Certain Saturdays this summer, when the sun begins to set over the Rappahannock River on Virginia's Northern Neck there and there is a salty sweetness in the air, something noteworthy begins to happen.

This summer at Belle Isle State Park you can enjoy the Music by the River concert series put on by the Friends of Belle Isle State Park. There is a super line-up of bands scheduled for this year’s season of live music at Belle Isle State Park, so you can dance to your own beat, or one of ours.

You will enjoy live bluegrass from the Whitetop Mountain Band as they play Belle Isle State Park on August 12, 2017, you can listen to a sample of their toe-tapping style below:

We hope you will join us as we feature a wide variety of live performances for all to enjoy. From twangy bluegrass to good old fashioned rock n’ roll, from the rhythm of the reggae beats, catchy Americana to down home blues. 

HERE IS THE EXCITING LINEUP:

• May 13 – Series 62
• May 20 – Wild Flower Honey (Edit: Last minute addition replacing JJ & Co)
• June 10 – Beer Money
• June 17 – U.S. Navy Band – Country Current
• July 8 – Legacy
• July 15 – Out on a Limb
• August 12 – Whitetop Mountain Band
• August 19 – Southern Grace

Concerts are always on a Saturday beginning at 6:00 p.m. and are great for the whole family. Parking is $4 per vehicle but the concert is always free. 

The Friends of Belle Isle offer free popcorn and sell drinks for 50¢. Put on your dancing shoes and "cut a rug" as you enjoy these live shows. Children young and old can enjoy ranger-led games and activities. The concerts take place at the Belle Isle State Park picnic area near the beautiful Rappahannock River. 

We invite you to come out and spend the day in the park before enjoying a live performance that evening. All shows are family friendly, bring your chairs, a blanket and a picnic, as there will be some picnic tables available as well.

The Music by the River concert series is made possible by the support of the Friends of Belle Isle State Park and these fine local businesses and organizations:

BayFM 101.7, Chesapeake Bank, Commonwealth Senior living of Farnham and Kilmarnock, Dehnert, Clarke and Co, PC, Eugene Duffer Foundation, EVB, Friends of Belle Isle State Park, MetroCast Communications, Rappahannock Record, River Country 107.5, Tri-star Supermarket, Wealth Planning Solutions, Robert E Walker, WiGO Country, WNND 103.9, and WRAR 105.5. 

If you are looking for overnight accommodations, Belle Isle offers spacious campsites with electric and water, a canoe-in campground, and two overnight houses located in the Bel Air area. You can make reservations by calling the Virginia State Park Customer Service Center at 800-933-PARK (7275).

Belle Isle State Park has seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River and provides access to Mulberry and Deep creeks. It has a wonderful campground, picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails, and boat launches.

Directions to Belle Isle State Park can be found here. For more information about these concerts and other events going on click here.

WE'LL SEE YOU BY THE RIVER!