June 21, 2026 is just around the corner!
We’re working hard to bring back last year’s favorite workshops, venues, and performers. This website will be constantly changing as workshops are finalized and performances are added throughout Stanly County. Be sure to check back often to see what exciting events will occur on JUNE 21!
Looking for something special to do with Dad this Father’s Day?
Join us for an afternoon filled with free workshops, including Ukuleles, Harmonicas, and Bucket Drumming; plus free performances and an afternoon and evening filled with music of all genres!
Celebrate America’s 250th!!
Join us for an afternoon filled with patriotic sing-a-longs, performances, and a chance to join the Stanly County Concert Band as they play the famous marches of John Phillip Sousa during Sousapalooza!
Sundays at its BEST!
The perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon is hearing the majestic sounds of the organs at our downtown churches in Albemarle and Norwood! Back by popular demand!
About
In the beginning….
In the early 1980s, Jack Lang and his staff at the Ministry of Culture in France decided that music should have its own national holiday. They imagined a day where free music would be everywhere, all around each city: street corners, parks, rooftops, gardens, and store fronts. This event would be set apart from typical festivals and welcome anyone and everyone to join in, no matter their skill set or social standing. In the end, Mr. Lang and his staff created Fête De La Musique (In French, the name means both “festival of music” and “make music”) which would occur on the summer solstice, June 21st.
Fast forward 40 years, and Fête De La Musique has turned into something greater than the creators could have imagined. The Fête has turned into a true national holiday: the country shuts down on the summer solstice and musicians take over. Almost 11% of French people (7 million people) have played an instrument or sung in public for the Fête de la Musique, and 64% of the country (43 million people) comes out each year to listen.
Today….
Now Make Music Day has spread world-wide and is now celebrated in more than 2,000 cities in 120 different countries. In the U.S., over 150 communities are gearing up for Make Music Days.
June 21st, 2026 will be our 3rd Annual Make Music Day for Stanly County! Looking forward to more opportunities throughout Stanly County MAKE MUSIC!!
Participate
Click here for HOW TO Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@makemusicday/shorts
Make Music Day will consist of performances around the county. The Stanly County Arts Council is looking for both performers and venues willing to participate in this event. If you are a venue or a performer willing to participate please sign up using the provided links. Any spot can be a venue!
PERFORMERS:
- Musicians of all ages, skill levels, and styles. You can play one show or as many as you like.
VENUES
Hosting can be as simple as providing space on your porch or as complex as renting a stage and sound equipment. Hosts control the location, performance times, and list available equipment. Sites must:
- Be within Stanly County
- Be free and accessible to the public
- Maintain space on the sidewalk for pedestrians OR have an open area inside of the venue
MATCHMAKING SYSTEM
The Matchmaking System connects venues and musicians. After creating an account , venues and musicians can browse each other’s profiles to request a booking. If you already have your event planned and do not need the matchmaking tool, list your event following the video guide linked above.
Apart from the live entertainment, Make Music Day is a county wide event happening on June 21st. With events in Downtown Albemarle, Badin, Locust, Oakboro, and Norwood, this event has something for everyone!
2026 PARTICIPATORY EVENTS
NEW FOR 2026
In celebration of America’s 250th, we have a few Participatory events to celebrate this milestone in our country’s history!!
Patriotic Sing-a-long with the Stanly County Chorale and Stanly County concert Band, 3:00 pm @ Market Station (Albemarle)! Song sheets will be provided. Show your pride by singing the classic Patriotic songs celebrating America.
Sousapalooza with the Stanly County Concert Band, 3:30 pm @ Market Station (Albemarle)! Anyone can come and play with the Concert Band. Bring your instruments (& music stand, if you have one) and join the concert band as they play 5 classic marches by John Philip Sousa. Email us in advance for copies of the music. Director: Carmella Hedrick
The Singing Americans of Stanly County will perform @ 4:00 pm a special concert commemorating America’s 250th at Grace Baptist Church (644 Edgemont St., Albemarle). FREE
2026 SPECIAL EVENTS
ORGAN CONCERT @ 1 pm @ First Presbyterian Church, Downtown Albemarle
Back by Popular Demand! Hear the majestic sounds of the organ at First Presbyterian Church, located at 126 W. North St., Albemarle. Organist: Michael Rowland
ORGAN CONCERT @ 1 pm @ First Presbyterian Church in Norwood
Back by Popular Demand! Join Dr. Elizabeth Harrison as she showcases the beautiful sounds of the organ at First Presbyterian Church, 207 S. Main St., Norwood, NC.
