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

Head out this Summer for Boston's free concerts and outdoor music festivals in 2024!
Head out this Summer for Boston's free concerts and outdoor music festivals in 2024!
6/2/24 - By Michael Del Llano

Free Concerts and outdoor music festivals are coming to Boston for summer 2024! 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 Ultimate Boston Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

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The 4th of July brings one of Boston's favorite free summer concerts. Boston Pops and 4th of July Fireworks photo courtesy of the GPA Photo Archive (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
The 4th of July brings one of Boston's favorite free summer concerts. Boston Pops and 4th of July Fireworks photo courtesy of the GPA Photo Archive (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Boston's Free Concerts

Summer in the City Concert Series

Waterfront—June 6 - August 29
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, 2024
The 2024 Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular returns to the Esplanade along the Charles River. Special guests at this year's spectacular include The Mavericks and Kelli O'Hara. The fireworks finale will also be broadcast as part of the live televised event. READ MORE

Concerts in the Courtyard

Back Bay—June 5 - August 30
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.  READ MORE

Berklee Summer in the City

Multiple Locations—June 4 - September 1
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

Boston Music Project Annual Block Party

Boston—June 8
Join the Boston Music Project for the annual BMP Block Party at the Rowes Wharf Plaza on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. READ MORE
Kids will love frolicking outdoors at these free concerts. Cambridge Crossing photo by Flavio D Photography, courtesy of AE Events.
Kids will love frolicking outdoors at these free concerts. Cambridge Crossing photo by Flavio D Photography, courtesy of AE Events.

Greater Boston's Free Concerts

Bands on the Beach Concerts & Fireworks Show

Salisbury—June 29 - August 31
Grab the beach chairs and blankets and enjoy some fun summer tunes, Saturdays at 7:30PM on the Salisbury Oceanfront Stage. Benches and picnic tables available and plenty of dancing room for everyone. READ MORE

Revere Beach Summer Concert Series

Revere—June 20 - August 16
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—June 20 - August 15
Cambridge Crossing's free summer concert series returns, with shows in June, July, and August. READ MORE

Newton Summer Concert Series

Newton—July 14 - August 18
From July 9 to August 13, Sunday nights mean concerts at the Bowl in Newton Centre's playground. Shows begin at 6:00 pm and include performances by a variety of bands. READ MORE

Acton Pride Festival

Acton—June 15
The Acton Pride Festival is a free event including kids activities, live music, vendors and more!  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

Bridgewater Arts & Music Festival

Bridgewater—July 4, 2024
At this festival, the whole family can enjoy art, live music, dance, yummy food, children's activities (like face painting), train rides, sand art, and more. READ MORE

Lowell Folk Festival

Lowell—July 26 - 28, 2024
Lowell celebrates its 37th 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 27 - 28, 2024
Join the Cambridge Jazz Foundation for a free outdoor music festival. The 8th Cambridge Jazz Festival includes performances by the Don Braden Quartet, the Yauri Muniz AfroCuban Ensemble, the Anastassiya Petova Organ Trio, Ron Savage, and many more. READ MORE

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