Free Summer Concerts in Boston 2023
Summer Concerts Boston and Beyond
2023 Boston Summer Concerts
The sounds of summer are pretty sweet in Boston. Outdoor concerts are a summer staple and Boston provides a plethora of opportunities to spend warm summer evenings outside with friends, enjoying food and drinks and your favorite tunes.
As the temperatures soar, so does the summer concert calendar. Read on for our picks for free concerts of Summer.
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 and Roslindale!
The ParkARTS outdoor neighborhood summer concerts are free of charge in local City of Boston parks. The concert series begins at 7:00pm.
Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park
Organized by the Franklin Park Coalition, with support from the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, Playhouse in the Park is a beloved Franklin Park institution with free performances from local artists for all ages every Tuesday from July 11 - August 15.
Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chair, friends, family and a picnic supper, or buy from food trucks.
Summer in the City: Concerts at Boston Harbor Hotel
Watch the sun set on the Atlantic Ocean while listening to live entertainment and enjoying al fresco dining at the annual Summer in the City Entertainment Series.
Join us at the Harborwalk Terrace and Rowes Wharf Sea Grille as the temperatures rise for one of Boston’s most anticipated summer traditions.
Bostonians and visitors can look forward to different nightly themes including Pop Soul Tuesdays, Rat Pack Wednesdays and Blues Thursdays.
Cool breezes, passing yachts, and Chef David Daniels award-winning cuisine all paint a lively summer scene not to be missed
photo credit BostonCentral
Revere Beach Summer Concert Series
The Revere Beach Summer Music Series is part of Next Stop Revere and Revere Beach Partnership’s efforts to increase community tourism in the city of Revere.
For 11 Thursdays between June 1st and August 31st, we plan to have live music from 6pm to 8pm at various locations along Revere Beach. Enjoy this pop-up live music series with everything from reggae to country to Caribbean steel drums all summer long.
BPL Concerts in the Courtyard
Spend Wednesday and Friday evenings taking in the sounds of the city at the Concerts In the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library. The courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square comes alive with music with free one hour concerts throughout the summer months.
Settle in at one of Boston's most beautiful spaces and enjoy music in the courtyard that plays host to music that ranges from jazz to classical and from world to folk. Note that concerts are moved to Rabb Hall in the event of inclement weather.
Celebrate our Nation's birthday with top guest performers at the July 4th Sailabration Fundraising Concert with the Boston Pops. Join Boston in one of this country’s largest and oldest public Fourth-of-July events and one of the biggest annual outdoor concerts anywhere in the world! Plan to be wowed July 4 (concert and fireworks, 8-11 p.m.) at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade.
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 the free Thursday evening concerts at the NARA Amphitheater Concerts in Acton.
Berklee Summer Concerts - Boston
Soothe your soul with musical talents of the rising stars of Berklee at the Berklee Summer Concerts. Enjoy a summer music series which celebrates a partnership between Berklee and the City of Boston. You can view their entire 2023 concert schedule by date here.
Every Thursday in June, July & August from 12pm-1pm you can stop by Prudential Center's South Garden to enjoy a complimentary performance by Berklee students; Boston's premiere institute of music.
In addition, students will be performing at the South Boston Maritime Park on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 12:pm - 1:30pm.
Join the National Park Service, the Dorchester Heights Associations, and Boston Harbor for FREE summer evening concerts on the Heights at Thomas Park. The fun runs from 6-8pm on select dates throughout the summer months!
NEMPAC Jazz in the Park Summer Concert Series
The North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC), returns to The Greenway this summer with an array of one-of-a-kind performances. NEMPAC Summer Concerts will take place on Thursdays from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Gather with fellow music lovers in a beautiful outdoor setting on The Greenway as talented jazz musicians deliver soulful performances that are sure to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
photo courtesy of NEMPAC
This is a great opportunity to enjoy an evening of music with friends & family. Bring a blanket or chairs; pack a picnic or grab dinner & cannoli treats from the North End.
Boston Landmarks Orchestra Summer Concerts at the Hatch Shell
Bring a chair or blanket and a picnic and enjoy the tradition of symphonic musical entertainment with family and friends. Relax and enjoy free summer concerts under the stars all summer long at DCR's Hatch Shell in Boston performed by Boston Landmarks Orchestra. Take in the music of summer at free Hatch Shell concerts are generally held every Wednesday evening (7 p.m.).
Boston JazzFest
Get your groove on at the Boston Jazzfest. Gather with friends at Boston Maritime Park in the Boston Seaport for a ground-breaking festival featuring a musically diverse array of jazz artists performing on Boston’s Waterfront. Stroll through the festival and enjoy great music, delicious food and shop among the unique vendors who have set up shop at the event.
