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Free San Francisco Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families

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Eat and dance at the Live Music Lunch Series at Thrive City. Photo courtesy of the Chase Center.
6/9/24 - By Sandra Lee

We've rounded up a host of FREE San Francisco summer outdoor concerts ideal for kids and families, so all parents need to do is grab some lawn chairs or a picnic blanket. From lively parks to scenic waterfronts, these events are set in some of the most iconic locations across San Francisco and the Bay Area. Whether you're into jazz, rock, classical, or world music, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Our Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide offers tons more ideas for getting the best out of the warm-weather months. Enjoy!

Be sure to check back often, because we continue adding and updating concerts throughout the season!

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More Free Activities in San Francisco this Summer

Free Summer Movies | Free Museum Days | Free Summer Activities

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Hear music in the botanical gardens at Golden Gate Park. Flower Piano photo by Mitch Altman via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Hear music in the botanical gardens at Golden Gate Park. Flower Piano photo by Mitch Altman via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Free Concerts in San Francisco this Summer

Golden Gate Bandshell Concerts

San Francisco
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, March - November, 2024
Enjoy free live music in beautiful Golden Gate Park through mid-November. Genres in singer/songwriter, reggae, soul, jazz, an afternoon for kids, and special holidays. This is an all-ages, family-friendly event.  READ MORE

Stern Grove Festival

San Francisco
June 23 - August 5, 2024
Bring a blanket and lawn chair to enjoy free music in San Francisco for the whole family. With a mission to bring live music that is accessible to all, every weekend brings a different band to play for the Bay Area community. There is also a KidZone where kids can do art, get their faces painted, hear a story and watch a puppet show.  READ MORE

Opera in the Park

San Francisco
Sunday, September 8, 2024
A Bay Area tradition, Opera in the Park is back with beautiful arias, duets, and more, performed by stars from the Fall season. Music Director Eun Sun Kim is leading the San Francisco Opera Orchestra for a night of music and extraordinary singing.  READ MORE

Flower Piano

San Francisco
September 13-22, 2024
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is bringing back one of the most unique events where families of all ages can enjoy a concert surrounded by nature. With performances for young kids, a 12-piano extravaganza, and much more, everyone is invited to play and listen.  READ MORE

Live Music Lunch Series at Thrive City

San Francisco
Tuesdays in June, 2024
Thrive City is hosting free Live Music Lunch Series for the summer. Catch special performances from Bay Area musicians and enjoy a variety of lawn games and seating options whether you are bringing your lunch from home or grabbing a bite at our delicious Thrive City eateries. READ MORE

Free Concerts in the East Bay this Summer

2024 Rhythmix in the Parks

Alameda
Third Saturdays, May - September 2024
Grab your chairs and blankets, pack a picnic lunch, and head outdoors. Rhythmix and the City of Alameda’s Recreation and Park Department invite people of all ages together to experience music, dance, visual art, and educational opportunities through a series of FREE, family-friendly concerts in Alameda’s City Parks. READ MORE

Point Richmond Summer Music Festival

Point Richmond
Second Fridays, June - September 2024
Point Richmond is hosting a concert in the park series in downtown Point Richmond every second Friday, from June through September. Enjoy Bluegrass, Folk, and Zydeco music for the whole family.  READ MORE

King of the County BBQ and Music Festival

Martinez
June 14-16, 2024
A BBQ extravaganza with live music spanning three days celebrating Father's Day and community. This outdoor family festival includes a kid's zone, BBQ competition, local vendors, and three days of music.  READ MORE

Danville Music in the Park

Danville
Saturdays, June 22 - August 3, 2024
The City of Danville is hosting Music in the Park with local performers for all ages to enjoy. Bring blankets, chairs, and snacks for an evening of music and dancing.  READ MORE

Fiesta Cultural at the Lesher Center for the Arts

Walnut Creek
July 17-20, 2024
Celebrate Latin American arts and culture in Walnut Creek. Fiesta Cultural is a week of vibrant events and performances at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Activities include world-class performances and a free street fair on Saturday with music and dance from the diverse cultures of Latin America.  READ MORE

Live Music Series at Jack London Square

Oakland
Fridays, July 19 - August 23, 2024
Enjoy live music on Friday evenings in Jack London Square on Restaurant Row. READ MORE

23rd Annual Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival

Oakland
August 10, 2024
Laurel StreetFair celebrates the cultural roots, community, and traditions that bring Oakland together with performances, kids activities, and more. READ MORE

Free Concerts in the North Bay and Marin this Summer

Jazz and Blues by the Bay

Sausalito
Fridays, June 7 - September 13, 2024
Visit Gabrielson Park on Friday nights to hear some great jazz and blues music from local bands. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, grab some food at the event (or bring some from home), and enjoy a night of music under the stars. READ MORE

45th Annual Fairfax Festival

Fairfax
Saturday & Sunday, June 8 & 9, 2024
Hosting its 45th year, the Fairfax Festival is a music, food, and art event to celebrate the unique culture that makes this small town in Marin special. Families can enjoy live music on multiple stages, taste food from different cuisines, and shop from local vendors. Kids can head over to the Ballfield where there are a ton of activities just for them.  The festival also features a parade on Saturday morning, full of colorful floats, local music, and community groups.  READ MORE

