All hail summer concerts in the park, one of the simple and beautiful traditions of the season.
There are the biggies in the summer of 2024, likeĀ ZooTunes, theĀ Chateau Ste. MichelleĀ concerts and more.
And then there are the smaller, more manageable and FREE concerts in neighborhoods and towns that are ideal entertainment for families. You grab a spot on the lawn and 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 enjoy.
It’s summertime heaven. Here’s what’s happening with the summer concerts:
Seattle
Honk! Fest West is a fantastic way to kick off your free family-friendly summer concert fun. The annual free, three-day, community-supported music festival is happening in three neighborhoods – Georgetown, Columbia City and Pratt Park – Friday, May 31st- Sunday, June 2nd.Ā Ā The music ranges from New Orleans second line brass bands, punk rock marching bands, European Klezmer, Balkan and Romani music, Samba, Maracatu, as well as the passion and spirit of Mardi Gras and Carnival.
The Concert Truck Seattle Chamber Music Society (Multiple Locations) This summer, from June 20 through June 30, 2024,Ā experience the magic and excitement of Seattle Chamber Music Society concerts put on wheels. SCMS musicians will join Concert Truck artists to play a series of concerts throughout the region, free and open to the public in neighborhoods, parks, and markets near you! Check their 2024 dates and locations here.
TheĀ Downtown Summer Sounds series has numerous shows scheduled through Sept. some at noon, some in the afternoon or evening in downtown Seattle. Times and locations vary but may include 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.”
Summer Concert Series at the Locks: Check out the Summer Concerts at the Locks starting on June 1 and going until September 2 (Labor Day). The Carl S. English Garden at the Ballard Locks will host at least 20 more family-oriented free concerts. Concerts take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., with the exception of July 4 (Thursday) and September 2 (Monday).
Summer Series at the Volunteer Park AmphitheaterĀ The Summer Series at the Volunteer Park Amphitheater runs from July 11 to August 15 on Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Ā 2024 lineup: July 11 (Picnic in the Park + Clinton Fearon and the Phinney Ridge Steel Band), July 18 (The Paperboys & Smokey Brights), July 25 (Sara Gazarek & Marina Albert), August 1 (Kalima & Dance Church), August 8 (Sonic Guild presents Andrew Joslyn & the Passenger String Quartet), August 15 (Mokoomba & LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends)
Seattle Peace Concerts 2024: Concerts promoting the concept of peaceful connection and community will be held throughout the summer, starting on July 7 and ending on September 8, at various Seattle parks. All shows are from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The 2024 lineup: International Reggae Day (July 7 at Seward Park), School of Rock Day (July 13 at Gas Works Park), Peace Love & Understanding (July 21 at Jimi Hendrix Park), Roots of Folk, Rock & Blues (July 28 at Volunteer Park), Dub in the Trees (August 4 at Lower Woodland Shelter #6), Goddess Blues (August 18 at Gas Works Park), Classic Rock, Americana & Grateful Dead (Sept. 8 at Volunteer Park)
Spotlight on the Waterfront: Engages audiences of all ages to experience free music and visual performances along the waterfront. Set on one of the cityās most scenic locations, Pier 62, this series provides audiences a chance to discover the regionās arts and culture. All ages are welcome. There will be live performances every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 27 – Sept 26. Except July 25. Ā June and July Performances: June 27: The Griot Party – a special storytelling experience, July 4: Caribbean Seafest, July 11: Union Cultural Center – Capoeira Angola, July 18: Shunpike Presents Aces. August and Sept Performances: Aug 1: Cana Dulce Folclore Dance Group, Aug 8: Seattle Frankenfunk, Aug 15: Alma Villegas Latin Ensemble, Aug 22: DANDY – A West Coast based creative partnership led by David Rue and Randy Ford.Ā Sept. 5: Lady A Productions, Sept. 12: Northwest Folklife, Sept. 19: Unkitawa – Indigenous arts, culture and community, Sept. 26: The Future Ancient Soul Healing – Find holistic healing, culture and community.
Summer Concerts at the U-VillageĀ Starting July 17th, join the University Village on Wednesday nights from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for free live music at U Villageās Summer Concert Series. Itāll be a rocking good time with food and drinks brought to you by Elemental Pizza. They have a beer garden that opens at 6 p.m. For more information, go to the website.Ā 2024 lineup: July 17 ā Kalimba: The Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire, July 24 ā Hit Explosion, July 31 ā Nite Wave, August 7 ā The Paperboys, August 14 ā Paperback Writer, August 21 ā Eagle Eyes.
Music in the Park at Madison Park is held every Thursday from August 1 through August 29, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year Madison Park will have five FREE Thursday concerts in the evening! So bring your picnic blanket, your delicious food, and your dancing shoes to the Madison Park playground. Check the website for more information. 2024 lineup: August 1 (Buena Vibra), August 8 (Montlake Traffic), August 15 (The Daddz), August 22 (The band is Red 28), August 29 (Humbuckers).
