Location: Jackson Park, Pulaski (40 1st St NW)
The Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley invites the public to the return of its popular Rhythm by the Rails Festival, taking place Saturday, August 9, 2025, in Jackson Park, Pulaski. This free event is a celebration of music, art, and community, offering live performances, art activities, food, and fun for all ages. A $5 suggested donation is welcomed to help support continued arts programming in the region.
The afternoon and evening will feature live music from an exciting lineup of regional and nationally recognized talent. Audiences will enjoy performances by The Draper Line Band, Noah Spencer (a Season 24 contestant on The Voice), and The Mike Mitchell Band, as well as the Junior Appalachian Musicians of Greater Pulaski (GRAPe JAM). Pulaski Dance Productions will also offer a special performance.
The music schedule begins at 3:00 p.m. with GRAPe JAM, followed by the Draper Line Band at 3:30 p.m., Pulaski Dance Productions at 5:00 p.m., Noah Spencer at 5:45 p.m., and concludes with the Mike Mitchell Band from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Festivalgoers can enjoy a wide range of art demonstrations by local and regional artists, including needle felting with Cyndi Maitri, plein air painting with Matt Gentry, pottery with Rebekah Shupe and friends, loom weaving by Nikki Pynn, candle making with Husser’s Fragrance, and nature-based art with Tara Fowlkes. A collaborative community art project will also be available for attendees of all ages to contribute to.
Food trucks will be onsite offering a wide range of options including Bootleg BBQ, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Nay Nay’s Grab and Go, Squeeze 'Um Shake 'Um, and Lizard Licks. A beer and wine tent will also be available.
About the Performers:
The Draper Line Band is known for its high-energy mix of country, classic rock, pop, R&B, and Southern rock. Their vibrant stage presence and musical versatility make them a crowd favorite.
Noah Spencer, a native of Southwest Virginia, brings heartfelt acoustic sound to the stage, with musical influences ranging from John Mayer to James Taylor. His appearance on The Voice showcased his broad appeal and vocal talent.
Mike Mitchell is a nationally recognized bluegrass artist whose albums have topped Billboard and Bluegrass Unlimited charts. A gifted fiddler and educator, Mitchell blends traditional sounds with original songwriting in electrifying live performances.
Sponsors
We want to thank our event sponsors for enabling us to bring this special community event to Pulaski! Thank you for your generous support of Rhythm by the Rails!
