There’s something about live music that loosens shoulders, starts conversations between strangers, and turns an ordinary Friday night into a memory. If you haven’t yet made your way down to Burr Performing Arts Park on a summer evening, you’re missing one of Downtown Dalton’s best-kept secrets (and one of its most beloved traditions).
We sat down with Sarah Murry, Marketing Director for the Creative Arts Guild and a self-described music super fan, to talk about what makes Off the Rails worth circling on your calendar this summer.
For anyone who hasn’t been, how would you describe the Off the Rails experience?
“Imagine a warm Friday night, you’ve grabbed some food, and you’re surrounded by your neighbors — grandparents, little kids, young couples, everybody. And there’s this incredible live music just filling the park. That’s Off the Rails. It’s completely free, it’s outside at Burr Park [in Downtown Dalton], and it happens every Friday night throughout the summer. When people come once, they keep coming back.”
What goes into putting together a lineup that works for a whole community?
“We’re not just looking for great musicians — though of course that matters! We want each week to feel like a little discovery. Last season alone we had Latin music, Ragtime Jazz, Country, Jam… we want someone to show up on a random Friday night and hear something they’ve never heard before and fall in love with it. That’s a gift you can give people.”
There’s also a real emphasis on local talent, right?
“Absolutely. Every night starts with an acoustic set, and those slots exist specifically to shine a light on our homegrown artists. We try to get local groups on the main stage whenever we can too. There’s something extra special about watching someone from your own community up on that stage.”
You’ve called this your favorite community partnership in Dalton. Why?
“Because it genuinely takes a village. The Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Downtown Dalton Development Authority, the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, and the Creative Arts Guild — everyone has a role, everyone shows up. The Creative Arts Guild handles the artistic side, booking the musicians and making sure each night runs smoothly, which is of course my favorite part. But none of it happens without all of those partners at the table. It’s a real team effort. And local businesses sponsor the music and stage each week so that the music is free for the community. We are so grateful to be able to offer this all free of charge to attendees.”
What’s your favorite moment every week?
“Honestly? Just looking out at the crowd. When you see every generation out there together, all enjoying the same music — that’s the whole point. That’s what live music does. It connects people. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from; when the music starts, everyone’s in the same place together.”
Anything you can tell us about the 2026 season?
“We’re putting the finishing touches on the lineup right now, and it will be announced very soon. I can promise it’s going to be a great summer. I literally cannot wait.”
Neither can we. Keep an eye out for the 2026 Off the Rails lineup announcement, and plan to spend some Friday evenings this summer exactly where you should be — outside, with good people, and great live music at Burr Performing Arts Park.
Off the Rails is free and open to the public. Visit the Creative Arts Guild social media pages or Visit Dalton social media pages for schedule updates.