Novato Art, Wine, and Music Festival

Novato
Saturday & Sunday, June 8 & 9, 2024
A mainstay of the North Bay community, the Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival is a free event for families of all ages. Enjoy live music, vendor booths, food, local art, and a kid's area full of activities.  The music lineup includes Kid Galaga, Edu Bega, and others, as well as scattered music throughout downtown. There is also festival food like kettle corn, kebobs, crab fries, and more.  READ MORE

San Anselmo Live On The Avenue Music Series

San Anselmo
Fridays & Saturdays, July 5 - September 28, 2024
Stroll through the town of San Anselmo and listen to live music every Friday and Saturday while you shop, dine, play, and dance with family and friends.  Check out the kid-friendly concerts, fun zones, and more. READ MORE

San Rafael Porch Fest 2024

San Rafael
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Stroll through beautiful Gerstle Park in San Rafael while checking out new bands playing music on their porch. With thousands of people and more than 64 scheduled this year, families can hang with friends, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks, or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while the kids play at the park. With diverse music including folk, gospel, gypsy jazz, rock, Latin, and family and teen bands.  READ MORE

Festival Napa Valley

Napa
July 6 - 21, 2024
Head on over to wine country for a festival stocked with events, all with the beautiful backdrop of vineyards, estates, and restaurants. Events are held throughout the day, but for kiddos, the Novack Concert for Kids is where families with kids can enjoy the most out of the festival.  READ MORE

Music in the Park in San Rafael

San Rafael
Fridays, June 28 - August 23, 2024
Marinwood Park is hosting live music, food, and fun for the whole family. Each concert will feature music from some of the Bay Area's top rock, bluegrass, and folk artists, delicious BBQ by Marinwood Market, and a bar for the adults. Don't forget your picnic blanket!  READ MORE

Corte Madera Summer Concert Series

Corte Madera
Sundays, June 9 - August 25, 2024
The Corte Madera Community Foundation is sponsoring music for the community this summer on select Sundays. Enjoy music genres such as Zydeco, classical, soul, rock n' roll, and more. READ MORE

Concerts in the Park in Belvedere

Belvedere
Sundays, June 16 - September 1, 2024
Each summer, the City of Belvedere hosts four diverse concerts in Community Park, where local residents gather to enjoy music, a picnic, dancing, and a chance to see old friends and make new ones. READ MORE

Creekside Fridays at Mt. Tamalpais

Mill Valley
Fridays, June 14 - September 6, 2024
Join us for this beloved community event featuring live music, great food, and a chance to meet new neighbors! READ MORE

Free Concerts in the Peninsula and South Bay this Summer

Music on the Square

Redwood City
Fridays, May - August 2024
Music on the Square is back in Redwood City for the 18th year, with music for the whole family. Hear musical performers from rock to reggae, Americana, and pop, all at Courthouse Square. This is a FREE event and is open to the public.  READ MORE

San Carlos Music in the Park

San Carlos
Fridays, June 14 - August 2, 2024
Burton Park turns into a mini music festival on Friday nights in San Carlos. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and a picnic dinner to enjoy live music featuring different genres for the whole family.  READ MORE

KidStock Mountain View

Mountain View
Saturday, June 15 & July 20, 2024
Kidstock is a family music festival with games, arts, crafts, and live children's music by popular Bay Area performers, right on the Civic Center Plaza. READ MORE

Live Music on the Colonnade

Santa Cruz
Mondays & Tuesdays, June 17 - August 9, 2024
Summer on the Beach brings live music to the stage on Monday and Tuesday nights. Families can enjoy boardwalk food and drinks, win prizes at the arcade, and do window shopping at the stores open late on the Colonnade.  READ MORE

Central Park Music Series

San Mateo
Thursdays, June 20 - August 8, 2024
Central Park's Music Series is back this year and ready to bring back live music. Every Thursday will feature a different genre of music played by popular musicians that's perfect for the whole family. Food trucks and vendors will be there, so bring a picnic blanket, snack foods, drinks, and lawn chairs and get ready for a great night.  READ MORE

Classical on the Square - Redwood Symphony

Redwood City
Saturday, June 22, 2024
This free, family-friendly outdoor concert is a great introduction to classical music for kids featuring Redwood City's talented musicians.  Hear some of the familiar songs including Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man", and more. Peter Tchaikovsky's1812 Overture will feature digital cannons, for those with sensitive ears.  READ MORE

Kids Rock! 2024

Redwood City
Sundays, June 30 - August 18, 2024
Bring the kids to a jam party just for them at Kids Rock. This Redwood City event delivers storytelling, music, and a ton of fun for kids. READ MORE

Foster City Summer Concerts

Foster City
Fridays, July 12 - August 16, 2024
Bring a lawn chair, picnic, and blanket, and get ready for some live music every Friday at Leo Ryan Park. There's a different music genre presented every week. READ MORE

Santa Cruz Boardwalk Fiesta En La Playa

Santa Cruz
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Celebrate the traditions and customs of the Latino community at this free event on the beach. Entertainment includes mariachi, folkloric dancers, and live music. Don't forget all the boardwalk rides, games, and food available throughout the park! READ MORE

Make Music Day San Jose

San Jose
Friday, June 21, 2024
Make Music San Jose coincides with festivities in more than one thousand cities worldwide as part of Make Music Day. The whole idea for the day is to share the joy of making music with everyone who wants to take part, from professional to amateur musicians, as well as the musically curious. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Lesher Center for the Performing Arts
Tam Valley Community Center