥檚 free mobile app.
