The Gates Four Summer Concert Series returns for its 6th year of seasonal live music and outdoor entertainment, continuing its rise as one of Fayetteville’s and Cumberland County’s most beloved summer traditions.
Organized through a partnership between Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper, the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre and Gates Four Country Club, the series offers free live music in a relaxed outdoor setting that brings together businesses, families, neighbors, and music lovers of all ages.
This year’s opening concert is already generating excitement, with The Guy Unger Band scheduled to take the stage for the kickoff performance on April 23 at 7 p.m. with a special Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at Gates Four Country Club at 6775 Irongate Dr.
The Guy Unger Band is known for their energetic blend of classic rock, southern rock and country favorites, and will be a near perfect preview of what concertogers will experience this summer. Their ability to blend familiar songs with energetic performances has helped them build a strong following across North Carolina and beyond.
All Gates Four Summer Concerts are free and open to all residents of Fayetteville, Fort Bragg and Cumberland County. The series will include four other concerts: Gimme Back My Skynard on May 23, 80s Unleashed and Autumn Tyde take the stage on June 27, Rivermist will follow on July 25, and the Dalton Davis Band will close out the series on Aug. 22.
Gates Four Country Club serves as the perfect venue for an outdoor concert. It provides a safe, scenic, and family-friendly outdoor entertainment venue surrounded by beautiful flowers, pine trees, and rolling fairways. The Gates Four Pavilion area transforms into a community gathering space where all attendees need to bring are lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the free show and activities.
For guests seeking a “dinner and a show” experience, the FDT offers limited reserved table seating inside the Gates Four Pavilion. Reservations, tickets and additional information can be found at fayettevilledinnertheatre.com or contact the FDT at 910 391 3859.
Gates Four offers several amenities for attendees. Bobby & Toni Jackson’s Ragin’ Rooster food truck will be on hand for food, as well as indoor dining options at JP’s Grill. Two full-service bars will be available: Healy’s Beer & Wine Tent and JP’s Bar. Families are more than welcome to attend, and children can play at the Main Event Children’s Area.
Gifts and door prizes from CSI, Rocket Fizz, Blacks Tire, Hinkamp Jewelers and Tropical Smoothie will be handed out
to concertgoers.
One of the defining characteristics of the Summer Concert Series is its accessibility. The concerts are designed to welcome all ages, making them a popular destination for families. Children, parents, and grandparents often attend together, creating a multi-generational atmosphere that reflects the broader Fayetteville community.
The concert series has grown significantly under the leadership of Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly newspaper and director of the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre. His partnerships with local organizations and sponsors have helped the series become a cornerstone of the region’s summer entertainment calendar.
The Concert Series remains free to residents and their families thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community supporters, including:
• Kevin Lavertu & the Riddle Family of Gates Four Country Club
• Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce
• All American Homes (Jay & JJ Dowdy)
• Certified Heating & Air (Larry Parker & Family)
• Servpro of Fayetteville (Brett Craig)
• Lumbee Guaranty Bank
• Miller Motte College
• Tropical Smoothie (Pavan Patel)
• Beasley Media Group
• The Main Event (Brittany Hunnicutt)
• The Roof Mentors (Daniel Bender)
• And many more
With six years of momentum, strong community support, and a lineup designed to appeal to all ages, the 2026 Gates Four Summer Concert Series promises another season of great music, good food, dancing, fun,and fellowship.

(Photo: The Guy Unger Band starts off the Gates Four Summer Concert Series on April 23 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The first concert will also be a special Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Photo courtesy of Guy Unger Band)