East of Seattle
Bellevue BeatsĀ is a series of free weekday concerts in various parks and locations. They are scheduled through August 25. Shows on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in the afternoon or evening at different locations throughout the city. All ages are welcome.
Summer Kids concerts: July 9, 16, 23, 30 and August 6, 13, 20 from 10-11 a.m., at Juanita Beach. 2024 July Performers: July 9 (Highlight Quartet), July 16 (Harmonica Pocket), July 23 (Cowboy Buck), July 30 (Eli Rosenblatt). 2024 August Performers: August 6 (Eric Herman), August 13 (Kamp), August 20 (Brian Vogan & His Good Buddies).
Summer evening concerts: July 11, 18, 25, and August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Kirkland Marina Park. 2024 July Performers: July 11 (Chance McKinney), July 18 (Vertigo Zoo), July 25 (Adrian Xavier). 2024 August Performers: August 1 (The Beat Project), August 8 (Laurel Canyon), August 15 (Point of Sail), August 22 (Red Light Challenge), August 29 (Eden).
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. 2024 concert dates: Harmonious Funk (July 10), West Coast Feed (July 17), Red Light Challenge (July 24), and Jaeden Luke (July 31). Food trucks open at 5:30 p.m., and music from 6:30-8 p.m.
Rock the Village Music Series Kirkland, Rock The Village is on Thursdays from July 11th through August 29th from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the green near Cinemark (at the Village in Totem Lake). This free summer music series features an eclectic mix of bands ranging from 80s to Motown and everything in between. Don’t miss out on their weekly Village Fun Days featuring family-friendly activitiesĀ from July 10 through August 21 on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check their website for more information. These concerts will happen rain or shine! Rock the Village 2024 line-up: July 11th (The West Coast Feed), July 18th (Stump City Soul), July 25th (Chapter 5 Band), August 1st (The Afterparty Duo), August 8th (Nite Wave), August 15th (Fox & Bones), August 22nd (Elena Maque Band), August 29th (The Jewel Tones).
Music in the Mountains at Snoqualmie Summit will have live music every Saturday afternoon (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.) this summer July 6 through August 31 to catch hand-picked local talent performing in the plaza in front of Stan’s/Timberwolf (Summit West). See full line up here.
South of Seattle
TheĀ Des Moines Arts CommissionĀ is sponsoring Wednesday evening concerts in the waterfront Des Moines Beach Park fromĀ July 17Ā to August 21. The shows start at 7 p.m. Get there early to avoid lines at the food trucks.
The Concerts on the Green series in Issaquah is happening at 7 p.m. each Tuesday through Aug. 27 on the lawn at the Issaquah Community Center. (No pets; no alcohol.) Check the website for the 2024 line-up coming out soon.
Kent Parks & Recreation has three summer concert series! July 10 to August 21 Here’s the 2024 line-up:
Wednesday Picnic Performances at noon July 10 through Aug. 7, at West Fenwick Park and Chestnut Ridge Park from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2024 Line-up: Includes kid favorites Roberto the Magnificent (July 10), 123 Andres (July 17), Red Yarn (July 24), The Harmonica Pocket (July 31), Joanie Leeds (August 7), and The Not-its (August 14).
Wednesday Family Date Nights at Kent Station, 6-8 p.m. July 10 through Aug. 21 at Kent Station (417 Ramsay Way). 2024 Line-up: Darren Motamedy (July 10), Nite Wave ā 80ās Nite (July 17), Jewel Tones (July 24), Eden (July 31), School of Rock Kent (August 7), Aaron Crawford (August 14), Oncore (August 21)
Thursdays at the Lake, 7-8:30 p.m. July 11 through Aug. 15, at Lake Meridian Park. Free shuttle bus from Fire Station 75 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 2024 Line-up: Good Co (July 11), Sean Hatton Band (July 18), Men of Worth (July 25), James Coates (August 1), Diyet & The Love Soldiers (August 8), The Powell Brothers (August 15).
Concerts at the Arboretum, 6 -7 p.m., weekly on Tuesdays from July 9 through September 3, 2024, at the Lake Wilderness Arboretum in Maple Valley. These free concerts feature local musicians, singers, songwriters, and spoken word.
AuburnĀ hostsĀ Kids SummerstageĀ andĀ Summer SoundsĀ at Les Gove Park on Wednesdays from July 10 to August 14. This exciting childrenās outdoor entertainment series will be in the afternoons at 12 p.m. (Kids Summerstage) and then at 6 p.m. (Summer Sounds). Bring a picnic and comfortable seating to enjoy the performances. If there is rain, concerts will be moved indoors.
Kids Summerstageāa mix of music, comedy, and magicāon Wednesdays from July 10 to August 14 from noon to 1 p.m. Concerts take place at Les Gove Park in the shelter beside Discovery Playground starting at noon. Hot day? Head to Rotary Spray Park before or after the show. The 2024 line-up includes Reptile Isle (July 10), Ian Dobson’s Steel Drum Dance Party (July 17), Kelli Well songs for kids (July 24), Brian Vogan & His Good Buddies (July 31), The Magic of Jeff Evans (August 7), and Charlie Williams The Noiseguy (August 14).