CX Summer Nights - Cambridge
CX Summer Nights continues with free outdoor concerts at Cambridge Crossing, featuring live music, craft brews, food trucks, and lawn games! Enjoy live music 1x month during the summer on the lawn. Proceeds to support the Cambridge non-profit community.
photo courtesy of CX
Salisbury Beach Summer Concerts 2023
Grab your chairs and blankets and enjoy some fun summer tunes, Saturdays at 7:30PM on at the Salisbury Waterfront Stage. Benches and picnic tables available and plenty of dancing room for everyone at the annual Salisbury Beach Summer Concerts!
Enjoy takeout from local restaurants, beach pizza, ice cream and more, while you listen to live music from one of the region’s hottest bands!
MFA Summer Concerts in the Courtyard
This summer Elaine and Jerome Rosenfeld MFA Concerts in the Courtyard return to bring you some of the most electrifying acts from Boston and around the globe. Don’t miss this beloved summer tradition!
Tucked inside the Calderwood Courtyard, the season-long series showcases musical acts from the Boston area and around the world.
Concerts in the Courtyard will take place on Wednesday evenings from July to August. Doors open at 6:00 pm, music starts at 7:30 pm.
photo courtesy of MFA Boston
Summer Music Series at Patriot Place
The Summer Music Series at Patriot Place returns with live music on the Dean College Stage every Friday (5-8 p.m.) and Saturday (4-7 p.m.) throughout the summer. Guests will enjoy live music from local artists while dining outside at surrounding restaurants or in the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.
photo courtesy of Patriot Place
In addition, Summer Staycation will feature recurring weekly events, special activities including musical bingo, summer movie nights, chess lessons, guided hikes and more.
Top off your week with the Lexington Summer Concert Series on Friday evenings from 6:30pm to dusk. Bring your blankets and chairs and head to Emery Park, (Depot Square, Lexington MA) and enjoy a different genre of live musical performances each week in July & August.
Summer nights come alive with tantalizing sounds of the 215th Army Band, The Rhythmix Band, Boston Blackstone and even a family concert with Ben Rudnick and Friends.
Tanglewood Concerts 2023
Tanglewood concerts are back! With Ozawa Hall and the Linde Center for Music and Learning alongside the Koussevitzky Music Shed, the 2023 season will bring you an entire summer of breathtaking music, eye-opening learning experiences, and restorative rest in the beauty of the Berkshires.
From May 14 -August 27, Tanglewood will present a wide range of programs that spotlight favorite returning musicians and repertoire and introduce dynamic new performers and eclectic programming.
photo credit: Aram Boghosian
Lowell Summer Music Series 2023
Lowell Summer Music Series is proud to present the very best in blues, folk, roots and rock music in the most beautiful and intimate outdoor amphitheater in New England at the very best prices possible.
In addition, families are invited to enjoy free performances for kids at Lowell's Boarding House Park, with free snacks, crafts & trolley rides at every show. In case of rain, shows move across the street to LHS auditorium.
photo courtesy of Lowell Summer Music Series
In addition, there are lots of summer concert series that take place out in the 'burbs. Take a look at this roundup of town sponsored summer concerts and enjoy a summer evening of music and family fun.
ABINGTON
Abington Summer Concerts at the Catherine and Joseph Nisby Bandstand at 6:00pm
ACTON
Enjoy a series of outdoor summer concerts at the NARA Park Ampitheater (weather permitting). This series include both free and ticketed concert events.
ASHLAND
Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. (June and July) and 6:30-8:30 p.m. (August), Stone Park Gazebo, Summer Street
BROOKLINE
Brookline Summer Concerts at Fisher Hill Reservoir Park in Brookline; Wednesdays from 6:00pm - 7:30pm
BELLINGHAM
Concerts on the Grass, Wednesdays, Town Common
CANTON
Canton Summer Concerts - Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Canton High School (front lawn of Rodman Building). In case of inclement weather, call 781-821-5030.
CAMBRIDGE
CX Summer Nights at The Common (Cambridge Crossing). 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm of June 22, July 20 and August 17.
DEDHAM
Wednesdays, starting with opening acts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the main attraction at 7 p.m., lawn of Endicott Estate.
DOVER
Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. on The Common. Knucklebones returns with children’s activities.
FRAMINGHAM
Framingham Summer Concert Series. Weather permitting, the concert series will be held on Friday evenings, from mid-June to mid-August on the Framingham Centre Common located at Edgell Road and Oak Street, Framingham.
