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Boston's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer

Boston's free concerts and outdoor music festivals will blow you away this summer! CX Summer Nights photo by Flavio D photography and AE Events
Boston's free concerts and outdoor music festivals will blow you away this summer! CX Summer Nights photo by Flavio D photography and AE Events
6/9/23 - By Michael Del Llano

Free Concerts and outdoor music festivals are coming to Boston for summer 2023! Boston takes pride in its culture, and the music scene is a vital part of this vibrant city. Summer brings some of the best outdoor music festivals for families to Boston. These shows feature a diversity of genres and styles, but they all get you moving and shaking in a fun, community-driven atmosphere. So read on for our guide to free Boston summer concerts and the best outdoor music festivals for families.

If you're looking for more family summer fun, check out Drive-in Movie Theaters in and around Boston for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids​. If you need to cool down rather than rock out, see our guide to the Best Sprinkler Parks and Splash Pads in Boston. And there's always our Summer Fun Guide: The Best Things to Do in Boston with Kids.

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Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks—and your dancing shoes—to Boston's free summer concerts! Photo courtesy of Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park
Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks—and your dancing shoes—to Boston's free summer concerts! Photo courtesy of Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park

Boston's Free Concerts

Summer in the City Concert Series

Waterfront—Various dates
Every Tuesday through Friday, the waterfront comes alive with music as the Summer in the City Concert Series returns to Boston. Free concerts feature everything from Jazz to Soul to Country, all with stunning views of Boston Harbor. READ MORE

Boston Pops and 4th of July Fireworks

Esplanade—July 4, 2023
The 2023 Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular returns to the Esplanade along the Charles River. R&B/Soul group En Vogue will headline this year's spectacular. The fireworks finale will also be broadcast as part of the live televised event. READ MORE

Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park

Franklin Park—Tuesdays in July & August
Every Tuesday, families can bring a picnic, some lawn chairs, and their dancing shoes. The free concert series at the Elma Lewis Playhouse features local bands performing R&B, Reggae, and more. Food trucks will be on-site during the free shows. READ MORE

Concerts in the Courtyard

Back Bay—Various dates
The courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square, one of Boston's most beautiful spaces, is filled with music during these free, one-hour concerts throughout the summer (6pm on Wednesdays and 12:30pm on Fridays). The courtyard hosts music that ranges from jazz to classical and from world to folk. In inclement weather, concerts are moved inside to the Commonwealth Salon. READ MORE

Berklee Summer in the City

Multiple Locations—June through September
The Berklee College of Music Summer in the City Series provides live music at 20 venues throughout Greater Boston. Free shows take place at locations as varied as the Prudential Center, Mission Hill Park, and Spectacle Island. READ MORE
Cambridge Crossing hosts free summer concerts in June, July, and August. CX Summer Nights photo by Flavio D photography and AE Events
Cambridge Crossing hosts free summer concerts in June, July, and August. CX Summer Nights photo by Flavio D photography and AE Events

Greater Boston's Free Concerts

Bands on the Beach Concerts & Fireworks Show

Salisbury—Various dates
Catch the live concert on the oceanfront stage in Salisbury, and stay for fireworks on the beach at 10:15. READ MORE

Revere Beach Summer Concert Series

Revere—Thursdays in June, July, & August
Every Thursday throughout June, July, and August, pop-up music performances will take place along Revere Beach. Enjoy Reggae, Country, and more all summer long. READ MORE

CX Summer Nights

Cambridge—Various dates
Cambridge Crossing's free summer concert series returns, with shows in June, July, and August. READ MORE

Newton Summer Concert Series

Newton—Various dates
From July 9 to August 13, Sunday nights mean concerts at the Bowl in Newton Centre's playground. Shows begin at 6:30 pm and include performances by a variety of bands. READ MORE

NARA Park Summer Concert Series

Acton—June 24 and August 23, 2023
Acton's NARA Park Concert Series presents two free shows for Summer 2023. The amphitheater hosts an evening of Chinese Music and dance on June 25 at 6 pm and a free kids concert featuring Mr. Vic on August 23 at 6:30 pm.  READ MORE
The Lowell Folk Festival hosts days of free music from all over the world. Photo courtesy of the Lowell Folk Festival
The Lowell Folk Festival hosts days of free music from all over the world. Photo courtesy of the Lowell Folk Festival

Greater Boston's Free Outdoor Music Festivals

Lowell Folk Festival

Lowell—July 28 - 30, 2023
Lowell celebrates its 36th Folk Festival with three days of musicians, food vendors, and artisans celebrating folk culture from around the globe.  READ MORE

Cambridge Jazz Festival

Cambridge—July 29 - 30, 2023
Join the Cambridge Jazz Foundation for a free outdoor music festival. The 8th Cambridge Jazz Festival includes performances by Eguie Castrillo and the Eguie Castrillo Orchestra, Danilo Perez's Global Messengers, Consuelo Calendaria, Ron Savage, and many more. READ MORE

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