Music in the Park
A time-tested 22-year-old tradition that began with a small group gathered by the pavilion, Music in the Valle (also known as Music in the Park) is a testament to the arts and has grown to be a permanent facet in the Valle Crucis and Watauga community in general. The weekly summer music event has featured dozens of bands in its years of existence, and the music brings together a unique mix of nature, Watauga community, and the arts. Hosted in the heart of the valley every Friday night from May to September, a mix ranging from Bluegrass to Americana can be heard from the riverside lawn of Valle Crucis Community Park.
Not everyone goes to Music in the Valle just for the music, lots of people go for the community. Among other games, lots of attendees gather around to play Spikeball.
Nat Combs, a journalism staff member, says that she enjoys the sense of community and togetherness that Music in the Valle brings.
Beloved Watauga art teacher, Ms. Ruggeiro, shares that she loves to be in the beautiful space the park has provided and enjoys the opportunity to catch up with current and former Watauga students.
Her favorite bands that she has seen at Music in the Valley include Soul Benefactor, Foscoe Four, and The Loose Roosters.
Izzy and Sofia Bateman, former editor-in-chief of The Spark, Sofia Bateman, share that they loves music in the park because it provides friends, families, and locals with a connection to the outdoors.
"Reminds me of when I came here as a kid," says Izzy.
Food trucks, games, swimming, and relaxing are some of the many things visitors to Music in the Valle do while listening to the music.
High school students Gigi Waugh, Macyn Farrington, Juna Gersonde, and Maya Shinnar love Music in the Valle for the quality time it allows them to spend together.
Beaver Robinette, a member of regular music in the park feature Rastacoustic, attests to the joy of playing in a venue practically in your own front yard. As someone who has performed at Music in the Valle "every year except for covid," Robinette loves the safe sense of community provided by the park.
From dogs to snakes and even pigs, Music in the Valle is a haven for pet owners.
The Spark staff member Mia Platt frequents Music in the Valle is one of the many Watauga High School students that attend the summer music.