Family-friendlyĀ Summer SoundsĀ are Wednesday evening concerts at the same location from July 10 to August 14. Events run from 6:30 p.m.- to 8:00 p.m. The 2024 line-up includes 80ās Ladies (July 10), Darren Motamedy (July 17), The Fabulous Murphtones (July 24), Hook Me Up Band (July 31), Auburn Symphony Woodwind Quintet (August 7), and the Army 1st Corps I-5 Rock Band (August 14).
Bonney Lake Kids Club is at Allan York Park, Monday evenings starting July 15 and goes until August 19, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. They will have music, entertainment and reptiles. Experience kid-friendly music and performances. Check the website for updates on events before attending! 2024 Line-up Performers: Eric Ode (July 15),Ā Cowboy Buck (July 22), Jeff Evans (July 29), Eric Herman (Aug 5), Brian Vogan & His Good Buddies (Aug 12), Reptileman! (Aug 19).
The Tukwila Concerts in the Park family-friendly series on Wednesdays from July 24 to August 14 at Joseph Foster Memorial Park. Concerts start at 5:30 p.m. The 2024 Line-up includes Brian Vogan and His Good Buddies (July 24) and ElƩrƩ (August 7), Kim Archer (August 14).
Music in the Garden at Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, enjoy free concerts in the garden every Friday evening (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.) from August 2 through August 16. Bring a lawn chair (low back style are recommended) or a blanket and prepare to enjoy some lovely tunes amidst the beauty of abundant NW flowers, shrubs, and trees.
Music in the Park at Marvista Park. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this fantastic summer lineup in 2024. Free Music Every Sunday evening (5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) from July 7 through August 25 at Marvista Park. See full line up here.
North of Seattle
The City of Shoreline lunchtime concert and entertainer series is on Tuesdays, July 9-30, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your own picnic and lawn chairs to enjoy this kid-friendly 2024 line-up: Johnny Bregar Musicās original kid’s songs, (July 9) at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Chikiri Taiko drummers, (July 16) at Cromwell Park. Mpanist steel drum performance, (July 23) at Cromwell Park. AlakaSam magic, (July 30) at Spartan Recreation Center Field.
Mill Creek Town CenterĀ will start its summer concert series on July 10 and will continue on Wednesday evenings from 6 – 8 p.m. through September 25. Concerts take place at The Forum at Mill Creek Town. Showcasing a line-up of jazz, R&B, rock and more.Ā 2024 Line up: Infinity Project Journey Tribute (July 10), Sly Mr. Y Classic Hits (July 17), Point of Sail Yacht Rock (July 24), The Machine 70s, 80s, 90s & Now (July 31), Whisker River (August 7), Hair Nation 80s Hair Rock (August 14), The Davanos Classic Rock (August 21), Night Fever Old School Disco, Funk and Rock (August 28), Chapter 5 Current R&B (Sep 5), Spike & The Impalers Classic Rock (Sep 11), Cherry Cherry Neil Diamond Tribute (Sep 18), Groove Nation (Sept 25).
The Edmonds Arts Commission summer concert series happens in July and August. Each concert starts at 3:00 p.m. at Edmonds City Park (600 3rd Ave S) except the concert on August 25. In case of rain, Sunday Concerts are canceled at 2:30 p.m. Hereās the 2024 line-up: Ockham’s Razor (July 7), Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra (July 14) The Git Hoan Dancers (July 21); Seattle Kokon Taiko (July 28); DownTown Mountain Boys (August 4), The Highlife Band (August 11,) Criminal Squirrel Orchestra (August 18). On August 25, Ranger and The āRe-Arrangersā will take the stage at 3 p.m. in Hickman Park.
The Port of Everett free Music at the Marina happens on Thursdays from July 11 to Aug. 29, 2024. Concerts will be at Port Gardner Landing from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the food trucks while you listen to the music. Music starts at 6:30 p.m.
Kenmore Summer Concert Series is happening from July 11 to August 1, 2024, on Thursday evenings (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.). This is your chance to enjoy a night of live music, delicious food, and fun activities at the St Edwards State Park. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the talented local band lineup! Learn more about the concert line-up here. This event is free (offers a free shuttle service), or if you plan to park, you must have a Discover Pass.
Puget Sound Steel Drums is happening August 2 through August 30, 2024, on Fridays (5 p.m. -7 p.m.). Catch live music for free at the Port of Everett with Puget Sounds Steel Drums! Puget Sounds is taking place at the Portās Pacific Rim Plaza near Hotel Indigo. Robert De Freitas of Panessence will be back playing sounds of the Caribbean.
More summer fun:
Drive-in movies are open! Where to go, and what to see
Seattle’s Child searchable Family Event Calendar