2026 WORKSHOPS –
NEW FOR 2026
- Harmonica 101 for Daddy & me! Make music and memories together in this beginner harmonica workshop designed for dads and kids! Learn simple songs, basic techniques, and fun rhythms in a relaxed, hands-on setting perfect for all experience levels. 2 sessions available. First 10 participants (per session) will receive a free Harmonica! (Albemarle) Special thanks to EASTTOP Harmonicas for this special donation!
- Cookin’ Up some Rhythm (Rhythm Sticks): Get ready to cook up some rhythm! This fun and interactive rhythm stick workshop uses food as creative inspiration, turning chopping, stirring, crunching, and cooking sounds into exciting musical patterns. Participants will explore rhythm, movement, and percussion techniques while creating playful beats inspired by favorite foods and kitchen traditions. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, the workshop blends music, imagination, and a love of food into a lively hands-on experience. Rhythm Sticks provided. (Albemarle) Special thanks to RBI for this special donation!
- **FOR ASPIRING MUSICIANS** MUSIC 101: Understanding the Music Industry. Dr. AP Duffield of Clefnotes Music Group will explain how to navigate the complexities of the music industry, including Performing Rights Organizations, mechanical licensing, and how streaming royalties are calculated. Additionally, he will break down the lucrative worlds of sync and licensing, positioning your music for film, TV, and media.
- Piano Mat: Experience the joys of tapping your toes on a large piano mat…. just like Tom Hanks in the movie “Big” (Locust)
EVERYONE’S FAVORITE 2024 & 2025 WORKSHOPS ARE BACK for 2026:
- Bucket Drum Workshop: Learn basic beats and different tones… on a bucket! Drumsticks provided. (Albemarle and Locust) Special thanks to Vic Firth for donating drumsticks!
- Rhythm JOY(Boomwhackers & Handbells & More!): In this engaging workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to play a variety of rhythm instruments, including Boomwhackers and Hand Bells. Finale will be playing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” It will be a joyful and enriching experience in rhythm. (Albemarle ) Special thanks to RBI for this special donation.
- Ukulele for Daddy & Me!: Celebrate Father’s Day with a fun beginner ukulele workshop for dads, kids, and families! No experience needed—learn easy chords, simple songs, and enjoy making music together in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Bring your own Ukulele or borrow one from Heather. Ages 8+ (Albemarle)
- Instrument Petting Zoo: Come look at a wide range of instruments and try them out! (Locust City Hall – covered walkway between City Hall and Library.)
- Elixer’s String Along Event: How to String Your Guitar: Learn how to string your acoustic/electric guitar and receive a free set of strings (while supplies last.) Registration required. (Albemarle Music Store) Click Here to Register or Call Carol at 704-982-3815.
