A Music Festival in a Cemetery? A Tunes from the Tombs Q&A
For one day every June, Historic Oakland Cemetery becomes one of the most unique music venues in the country during Tunes from the Tombs. Here is what you need to know about this one of a kind event:
When and where is Tunes from the Tombs?
Historic Oakland Cemetery, Saturday, June 8th, 2019 from Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Why is there a music festival in the Cemetery?
The Victorians treated cemeteries as public spaces for leisure and recreation. Historic Oakland Foundation honors that tradition through programming that respectfully shares this beautiful historic site with the public. We believe that when someone comes and enjoys a day at the cemetery, they become an advocate for our work to preserve, restore, enhance, and share it.
What bands are playing at Tunes from the Tombs and where will they be?
Tunes from the Tombs brings to Atlanta some of the city’s, state’s, and region’s fabulous musical acts. This year’s headliners are Athens favorite Futurebirds, and they will be joined by an impressive lineup including Ruby Velle & the Soulphonics, The Artisanals, The Haraway Brothers, She Returns From War, Kylie Odetta, and more.
This year’s Tunes from the Tombs features four stages: the Platform Mainstage at Potter’s Field, the Larkin Underground Stage at North Public Grounds, and the New Realm Beer Garden & Acoustic Stage at Lion Square. This year we are introducing a fourth stage of local buskers at the Bell Tower/Visitor Center which will showcase local up-and-coming musicians.
The full lineup is as follows:
Main Stage
- 2:15 – 3:00: She Returns From War
- 3:30 – 4:30: The Artisanals
- 5:00 – 6:00: Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics
- 6:30 – 8:00: Futurebirds
North Public Stage
- 12:30 – 1:30: Distilled Butter Band
- 2:00 – 3:00: Mike Killeen
- 3:30 – 4:30: Kylie Odetta
- 5:00 – 6:00: The Haraway Brothers
Beer Garden Stage
- 1:00 – 2:00: Kylie Odetta
- 2:15 – 3:15: Caryn Lee Carter
- 3:30 – 4:30: She Returns From War
- 4:45 – 5:45: Mike Killeen
Bell Tower Busker’s Stage
- 1:00 – 2:00: Octane
- 2:00 – 3:00: Monica Arrington
- 3:00 – 4:00: Serson Brannen
- 4:00 – 5:00: Nate Helfrich
Is Tunes from the Tombs dog-friendly?
No. With the exception of service animals, dogs and other pets are not permitted at Tunes from the Tombs due to city ordinance.
What if I’m thirsty or hungry?
In addition to great local music, we’ll be featuring the best of local food and drink. With food trucks and beer, wine, and soft drinks there will be something for everyone. In the weeks leading up to the event, we’ll announce our lineup of food trucks.
Additionally, Tunes from the Tombs ticketholders can take their tickets to these local establishments for discounts and deals:
- $5 off your check at Mill Town Arms Tavern in Cabbagetown.
- 20% off food at Firepit Pizza Tavern (in-store only).
- 15% off food at Ramen Station (in-store only).
What else is there to do during Tunes from the Tombs?
Tunes from the Tombs is a family-friendly day at the Cemetery. Visit with our friends King of Pops and enjoy their field day games (think: giant Jenga), take a mini-tour with one of Oakland’s guides to learn about the history and stories of Oakland Cemetery, make a stop at the Rawson Mausoleum (across from the Visitor Center) to visit with our Fortune Teller Victoria Rose, and don’t forget to stop by the Artists Market to shop with local artisans and craftspeople:
- Twin Ravens Studios
- Sweetie Pie’s Knitting and crocheting
- Skull Sisters Design
- Matt Albert
- Jiiri
- Dirty Threads ATL
- Artetak
- JimmyJamBoomBam
- Manic Lawd
- The Asylum Countess
How will I know what is going on throughout the day?
There will be big signs throughout the cemetery with schedules, maps, and event information. You can also access all of this online in the week leading up to the event.
Where can I buy tickets for Tunes 2019?
Click here to get tickets at Freshtix and save $5 compared to buying them at the gates.
All proceeds from Tunes from the Tombs support the Historic Oakland Foundation’s mission to preserve, restore, enhance, and share Oakland Cemetery. Historic Oakland Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.