Sandhills Nightlife Scene

By Mary Stone

While we are known as the Home of American Golf, when you put the golf clubs away for the day, it’s time to check out the nightlife and clubs throughout the Sandhills.

From wine bars to dive bars, we have something for everyone. Enjoy many styles of Live Music from Rock to Blues to Country and 80s or 90s! Solo acoustic acts with big personalities grace the smaller stages in our town. If you’re ready to enjoy some time off and a fun night out go see a band/ acoustic act and get your groove on! The only decision you’ll have to make ahead of time is who’s driving or which taxi service to call.

Southern Pines and Pinehurst are becoming a mini-Nashville with singer songwriters at almost every pub during the week and bands and lively performances Friday and Saturday nights all within walkable distances to each other. Pinehurst Brewing is a great place to catch live music on the weekend and then walk to Drum and Quill or Dugan’s Pub for food as well as live entertainment! Pinecrest Inn has the strongest drinks and occasional Live Music for the older crowd. Maxie’s has the best happy hour in town and tends to be the local’s best kept secret. Next door at Pinehurst Pizza they’ve added trivia nights and more.

In Southern Pines, venues like Red’s Corner in Southern Pines, Bell Tree and O’Donnell’s Pub have live music every week! There are ten bars within walking distance that feature Live Music. Start early at Red’s Corner with food trucks and taps, and then make your way down Broad Street. 715 Bar & Grill for the best wings and cheap grub, Legends of Southern Pines for pool tables, Jefferson Inn’s 1901 lounge for a speakeasy vibe or incredible outdoor Live Music, Southern Pines Growler for the largest selection of North Carolina beers and chill patio vibes, Wine Cellar for the wine and beer connoisseur, Island Lounge for outdoor hookah and cocktails with occasional DJs. Take the whole group to Rec Room and play video games and enjoy the full bar. End up at O’Donnell’s, Bell Tree or Neville’s for Late Night fun and bands if you’re a night owl!

Ten minutes away in the up-and-coming town of Aberdeen, Neon Rooster brings in artists from Nashville and beyond with intimate country and rock shows Saturday nights and karaoke on the big stage most Friday nights. Neon Rooster has indoor and outdoor space as well as restaurants, a wine bar, and Rail House Brewery within walking distance.

If you are seeking arts and cultural performances, we recommend you see what’s happening at the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities in Southern Pines, or the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center at Sandhills Community College or the Sunrise Theatre which has plenty of rainy-day options and shows every night.

During warmer months, you can enjoy an array of festivals and regularly scheduled events in many Moore County towns. Some of the more popular ones include First Friday in downtown Southern Pines and Live after 5 at the Arboretum in Pinehurst.

Our friends at SoPines Scene do a great job of keeping up you to date with the weekly Live Music Lineup, so follow them on their Facebook or Instagram page. If you are planning visit the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area over a weekend, be sure to check out the CVB’s Weekender video featuring all the best bets and must-see entertainment options in the Sandhills.

Mary Stone is a local performer, musician and publisher of SoPines Scene magazine.