Discovering Southern Oregon – April 2026
LIVE MUSIC fills the air in Jacksonville six nights a week. For a small historic town with only a few thousand residents, the amount of music flowing through our streets is remarkable. From a hillside amphitheater that hosts internationally known artists to cozy wine bars, saloons, inns, and open-mic gatherings, music has become one of the defining elements of Jacksonville’s culture.
Almost every evening, the sounds of guitars, pianos, and voices drift through town. You might be enjoying oysters and ale while a blues guitarist plays nearby, or relaxing with a glass of wine as a local singer-songwriter performs. In Jacksonville, live music is rarely far away.
At the center of the town’s music scene is the Britt Music & Arts Festival. The outdoor amphitheater is the crown jewel of local entertainment and attracts visitors from across the Pacific Northwest. Tucked among towering pines on a historic hillside property, Britt presents an impressively diverse summer lineup. One night might feature a full classical orchestra, while the next brings rock, jazz, reggae, bluegrass, country, or folk legends to the stage.
Britt has also expanded its presence beyond the summer season. After taking over the historic U.S. Hotel Building, the organization has begun bringing more music into town throughout the year. During the colder months, musicians from the Britt Festival Orchestra keep the music alive with winter concerts and chamber performances that bring world-class classical music to more intimate indoor venues.
While Britt may be the centerpiece, Jacksonville’s smaller venues provide the steady rhythm that keeps the town’s music scene alive week after week.
At Bella Union Restaurant & Saloon, history and entertainment blend together. This classic downtown restaurant and saloon hosts live music on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Wednesday evenings are especially popular for oysters and ale, paired with live performances in the cozy bar. With wooden floors and walls covered in historic photos and décor, the atmosphere feels like stepping back into Jacksonville’s Gold Rush days.
Wine and music are another natural pairing in Jacksonville. South Stage Cellars helped pioneer live performances at local wineries and tasting rooms. Today the venue hosts regular music on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in both its intimate indoor space and its shaded outdoor patio. Guests can order small plates to accompany the music, and on Wednesdays a catered dinner can be pre-ordered for a full evening of food and entertainment. Down the street you can spend a lovely evening listening to live music and wine tasting at Remotion Wine.
Midweek musicians and aspiring performers gather across the street at Boomtown Saloon for one of the Rogue Valley’s most beloved open-mic nights. Every Wednesday, local players take the stage to share songs and stories in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. A perfect midweek outing might begin with dinner and music at South Stage Cellars before heading to Boomtown to catch the open mic.
Just down the street, the lounge at the Jacksonville Inn has become another relaxed gathering place for music lovers. Its popular Tuesday Tunes series offers laid-back performances where locals meet for drinks and easy listening. From time to time the energy rises with themed events like 90s dance nights, and the addition of a full bar has made the lounge a lively stop for music and nightlife.
One of Jacksonville’s most unique stages can be found at The Miners’ Bazaar. This eclectic artist collective features a crooked front porch that doubles as a charming outdoor stage. Musicians perform beneath the evening sky in a relaxed and informal setting. The Bazaar also hosts a monthly speakeasy-style gathering, adding another fun night of live music to the town’s calendar.
Beyond downtown, the surrounding hills and vineyards provide even more places to enjoy music. Wineries such as Daisy Creek Vineyard, DANCIN Vineyards, Rellik Winery, Hummingbird Estate, and Dos Mariposas Vineyards often feature weekend performances. Visitors can sip local wines while enjoying live music and sweeping views of the Rogue Valley.
In Jacksonville, you don’t have to search far to find a stage. Just follow the sound of guitars, laughter, and clinking wine glasses drifting through the evening air.