Free Summer Concerts in Boston
Summer Concerts Boston and Beyond
Boston Summer Concerts 2026
Updated May 2026
The sounds of summer are pretty sweet in Boston. Outdoor concerts are a summer staple, and the city is full of opportunities to spend warm summer evenings with friends, food, drinks, and live music. From waterfront jazz to neighborhood jams to symphony under the stars, here is where to find live music in Boston this summer.
🎆 Signature Summer Events
Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular
One of the country's largest and oldest 4th of July celebrations is back, and 2026 is set to be the biggest yet. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, conducted by Keith Lockhart in his 30th anniversary year, is the official MA250 Signature Event marking America's 250th birthday. Expect top national talent, expanded viewing, and an enhanced fireworks show over the Charles River. Broadcast nationally on CNN and regionally on WHDH Channel 7.
Boston Landmarks Orchestra Summer Concerts at the Hatch Shell
Bring a chair or blanket and a picnic and enjoy the tradition of symphonic music under the stars all summer long. The Boston Landmarks Orchestra returns to the Hatch Shell with its annual mix of classical, traditional, modern, and contemporary programming. 2026 dates and lineup will be added as they are announced.
Boston JazzFest
Get your groove on at the 16th annual Boston JazzFest. Gather with friends at Boston Maritime Park in the Seaport for a ground-breaking festival featuring a musically diverse array of jazz artists performing on Boston's waterfront. Stroll through the festival, enjoy great music, dig into delicious food, and shop unique vendors. 2026 lineup to be announced.
🎤 Free Concerts in Boston
Boston ParkARTS Citywide Neighborhood Concerts
Throughout the summer, join in on Boston Neighborhood Summer Concerts held all over the city with many different performers in Roxbury, Dorchester, Brighton, Roslindale, and more. The ParkARTS outdoor neighborhood concerts begin at 7:00 PM and are presented free of charge. Specific 2026 schedule to be announced.
Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park
Organized by the Franklin Park Coalition with support from Boston Parks and Recreation, Playhouse in the Park is a beloved Franklin Park institution carrying on the legacy of Elma Lewis with free performances from local R&B, reggae, and gospel artists. Bring a lawn chair, friends, family, and a picnic supper, or buy from food trucks. *2026 dates and lineup will be added as they are announced.
BPL Concerts in the Courtyard
Spend Wednesday and Friday evenings taking in the sounds of the city at the Boston Public Library's Concerts in the Courtyard. The McKim Building Courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square comes alive with free one-hour concerts ranging from jazz to classical to world to folk. Concerts move to Rabb Hall in case of inclement weather. The 2026 series aligns with the BPL's "Revolutionary Ideas" theme. *2026 schedule will be added as it is announced.
Tito Puente Latin Music Series
Created in honor of Latin music icon Tito Puente, this six-concert series celebrates years of bringing live Latin music with a strong salsa influence to Boston parks. Free salsa lessons led by MetaMovements at select concerts. 2026 lineup:
- July 9 - Grupo Chevere | O'Day Playground, South End
- July 16 - Sbm | O'Day Playground, South End
- July 23 - Alex Alvear & Mango Blue | LoPresti Park, East Boston
- July 30 - Cesar Orozco and SonAhead | Mission Hill Playground
- August 6 - Kristalis y Las Nenas del Swing | Mozart Street Playground, Jamaica Plain
- August 13 - Ehshawnee | Boston Common, Parkman Bandstand
Berklee Summer in the City
Soothe your soul with the musical talents of the rising stars of Berklee. The Berklee Summer in the City series presents more than 200 free concerts by students, faculty, and alumni at iconic Greater Boston locations. Catch lunchtime sets at Prudential Center's South Garden on Thursdays, and additional performances at South Boston Maritime Park, Cambridge's Kendall Center, Lyrik Back Bay, and beyond. The full 2026 schedule by date is on the Berklee website.
Golf Course Summer Concerts
Enjoy warm summer nights with free live music at two of Boston's scenic golf clubhouses. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, relax with friends and family, and enjoy the music in a beautiful outdoor setting. 2026 lineup:
- July 8 - Oak.Land
- July 15 - A Sort of Homecoming (U2 Tribute)
- July 22 - Rey Royale
- July 29 - It's A 'J' Thing
- August 5 - Zion Rodman
- August 12 - Katherine Winston
Summer Concerts at Thomas Park Heights
Join the National Park Service, the Dorchester Heights Association, and Boston Harbor for free summer evening concerts on the Heights at Thomas Park. 2026 dates and lineup will be added as they are announced.
