Historic Courtsquare & Outdoor Music

Music rings from every corner of Mountain View’s downtown courtsquare as visitors stroll between impromptu gatherings of musicians. Banjos, dulcimers, guitars, fiddles and other acoustic instruments play the tunes of century old folk songs just about every night of the week during the season. Those who come to listen are invited to bring their lawn chairs and wander from group to group listening to the offerings of traditional hill music, folk music and the occasional bluegrass or gospel group.

The Stone County Courthouse is the heart of a lively shopping district, home to a variety of craft, gift, and antique shops. Nearby is the Old Mill, built in 1914 and restored in 1983, which once supplied residents with fresh cornmeal and flour and still has much of its original equipment. Several restaurants and snack bars are around the square for visitors ready to take a break to enjoy home-style treats.

In the evening, choose from a variety of indoor music shows and “pickin’ barns” throughout town that feature some of the finest musicians in the country. Don’t forget to head back to the square after the shows, where you are likely to hear music being played late into the evening.

Still looking for more music? The nearby Ozark Folk Center is a unique state park devoted to preserving Ozark music, crafts and heritage. Live music performances during the day and most evenings feature the traditional folk music of the Ozarks, all dating from before 1941. Special events celebrating folk music include music workshops for just about any acoustic instrument, folk dance workshops, annual tributes to Jimmy Driftwood and Grandpa Jones and the American Roots Music Series.