HINGHAM
Hingham Summer Concerts at the Live music, local food, craft brews, and the South Shore's best sunset views, every Thursday, from June 22 through September 28 at Weir River Farm.
HINGHAM SHIPYARD
The Hingham Shipyard Summer Concert series is back featuring live performances by local favorites. Friday nights at 7PM, join us in the amphitheater (located by 18 Shipyard Drive) and don't miss out on the fun for the whole family & friends!
HOLLISTON
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Goodwill Park.
HOPKINTON
Hopkinton Summer Concerts on the Common - Sundays, 5 p.m., Common. Sponsored by Hopkinton Parks and Recreation.
IPSWICH
Castle Hill Picnic Concerts are back! Pack a picnic supper and enjoy an evening of live music on the magnificent Grand Allee.
Stroll the grounds and explore the newly restored gardens while you enjoy a night out on the estate. Gates open at 5PM for picnicking.
photo courtesy of Trustees of Reservations
LINCOLN
Lincoln Summer Concerts take place on Wednesdays, 6 p.m., behind Codman Pool on Ballfield Road. Sponsored by the Recreation Department. Admission is free. Concerts will be canceled or rescheduled in the event of rain.
MARLBOROUGH
Thursdays, 7 p.m., Union Common, intersection of Route 85 and Main Street. Sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and the Recreation Department.
MEDFIELD
Thursdays, 6-8 p.m., at the gazebo next to the library. Cancellation Info: medfieldmemo.org.
MEDWAY
Mondays, 6-8 p.m., Oakland Park.
MILFORD
Family Night on the Bandstand, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Milford Musicians' Pavilion ~ Corner of Congress & Walnut Streets, Milford. Information: claflinhill.org, 508-478-5924.
NATICK
Natick Concerts on the Common, Thursdays, 7 p.m - 9:00pm. In case of rain, call 508-647-6530 after 5 p.m. for cancellation information.
*Family Performance Arts Series*, Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m - 7:30pm., Natick Common. In case of rain, performances will take place at the Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central St.
NEEDHAM
Thursdays, 7 p.m., Memorial Park Gazebo. In case of inclement weather, concert will be performed at Newman Elementary School. Bring dinner, lawn chairs or a blanket, and enjoy the music.
NEWTON
The Newton Centre Bowl comes alive with music and dancing for six weeks this summer in the open space adjacent to the playground and just down the hill from the Tyler Terrace hut. With free open-air seating in this vast park space, there is plenty of room for families, friends, and groups to come together and enjoy diverse musical styles.
NORTHBOROUGH
Sundays, 5-7 p.m., Ellsworth-McAfee Park, Route 135. Sponsored by the Northborough Community Affairs Committee. Free face painting and balloon art.
NORWOOD
Join your friends & neighbors at the Bandstand on the Town Common for summer concerts on Sunday & Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Carillon Concerts on the Common, take place on Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30 PM.
SHARON
Lakeside Concert Series, Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Veterans’ Memorial Park Beach
SHERBORN
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m., lawn at the Unitarian Universalist Church, corner of Washington and Sanger streets. Sponsored by the Friends of the Sherborn Library.
SOUTHBOROUGH
Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Neary School grounds. Information: Southborough.recdesk.com
SUDBURY
Select Thursdays, 5:30pm - 7:00pm., Haskell Field.
6/14, 7/15, 8/3 - 2023
UPTON
Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., 99 Kiwanis Beach Road. Upton Recreation Department runs a grill so visitors can purchase food.
WALPOLE
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (6-8 p.m. in August), on the Common.
WALTHAM
Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Common. Information: walthamarts.org
WATERTOWN
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m., Salstonstall Park
WAYLAND
Thursdays, 7 p.m., Town Building Courtyard. In case of rain, the concert will be held in the Large Hearing Room.
WELLESLEY
Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Town Hall Green. Kids games provided by Knucklebones.
WESTBOROUGH
Wednesdays, 7 p.m., The Willows at Westborough
WESTON
Weston Summer Concerts take place on Wednesdays at 7 PM, Town Green.
WESTWOOD
Mondays, 6:30 p.m., Westwood Senior Center lawn, 60 Nahatan St.
More Ideas for Summer Fun!
Find Fun Things to Do on our events calendar as Summer Begins in Boston. From a myriad of Boston Beaches, Spray Parks & Pool, Waterparks and more, you'll find lots of ways to stay cool during a Boston Summer.
Enjoy your summer nights with these free evening concerts, and you can mix things up with our list of fun options for free summer movies in the Boston area as well.
Summer is also the season of Boston fireworks displays so be sure to check our handy guide to find a display by date or by town, near you.
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.
Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places in the Greater Boston area.