Raleigh’s Groove in the Garden among August music festivals

The heat of August puts a damper on the outdoor music scene, leaving it to mountain venues to present the month’s larger festivals. But two Triangle shows late in the month bring several bands from across the state to the rose garden at Raleigh Little Theatre and to Louisburg for an afternoon of contemporary Christian music and other activities aimed at youths.

Raleigh’s Groove in the Garden on Aug. 22 offers an opportunity to catch an eclectic gathering of eight popular North Carolina bands in a single show. The festival, put on by The Pour House, features The Love Language, Bombadil, 6 String Drag, Laura Reed, Jack the Radio, Nuclear Honey, The Midatlantic and First Person Plural. There will also be food trucks and a couple of dozen vendors. It’s at Raleigh Little Theatre’s Stephenson Amphitheatre, 301 Pogue St., from 1-9 p.m. $10. Info: raleighlittletheatre.org and thepourhousemusichall.com.

The following Saturday, Aug. 29, the youth ministry of Pilot Baptist Church of Zebulon puts on the 13th annual Youth Fest Christian Music Festival at the Norris Creek Outdoor Entertainment Complex near Louisburg. The show is from noon to 6 p.m. and features Mikeschair, Abandon, Surrounding Jericho and another band yet to be named. Also on the schedule: a BMX stunt team, rock climbing wall, obstacle course, gladiator joust, and food and drink concessions. $10; $5 for ages 4-10. Norris Creek is at 751 Old Halifax Road off N.C. 98 between Bunn and Louisburg in Franklin County. Info: youthfest2k.com.

Elsewhere this month

▪ The 41st annual N.C. State Bluegrass Festival in Marion, Aug. 13-15, features Dailey Vincent, the Del McCoury Band, Gene Watson and the Farewell Party Band, Rhonda Vincent The Rage and 14 more acts. Info: adamsbluegrass.com.

▪ The Irie Vibes Music Festival in Forest City, Aug 14-16, is mostly a reggae show with Sun-Dried Vibes, Oogee Wawa, See Water, Floralorix and 20 more bands from up and down the East Coast. Info: irievibesfest.com.

▪ The Clear Mountain View Music Festival, held on an agri-tourism farm in Cleveland County Aug. 27-29, will present the Larry Keel Experience, Big Daddy Love, Dangermuffin and eight more rock, country and Americana bands, most playing multiple shows. Info: clearmountainviewmusicfestival.com.

Get details about these and 11 more August music festivals at Carolina Music Festivals: carolinamusicfests.com.