Carlisle is a historic college and Army town in Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley, about 20 miles west of Harrisburg. Its walkable downtown is full of brewpubs and restaurants, including a weekly Tuesday open mic, a brewpub known for community jam sessions and a 1939 Art Deco theater. Harrisburg's folk jams and the Susquehanna Valley's music scene are a short drive away. This guide covers Carlisle's history, its music scene and venues, and where to find open mics and open jams.
A Brief History of Carlisle
The Cumberland Valley was home to the Susquehannock, Shawnee and Lenape peoples. Carlisle was laid out in 1751 as the seat of the newly created Cumberland County and named after Carlisle, England. Its location on the frontier made it an important military supply post during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Revolutionary War heroine Molly Pitcher is buried in the town's Old Graveyard.
In 1773, Dickinson College was chartered in Carlisle, making it one of the oldest colleges in the country. Carlisle Barracks, one of the oldest active military posts in the United States, has been home to the U.S. Army War College since 1951. From 1879 to 1918, the barracks housed the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, a federal boarding school that forcibly assimilated thousands of Native American children; Olympic champion Jim Thorpe was one of its students. The school's painful legacy is an important part of the town's history.
Confederate cavalry shelled Carlisle in July 1863, just before the Battle of Gettysburg. Today the town is known for its historic downtown, Dickinson College and its huge collector car shows at the Carlisle Fairgrounds.
The Carlisle Music Scene
Carlisle's music life centers on its downtown. The Carlisle Theatre, a 1939 Art Deco movie house, hosts concerts, community shows and talent spotlights, and Dickinson College brings classical, jazz and student performances to town. Downtown brewpubs book local bands and acoustic acts most weekends.
Carlisle is also part of the Harrisburg area's active folk and roots community. The Susquehanna Folk Music Society runs concerts, the annual Susquehanna Folk Festival and monthly community jams in nearby Harrisburg, and the region's breweries and coffeehouses host open mics across the Cumberland Valley.
Popular Live Music Venues In and Near Carlisle
- Carlisle Theatre (W. High St.) – A restored 1939 Art Deco theater for concerts and community events.
- Back Porch Brewing (133 N. Hanover St.) – A downtown brewery with live music and a weekly open mic.
- Market Cross Pub & Brewery (N. Hanover St.) – A British-style brewpub known for artist showcases and community jam sessions.
- Molly Pitcher Brewing Company – A local brewery with live music.
- Dickinson College – Campus concert halls for classical, jazz and student ensembles.
- Harrisburg venues – The Whitaker Center, the Forum and Fort Hunter's Centennial Barn, about 25 minutes east.
Open Mics and Open Jams In and Near Carlisle
Carlisle's open stages are downtown, and Harrisburg adds folk jams within half an hour. Below are the best options, followed by a schedule.
Before you go: Open mics and jams change hosts, nights and venues often. Always check the venue's or host's website or social media before heading out with your gear.
In Carlisle
- Open Mic Night at Back Porch Brewing (133 N. Hanover St.) – Every Tuesday, 6:00–9:00 p.m. "Local talent, great vibes and cold beer." Call (717) 254-6134 with questions.
- Community jam sessions at Market Cross Pub & Brewery – The pub hosts weekly artist showcases and community jam sessions. Check its social media for the current night.
- Open Mic Night at Bosler Memorial Library – Periodic all-ages open mics for musicians, poets and comedians, held outdoors in warm weather. No pre-registration needed. Watch the library's calendar.
Nearby
- Susquehanna Folk Music Society Monthly Jams & Song Swaps (Fort Hunter Centennial Barn, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg) – Second Sundays, October through May, 1:00–4:00 p.m. Acoustic music for all levels and ages.
- SFMS Open Mics – The Susquehanna Folk Music Society also presents periodic open mics in the Harrisburg area. Check sfmsfolk.org.
Carlisle-Area Open Jam & Open Mic Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Event | Venue | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday (2nd, Oct–May) | SFMS Jams & Song Swaps (1 p.m.) | Fort Hunter Barn, Harrisburg | Folk / Acoustic |
| Tuesday | Open Mic Night (6 p.m.) | Back Porch Brewing, Carlisle | All Styles |
| Weekly (confirm night) | Community Jam Session | Market Cross Pub & Brewery, Carlisle | Open Jam |
| Periodic | Open Mic Night | Bosler Memorial Library, Carlisle | All Ages |
Tips for Playing Carlisle's Open Mics and Jams
- Walk downtown. Back Porch, Market Cross and the Carlisle Theatre are all within a few blocks on Hanover and High streets.
- Watch car show weekends. Big Carlisle Events shows at the fairgrounds pack the town; plan parking ahead.
- Connect with Dickinson players. College musicians often turn up at local open mics during the school year.
Helpful Local Resources
- Back Porch Brewing (backporchbrewinginc.com) – Events calendar.
- Susquehanna Folk Music Society (sfmsfolk.org) – Concerts, jams and open mics.
- Downtown Carlisle Association – Downtown events and First Fridays.