- Kazoos – Making & Playing them: Laugh, hum, and make music in this playful kazoo workshop for the young at heart! No musical experience needed—just bring your sense of fun as we explore simple tunes, silly sounds, and joyful group music-making together. (Albemarle & Locust City Hall)
Workshops in downtown Albemarle:
| TIME | WORKSHOP | PRESENTING GROUP | LOCATION | DETAILS/LIMITS |
| 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Bucket Drumming | Music on Main Instructor – Kurt Varney | Market Station | Learn basic beats and different tones… on a bucket! Limit: 10 Ages: 7+ |
| 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Rhythm JOY (Boomwhackers & Handbells) | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | Depot @ Market Station | Learn how to play a variety of rhythm instruments, including Boomwhackers and Hand Bells. Finale will be playing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” All ages. |
| 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Ukulele | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | Depot @ Market Station | Beginner ukulele workshop. No experience needed—learn easy chords, simple songs. Bring your own Ukulele or borrow one from Heather. Ages 8+ |
| 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Cookin’ Up some Rhythm (Rhythm Sticks): | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | Depot @ Market Station | Cook up some rhythm in this fun, interactive workshop inspired by food and kitchen sounds! Participants will used provided Rhythm Sticks . Perfect for all ages and skill levels. |
| 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm | Harmonica 101 for Daddy & me! | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | Depot @ Market Station | Learn simple songs, basic techniques, and fun rhythms in a relaxed, hands-on setting perfect for all experience levels. Free Harmonica for the first 10 participants/class. |
| 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Music 101: Understanding the Music Industry | Dr. Preston “AP” Duffield, owner Clefnotes Music Group | Depot @ Market Station | For Aspiring Musicians, learn how to navigate the music industry and be profitable in your music career. |
| 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Drop-in) | Kazoos – make your own & learn a song | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | Depot @ Market Station | Learn how to make a kazoo plus how to play a song on it! |
Workshops in Locust: City Hall (Backyard Stage & Covered Walkway:
| TIME | WORKSHOP | PRESENTING GROUP | LOCATION | DETAILS/LIMITS |
| 1 pm- 5 pm (Ongoing) | Make your own Rhythm Shaker | Ariel Jones & West Stanly High School Band | Covered Walkway between Locust City Hall and Library | Drop in and make your own Rhythm Instrument, a fun craft that’s great for all ages! While supplies last. |
| 1 pm – 5 pm (Ongoing) | Instrument Petting Zoo | Ariel Jones, West Stanly High School Band Director | Covered Walkway between Locust City Hall and Library | Come look at a wide range of instruments and hear the demonstrations by The West Stanly High School Band! |
| 2 – 2:30 pm | Bucket Drumming | Instructor: Jonathan Wyatt | Town Center Back Lawn Stage | Learn basic beats and different tones… on a bucket! Limit: 12 students Ages: 7+ |
| 1 pm – 5 pm(ongoing) | Piano Mat | Ariel Jones, West Stanly High School Band Director | Covered Walkway between Locust City Hall and Library | Tap your toes on a piano mat and explore the different sounds each key makes! |
| 1 pm – 5 pm (ongoing) | Kazoos – make your own & learn a song | Ariel Jones, West Stanly High School Band Director | Covered Walkway between Locust City Hall and Library | Learn how to make a kazoo plus how to play a song on it! |
Who else is taking part?
Over 25 artists, including:
- Bunch of Misfits --
- Elizabeth karnes --
- FREE Workshop - Harmonica 101 for Daddy & Me! --
- FREE Workshop - Ukulele for Daddy & Me! --
- Fred Lee IV of Late Night Special --
- Free Bucket Drumming Workshop --
- Free Workshop - Cooking up some Rhythm --
- Free Workshop - Make your own Kazoo --
- Free Workshop - Music 101: Understanding the Music Industry for Aspiring Musicians --
- Free Workshop - Rhythm JOY --
- Instrument Petting Zoo --
- Jacob Coley --
- Jake Love and John Love --
- Jayda C. --
- Michael’s Band --
- Misscommunication --
- Organ Concert with Elizabeth Harrison --
- Organ Concert with Michael Rowland --
- Patriotic Sing-a-long with the Stanly County Chorale and Stanly County Concert Band --
- Rick Scaffe --
- Scott Kittleson --
- Singing Americans of Stanly County --
- Sousapalooza - Community Participatory Event --
- The Great Octopus Band --
- Third Take
Over 13 venues, including:
- Albemarle Music Store --
- Bistro- cafe- art gallery --
- Courthouse Plaza --
- Courthouse Square Park --
- First Presbyterian Church --
- First Presbyterian Church of Albemarle --
- Grace Baptist Church --
- Juneberry Ridge --
- Locust City Hall - Covered Walkway between Library & City Hall --
- Locust City Hall - Covered Walkway between Library & City Hall (2) --
- Locust Town Center - Back Yard Stage --
- Market Station --
- The Depot at Market Station
Listings
Support
Be a musician!
Be a venue!
Be an audience member!
Attend a workshop!
Or support the arts in Stanly County with a monetary donation to the Stanly County Arts Council: https://stanlycountyartscouncil.org/donate/
All gifts are tax deductible.
The Stanly County Arts Council is a 501 (c) (3) whose mission is to encourage & promote broad-based cultural and educational activities in the arts throughout Stanly County.
Financial information and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the state.
Contact
Get in touch with us at stanlycounty@makemusicday.org