🌅 Waterfront & Outdoor Concerts
Summer in the City at Boston Harbor Hotel
Watch the sun set on the Atlantic while listening to live entertainment and enjoying al fresco dining at the 26th annual Summer in the City Entertainment Series. Cool breezes, passing yachts, and award-winning cuisine all paint a lively summer scene on the harbor not to be missed. Themed nights include Soul Tuesdays, Rat Pack Wednesdays, and Blues Thursdays, with the Summer in the City Stage hosting a rotating lineup of jazz, soul, and blues. New this year: a Trillium beer garden on the wharf.
Harborwalk Sounds: Berklee at the ICA
Experience live music on Boston's waterfront on Thursday evenings. The ICA and Berklee College of Music partner for Harborwalk Sounds, a free concert series showcasing Berklee's talented musicians on the museum's outdoor grandstand. Pair the show with a free Thursday night ICA admission for a perfect summer evening. *2026 dates and lineup will be added as they are announced.
NEMPAC Jazz in the Park
The North End Music and Performing Arts Center returns to The Greenway with a soulful array of jazz performances. Gather with fellow music lovers in a beautiful outdoor setting as talented jazz musicians deliver soulful performances. Bring a blanket or chairs and pack a picnic, or grab dinner and cannoli treats from the North End. *2026 lineup announces in May.
Sounds of Fort Warren: Jazz at the Fort
Hop aboard the ferry and head out to Fort Warren on Georges Island for a day of jazz standards and original music performed by musicians from Berklee College of Music. Bring a picnic and relax for an afternoon of jazz from talented up-and-coming artists. *2026 dates and lineup will be added as they are announced.
CX Summer Nights - Cambridge
Free outdoor concerts at Cambridge Crossing featuring live music, craft brews, food trucks, and lawn games. Family and pet friendly, with proceeds from drink sales benefiting Cambridge non-profits. *2026 dates and lineup will be added as they are announced.
Hingham Shipyard Summer Concert Series
The Shipyard's Summer Concert Series is back with live performances by local favorites in the waterfront amphitheater. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and grab dinner from one of the Shipyard's restaurants. 2026 lineup:
- July 10 - Living on a Bad Name (Bon Jovi Tribute)
- July 17 - Vyntyge Skynyrd
- July 31 - AK Cody
- August 7 - The Cover Up Band
- August 14 - Booty Vortex
- August 28 - Pink Houses (John Cougar Mellencamp Tribute)
- September 4 - Lexi James and the Wild Hearts
Salisbury Beach Summer Concerts
Grab your chairs and blankets and enjoy summer tunes at the Salisbury Waterfront Stage, with fireworks following on Saturday nights. Benches, picnic tables, and plenty of dancing room available. Enjoy takeout from local restaurants, beach pizza, ice cream, and more, while listening to some of the region's hottest bands. *2026 dates and lineup will be added as they are announced.
Revere Beach Summer Concert Series
Part of Next Stop Revere and Revere Beach Partnership's efforts to increase community tourism, this pop-up music series features everything from reggae to country to Caribbean steel drums. *2026 dates and lineup will be added as they are announced.
🎟️ Ticketed Summer Series
MFA Summer Concerts in the Courtyard
The Elaine and Jerome Rosenfeld Concerts in the Courtyard return to bring you some of the most electrifying acts from Boston and around the globe. Tucked inside the MFA's Calderwood Courtyard, this beloved summer tradition showcases musical acts from the Boston area and around the world. *2026 lineup will be added as it is announced.
NARA Park Amphitheater Summer Concerts - Acton
Round up your family and friends, pack the picnic baskets, blankets, lawn chairs, and bug spray, and spend a musical evening at NARA Park. 2026 lineup:
- Friday, July 10 - Animals (Maroon 5 Tribute) | 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, July 14 - Ben Rudnick & Friends (Kids Night) | 6:00 PM
- Friday, July 24 - Shot of Poison (Poison Tribute) | 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, July 28 - Jeff Jam (Kids Night) | 6:00 PM
- Friday, July 31 - WHO ARE YOU (The Who Tribute) | 8:00 PM
- Friday, August 7 - Vyntyge Skynyrd | 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, August 11 - Tanglewood Marionettes (Kids Night) | 6:00 PM
- Friday, August 14 - Best Friends Girl (Cars Experience) | 8:00 PM
- Friday, August 21 - Into the Floyd with Laser Light Show | 8:00 PM
Tanglewood Concerts
Tanglewood is back for the 2026 season at the Koussevitzky Music Shed, Ozawa Hall, and the Linde Center for Music and Learning. The 2026 season celebrates America's 250th birthday with a focus on iconic American artists, plus appearances from Yo-Yo Ma, James Taylor, Carrie Underwood, Cynthia Erivo, Brandi Carlile, Trombone Shorty, Hugh Jackman, John Fogerty & Steve Winwood, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and more. The Boston Pops returns with a John Williams Film Night and 4th of July weekend programming.
