All hail summer concerts in the park, one of the simple and beautiful traditions of the season.
There are the biggies, like ZooTunes, the Chateau Ste. Michelle concerts and more.
And then there are the smaller, more manageable events in neighborhoods and towns. You grab a spot on the lawn, maybe recognize some neighbors or your kids’ school friends. And speaking of kids, if they’re not “too cool,” they’ll crowd the stage and dance while you sit back with a picnic or a food-truck meal and maybe a nice (plastic) glass of wine.
It’s summertime heaven.
And after a couple of years of COVID cancellations, it’s great to resume fun activities like concerts in the park. Here are the ones that have come to our attention:
Photo: Downtown Seattle Association
In Seattle, the Downtown Summer Sounds series has numerous shows scheduled through Sept. 9: some at noon, some in the afternoon of evening. And they’re in a variety of locations, for instance: Harbor Steps, Denny Park, Westlake Park, Occidental Square and Pier 62. The acts are described as everything “from small-time buskers wowing with their solo skills to main-stage headliners.”
The Summer Concert Series at University Village takes place 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, July 20-Aug. 17. There’s a beer garden and food pop-ups in addition to the usual offerings at this shopping complex.
Summer Concert Series at the Locks: What a cool place to see a show! They’re at 2 p.m. most Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day weekend.
Summer Series at the Volunteer Park Amphitheater runs Thursday nights through August 18. Here’s how our reviewer enjoyed herself.
East of Seattle
Bellevue Beats is a series of weekday concerts in various parks and locations. They are scheduled through Sept. 8. Shows are at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday shows start at 11 a.m. and include a pop-up market.
Kirkland has both a daytime kids concert series and an evening concert series:
- Kids concerts: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 12 through Aug. 16, Juanita Beach Park.
- Evening concerts: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 7-Aug. 18, Marina Park.
In Sammamish, the KidsFirst! Series is geared toward toddlers through elementary-age kids. Shows are 1-2 p.m. Tuesdays (through Aug. 16) at Sammamish Commons Plaza. Note: There is some limited shade, so plan accordingly for the summer sun.
In Woodinville, there’s the Celebrate Woodinville Summer Concerts on Wednesday nights at Wilmot Gateway Park in downtown. The fun includes high-energy bands playing music for all ages, foods and sweets from local restaurants, and a wine, beer and cider garden with local vendors. Dates for 2022 are July 13, 20 and 27, and Aug. 3. Food and beverage sales open at 5:30 p.m., and music goes from 6:30-8 p.m.
The Music in the Park concert series will take place on four Thursdays at Cottage Lake Park, 18831 NE Woodinville-Duvall Road. Shows take place at 7 p.m. Thursdays July 7 through 28.
Photo: City of Kent, Parks Department
South of Seattle
The Des Moines Arts Commission is sponsoring Wednesday evening concerts in the waterfront Des Moines Beach Park. Shows start at 7 p.m. July 6-Aug. 24. Beer garden and food trucks open at 6 p.m.
Issaquah hosts the Concerts on the Green series at 7 p.m. each Tuesday through Aug. 23, on the lawn at the Issaquah Community Center. (No pets; no alcohol.)
In addition, the Gas Station Blues series will feature talented blues artists each Thursday evening in July and August at the Historic Shell Station, 232 Front Street North. Bring a chair and/or blanket and picnic. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, July 7-Aug. 25 (2022).
Kent Parks & Recreation has three summer concert series!
- Wednesday Picnic Performances at noon through Aug. 10, at Morrill Meadows Park, 10600 S.E. 248th St.
- Wednesday Family Date Nights, 6-8 p.m. July 13 through Aug. 17 at Kent Station.
- Thursdays at the Lake, 7-8:30 p.m. July 7 through Aug. 11, Lake Meridian Park, 14800 S.E. 272nd. (Free shuttles available from 5:45-9 p.m. from Fire Station 75, 15635 SE 272nd.)
Des Moines Beach Park is a lovely setting for an evening of music. (Julie Hanson photo)
North of Seattle
Shoreline has several Wednesday evening concerts and events sponsored by Shorelake Arts: Dates are June 29, July 13, July 20 and Aug. 17. Start times are 6 or 6:30 p.m., and locations vary. Check schedule online.
More summer fun:
Drive-in movies are open! Where to go, and what to see
Seattle’s Child searchable Family Event Calendar
Explore more fun summer activities
