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Free Summer Concerts in New Jersey

The Westfield Community Concert Band presents its annual summer concert series in Mindowaskin Park. Photo courtesy of Westfield
The Westfield Community Concert Band presents its annual summer concert series in Mindowaskin Park. Photo courtesy of Westfield
6/13/23 - By Laurie Rein

Outdoor concerts are a summer staple throughout New Jersey, and going to one is the perfect way to spend a beautiful summer evening. Luckily for us, it's possible to take in FREE live music nearly every night of the week in New Jersey, so get ready to go concert-hopping at the local parks, downtown areas, and beaches we've listed below. 

Find more summer freebies with our guide to Free Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer with Kids and our rundown of free summer outdoor movies in New Jersey. We also have lots more ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

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Check individual venues for movie listings and alternate rain plans.  

More Free Activities in New Jersey this Summer

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Enjoy free music on Fridays at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. Photo courtesy of METC
Enjoy free music on Fridays at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. Photo courtesy of METC

Free Summer Concerts in New Jersey

Thursday's ROCK! Summer Concert Series in Freehold

Freehold
Thursdays from June 1-August 24, 2023
Get ready to rock every Thursday night at Downtown Freehold's summer concert series, featuring widely-known and local talent acts. READ MORE

Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds

Cranford
Thursdays from June 1-June 28, 2023
Grab a bite from a local restaurant and pull up a park bench for these special Thursday evening concerts in downtown Cranford. The streets come alive with a different sound from local artists each week.   READ MORE

Sunset Sips & Sounds at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Fridays from June 2-September 8, 2023
Spend a relaxing Friday evening at Terhune Orchards, with live music from local bands and, of course, wine. Light fare is available for purchase. Families are welcome. READ MORE

Thursdays by the Sea Concert Series

Long Branch
Thursdays from June 8-August 31, 2023
Enjoy free summer concerts with the ocean backdrop at Long Branch's Pier Village on Thursday nights. READ MORE

2023 Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series

Essex County parks
Select dates from Tuesday, June 20-Friday, August 11, 2023
Kick back in the park, and hear a diverse group of musicians and entertainers throughout Essex County. Performers include local and international acts in jazz, rock and roll, big band, reggae and more.   READ MORE

Westfield Community Concert Band Summer Concert Series

Westfield
Thursdays from June 22-July 13, 2023
Westfield Community Concert Band presents its annual Summer Concert Series in Westfield's Mindowaskin Park. The band will present selections from Broadway musicals, popular marches, patriotic selections, the classics and contemporary music. READ MORE

2023 Summer Music and More

Princeton
Select Saturdays from June 17-August 19, 2023
Gather at Nassau Park Pavilion for a free summer music series, along with free art activities for both youth and adults. READ MORE

METC Downtown Concert Series

Madison
Select Fridays from June 23-August 18, 2023
METC's free Summer Concert Series sponsored by the DDC is back. Enjoy a free night of music this summer on Fridays. Bring your own chair or blanket to sit and listen to some great performances. READ MORE

Music Under the Stars Concert Series

Flemington
Select Thursdays from June 29-August 10, 2023
Deer Path Park is home to Hunterdon County's music under the stars on select Thursday evenings. READ MORE

Princeton Summer Concert Series

Princeton
Thursdays from July 6-August 10, 2023
Princeton Shopping Center's courtyard is home to a diverse summer outdoor entertainment series on Thursday nights. Get ready to dance with local bands. There are plenty of dinner options from nearby Princeton eateries. READ MORE

Livingston Summer Concert Series

Livingston
Saturdays from July 9-August 6, 2023
Stop by the gazebo in Memorial Park Sunday nights for live music from local bands. READ MORE

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival in Westfield

Westfield
Tuesdays, July 11-August 29, 2023
Enjoy a night out in town with free music as you stroll, eat, and relax at outdoor venues around town featuring live musicians. Talented groups play and entertain each Tuesday evening through August with Wednesday rain dates. READ MORE

Maplewood Summer Concert Series

Maplewood
Fridays from July 14-August 11, 2023
Gather at the Springfield Avenue gazebo every Friday night for great live music performances. READ MORE

Waldwick Summer Concert Series

Waldwick
Select Wednesdays through September 13, 2023
Waldwick presents a free summer concert series at Borough Park. Bring chairs and blankets, and enjoy the show. Food donations are welcome for the Center for Food Action. READ MORE

Horizon Sounds of the City 2023

Newark
Thursdays from July 13-August 24, 2023
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is proud to host this free live summer concert series taking place under the stars on the NJPAC Campus at Chambers Plaza. Enjoy local talent, plus a one-night showcase of local artists. READ MORE

Friday Night Concert Series

Somers Point
Fridays through September 8, 2023
Friday night is music night at William Morris Beach, with free concerts each week. READ MORE

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