For the third year in a row, Eastover will host a monthly concert in the park series. The series is already underway, kicking off with a performance by The Catalinas on May 31, but don’t worry, there is still lots of music and fun to be had throughout the summer of 2025. Once a month throughout the summer, the Eastover Community Park turns into a concert venue, welcoming anyone and everyone to gather and enjoy live local music.
Since 2023, this Eastover Summer Concert Series has been a popular community event, and this year proves to be no different. According to Stan Crumpler, one of the events’ primary organizers, attendance at the concerts has grown significantly since the first summer. Their first concert in the summer of 2023 had about 250 in attendance. Last summer, the Band of Oz concert drew in over 500 people, attracting crowds from Cumberland, Harnett, Bladen, and Sampson counties.
The concerts all provide a full evening of fun for all ages. The park has playgrounds, a splash pad, and room to run, all open during the concerts. The park’s concessions stand is open, selling drinks and snacks, Chick-fil-a sandwiches, BBQ sandwiches, and pizza. There is always a food truck or two on hand for the concerts as well; those options will rotate, but the ever-popular Sweet Frog truck usually makes an appearance at some point during the summer. No alcohol is permitted in the park.
The concert venue is simple with an outdoor stage and an open lawn for seating. Audience members are invited to bring chairs and blankets to sit on as they enjoy good music in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. As parking can be a bit of a walk for some folks to make on their own, especially in the summer heat, there are free shuttles provided. For those needing a bit of help getting from their car to the lawn, there will be three shuttles taking people back and forth, free of charge. There is also security provided by off-duty Sheriff deputies for some additional peace of mind.
The June 14 concert will feature Rivermist, a favorite Fayetteville band. This group of 5 local guys plays an energetic mix of classic rock, R&B, and party music. With over 200 years of music experience between them, Rivermist’s strong sense of musicianship is matched only by their high-energy, fun and intensely performed shows. Their accolades speak for them: the Carolina Beach Music Awards named them “Rising Star” in 2023, and their song “Everything’s Changed” won The Surf 94.9’s Song of the Year in 2024. Readers of this publication have voted them Best Band for nine years running.
The rest of the summer promises to be equally exciting, featuring local bands that all play a variety of music. On July 12, North Tower will take the Eastover stage; the band has been playing for over 40 years and is a member of the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame. August 23 welcomes Jim Quick & Coastline. All the concerts are sure to offer a night of free fun, great music, and community. Bring your chairs to the Eastover Community Park at 2721 Ballpark Road in Eastover; enjoy dinner in the park, visit with friends, old and new, and enjoy great local music, all for free.

(Photo: Concert goers enjoy music in the Eastover Community Park. Photo courtesy of Eastover Concerts in the Park)