What’s the best part of summer in the SouthCoast? It could be the beautiful beaches or the delicious food, but a major contender is the free summer concerts.
You can’t beat a warm summer night under the stars listening to good tunes without a huge price tag.
We are fortunate that there are a variety of musicians, venues, and organizations all working together to bring free live music to the area.
It's time to grab your blanket, chair, and your friends and family to sit outside and enjoy this summer's free concerts surrounding the SouthCoast. Check out the variety of genres and places pumping the beats all summer long.
Sonata Saturdays – New Bedford
On the fourth Saturday of each month, small groups of New Bedford Symphony Orchestra musicians will delight with various classical and popular music. There will be two performances each Saturday at 4 and 5 p.m. at The Drawing Room-Anthi Frangiadis Associates, 22 William St., New Bedford. Sitting is limited.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
June 22: Jennifer Memoli, Violin and Laura Schaefer, Oboe/English Horn; July 27: Timothy Macri, Flute; and Aug. 24: Laura Shamu, Oboe and Maria Spraker, Harp.
Pierce Beach Concert Series – Somerset
Listen and relax from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at Pierce Beach, 295 S St.
June 26: Bare Bones; July 3: Swansea Community Band; July 10: Back in the Day; July 17: Jesse Liam Band; July 24: Wuhon Band; July 31: Temporary Saints; Aug. 7: 2nd to None; and Aug. 14: Deja Blue.
Summer Concert Series - Acushnet
Acushnet Public Library holds its outdoor Summer Concert Series under the pavilion at 232 Middle Road on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
June 26: 60's Thunder; July 3: Pearly Baker Band; July 10: Matt York - songs and stories of Willie Nelson; July 17: Dave Alves Band; July 24: Cameron Shave Jazz Orchestra; July 31: Dave Richardson Band; Aug. 7: The Jethros; and Aug. 14: Catnip Junkies.
Summer Sound Series – New Bedford
Every Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. enjoy free concerts in the heart of downtown.These block party-style events will alternate between Lower Union Street and Purchase Street.
June 28: Felix Brown Band, Purchase Street; July 5: Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, Union Street; July 12: Sugarbabies, Purchase Street; July 19: Pearly Baker, Union Street; July 26: East Coast Soul, Purchase Street; Aug. 9: Colby James and Ramblers, Union Street; Aug. 16: Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew, Purchase Street; Aug. 23: Fast Times 80’s Music, Union Street; Aug. 30: JAMMIN’ A Tribute to Bob Marley, Purchase Street; and Sept. 6: Neal Vitullo Band, Union Street.
Free:Friday evening concerts in downtown New Bedford start June 28
Center Stage Concerts - Lakeville
Bring a blanket or chair from 6 to 8 p.m. to Center Stage in front of the Lakeville Public Library, 4 Precinct St.
July 9: The Junkets; July 16: The Elastic Five; and July 23: The Jesse Liam Band.
Concerts by the Canal - Buzzards Bay
Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. head to Buzzards Bay Park, Main Street with your blanket and chair for these free concerts.
July 11: Thee Midnight Society; July 18: Rock Steady; July 25: 19th Nervous Breakdown; Aug. 1: The Reminisants; Aug. 8: Band of Brothers; Aug. 15: Indigo Shore; and Aug. 22: Fey Band.
Summer Evenings in the Park - Fall River
Summer Evenings in the Park concerts are from 5:30 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday in July and August, at a different park each week. There will be live music, crafts for children, food, and ice cream. Every family who attends will be given a free bag of groceries from Citizens for Citizens, a local nonprofit.
July 10: Father Kelly Park; July 17: Pulaski Park; July 24: Kennedy Park; July 31: Griffin Park; Aug. 7: Ruggles Park; Aug. 14: Maplewood Park; Aug. 21: Lafayette Park; and Aug. 28: North Park.
What to expect:The Summer Evenings in the Park series is back, with food, fun and music
Buzzards Bay Musicfest – Marion
Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14:This free concert series brings world-class musicians all together for five outstanding performances. It includes full orchestral, as well as jazz, swing, piano duets, harp, and more. All concerts are held at the Fireman Performing Arts Center, at Tabor Academy, 232 Front St., Marion.
Summer Concert Series – Tiverton R.I.
Food trucks and music are happening Fridays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Bulgarmarsh Recreation Area, 3154-3588 RI-77.
July 12: The Ravers; July 19: Neal Vitullo Band; July 26: The Digg-It Band; Aug. 2: New Providence Big Band; Aug. 9: Atticus Allen & Company; Aug. 16: The Empty Pockets; Aug. 23: Ryan Montbleu; and Aug. 30: So Lucky: A DMB Tribute Band.
Reggae On West Beach – New Bedford
July 28 and Aug. 25:Reggae on the Beach features live music from 2 to 6 p.m. at the West Beach Pavilion in New Bedford. The two events offer an eclectic mix of reggae music, food, art, shopping local and community resources.
Warren Summer Concerts – Warren, R.I.
A night of entertainment at Warren’s iconic Band Shell at Burr's Hill Parkfrom 5 to 8 p.m. every Sunday.
July 7: Street Survivors; July 14: Down City Band; July 21: Patterson Smith Trio; July 28: Steppin' Out; Aug. 4: Platinum Thrill; Aug. 11: Back In The Day; Aug. 18: Becky Chase Band; and Aug. 25: Heart & Sole.
Summer Concert Series – Barrington R.I.
Free, family, and fun event at Latham Park, 24 Latham Ave., every Sunday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
July 7: Neal & the Vipers; July 14: Odyssey & the Brass Daddies; July 21: Brass Attack; July 28: The Earl Knightwood Band; Aug. 4: Becky Chase & the Silver Linings; Aug. 11: Roger Ceresi's Allstarz; Aug. 18: David Tessier's All-Star Stars; and Aug. 25: Violin River.
St. Anne's Credit Union's 29th Annual Free Summer Concert - Fall River
Aug. 17: 19th Nervous Breakdown: Rolling Stones Tribute Band. Don't miss this fun day of music, food trucks, giveaways and memories to be made beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Heritage State Park on Davol Street in Fall River.