Lowell Summer Music Series
Lowell Summer Music Series presents the very best in blues, folk, roots, and rock music in one of New England's most beautiful and intimate outdoor amphitheaters. Families are also invited to enjoy free Boarding House Park kids shows with snacks, crafts, and trolley rides at every show. In case of rain, shows move across the street to LHS auditorium. Full *2026 lineup is being announced rolling.
🎵 More Summer Music Around Town
Summer Music Series at Patriot Place
The Summer Music Series at Patriot Place is in full swing on the Dean College Stage. Guests enjoy live music from local artists while dining outside at surrounding restaurants or in the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. Full 2026 schedule on the Patriot Place website.
Lexington Summer Concert Series
Top off your week with the Lexington Summer Concert Series. Bring blankets and chairs to Emery Park and enjoy a different genre of live music each week. Past seasons have featured the 215th Army Band, The Rhythmix Band, Boston Blackthorne, and family favorite Ben Rudnick & Friends. *2026 schedule will be added as it is announced.
🌳 Concerts in the Suburbs
Many Greater Boston towns sponsor their own free summer concert series. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and the family. Confirm dates with your local town before heading out, as schedules are typically released in late spring or early summer.
| Town | Day & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Abington | Various, 6:00 PM | Catherine and Joseph Nisby Bandstand |
| Ashland | Tuesdays, 7:00 PM (June & July) / 6:30 PM (August) | Stone Park Gazebo, Summer Street |
| Bellingham | Wednesdays | Town Common |
| Brookline | Wednesdays, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM | Fisher Hill Reservoir Park |
| Canton | Wednesdays, 6:30 PM | Canton High School (Rodman Building lawn) |
| Dedham | Wednesdays, openers 6:30 PM, main 7:00 PM | Endicott Estate lawn |
| Dover | Tuesdays, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM | The Common |
| Framingham | Friday evenings, mid-June to mid-August | Framingham Centre Common (Edgell & Oak) |
| Hingham (Weir River Farm) | Thursdays, late June to late September | Weir River Farm |
| Holliston | Tuesdays, 6:30 PM | Goodwill Park |
| Hopkinton | Sundays, 5:00 PM | The Common |
| Ipswich | Castle Hill Picnic Concerts (gates open 5:00 PM) | Castle Hill (Trustees of Reservations) |
| Lincoln | Wednesdays, 6:00 PM | Behind Codman Pool, Ballfield Road |
| Marlborough | Thursdays, 7:00 PM | Union Common (Route 85 & Main) |
| Medfield | Thursdays, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Library gazebo |
| Medway | Mondays, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Oakland Park |
| Milford | Tuesdays, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Milford Musicians' Pavilion (Congress & Walnut) |
| Natick (Concerts on the Common) | Thursdays, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Natick Common |
| Natick (Family Series) | Tuesdays, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM | Natick Common |
| Needham | Thursdays, 7:00 PM | Memorial Park Gazebo |
| Newton | Various, 6 weeks summer-long | Newton Centre Bowl |
| Northborough | Sundays, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Ellsworth-McAfee Park, Route 135 |
| Norwood | Sun & Wed, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (Carillon Mon, 6:30 PM) | Town Common Bandstand |
| Sharon | Wednesdays, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM | Veterans' Memorial Park Beach |
| Sherborn | Wednesdays, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM | Unitarian Universalist Church lawn |
| Sudbury | Select Thursdays, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Haskell Field |
| Upton | Wednesdays, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | 99 Kiwanis Beach Road |
| Walpole | Tuesdays, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (6:00 PM in August) | The Common |
| Waltham | Tuesdays, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM | The Common |
| Watertown | Wednesdays, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM | Saltonstall Park |
| Wayland | Thursdays, 7:00 PM | Town Building Courtyard |
| Wellesley | Wednesdays, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM | Town Hall Green |
| Westborough | Wednesdays, 7:00 PM | The Willows at Westborough |
| Weston | Wednesdays, 7:00 PM | Town Green |
| Westwood | Mondays, 6:30 PM | Senior Center lawn, 60 Nahatan St |
More Ideas for Summer Fun
Find more fun things to do on our events calendar as summer begins in Boston. From Boston beaches, spray parks, pools, and waterparks, you'll find lots of ways to stay cool during a Boston summer.
Mix things up with our list of free summer movies in the Boston area. And summer is also the season of Boston fireworks displays, so be sure to check our handy guide to find fireworks displays by date or fireworks displays by town near you. For more ideas, check out our guide to free family fun in Boston.
In addition to summer concerts and movies, there are many other fun things to do for free in Boston - check out our handy guide to free family fun for more ideas.
Guide compiled by BostonCentral, your trusted source for family-friendly events in the Greater Boston area. 🎵
Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website BostonCentral for over 25 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places in the Greater Boston area.