Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Date Idea, Good for Groups, Meetup, Music, Nightlife, Photoworthy, Seasonal, Shows
Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/
The best part about summer is getting to enjoy the warm weather and getting to watch performers sing and play instruments live. It’s the perfect activity: to get lost in the melody of people’s voices and songs while soaking up the sun with the people we love most. So grab a blanket, wear some comfy dancing shoes, and enjoy Boston and all its talent with this list of free outdoor concerts in the city.
by Yelena Nicolle Salvador
Boston is home to one of the most prestigious music schools in the country, Berklee College of Music. Lucky for us, plenty of students, alumni, and professors perform throughout the city all summer long, with over 200 concerts that we get to enjoy for free. Stop by to listen to a wide range of tunes by these talented musicians! The schedule is below.
Summer Concerts at Atlantic Wharf (Tue/Thu)
Enjoy music right on the water with a stunning view of the Fort Point Channel.
Summer Concerts at Prudential Center (Thu)
The Pru doesn’t just have shopping. It also houses a green garden area between its buildings for concerts, complete with colorful lounge chairs to listen to great music.
Concerts in the Courtyard at Boston Public Library (Wed/Fri)
The Boston Public Library is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, complete with a romantic courtyard at its center that serves as the venue for live concerts that echo through the BPL’s arches and hallways.
Concerts at South Boston Maritime Park (Fri)
Kick off your weekend by catching one of these evening concerts right near the water in Seaport.
Summer Concerts at Kendall Center (Tue)
Enjoy sounds of jazz, pop, and more on Tuesday evenings at Kendall Square's hidden gem, the Urban Park Roof Garden.
Summer Concerts at Lyrik Back Bay (Tue)
Get ready to listen to talented musicians right in the heart of Back Bay. At the bustling intersection of Mass Ave, Boylston, and Newbury Street, you'll get to savor sounds from different genres.
Summer Concerts at Club Passim (Thu)
Enjoy tunes right outside of this nonprofit venue that has focused on musical experiences for all for nearly 70 years.
Summer Concerts at Longfellow House (Sun)
Head over to this historic building and listen to great music in front of beautiful architecture.
Summer Concerts at Magazine Beach Park (Fri)
Cross the Charles and enjoy beautiful views of the river at the greenspace of Magazine Beach Park while listening to local tunes.
Summer Concerts at Spectacle Island (Sun)
Explore the treasure of Spectacle Island by hiking, picnicking, and enjoying live jazz performances. These concerts are free, but a ferry ticket is required.
Sunset Concerts at Symphony Park (Tue)
Listen to a concert as the sun sets in the city at the charming greenspace between Berklee and Symphony Hall.
Summer Concerts at Regattabar Courtyard (Wed)
Grab an outdoor seat in the courtyard of the Charles Hotel in the heart of Harvard Square, sip on a drink from the One Reason Garden Bar, and enjoy tunes by Berklee and Regattabar jazz artists.
Summer Concerts at Tito Puente Latin Music Series (Thu)
Discover Latin music all over Boston by finding your way to one of the park locations that hosts this concert series to honor the legendary Tito Puente.
Summer Concerts at Sam Adams Park at Faneuil Hall (Fri)
Marvel at the beautiful red bricks of Faneuil Hall while listening to wonderful melodies.
SUMMER CONCERTS AT URBAN PARK (Wed)
Head to the top of the Kendall parking garage for a secret urban garden on the roof and live music for you by Club Passim.
GROUNDBEAT CONCERT SERIES (Wed)
The Hatch Shell is hosting community concerts with free empanadas, dancing, and live music by local musicians right on the waterfront.
SUMMER IN THE CITY ON THE HARBORWALK (Tue-Fri)
Watch the harbor come alive by the Boston Harbor Hotel with scenic waterfront views, great music, and a variety of restaurants nearby.
Listen to live music after strolling through vendor stalls at the Brighton Farmers’ Market.
LIVE MUSIC AT AERONAUT ALLSTON (Fri-Sat)
The beloved Aeronaut Allston beer garden is complete when there’s live music playing as you sip on tasty brews. Come join the Aeronaut crew for their final season at Zone 3.
BOSTON LANDMARKS ORCHESTRA (Wed)
The Hatch Shell is an iconic golden half dome shape right on the Esplanade. It sets the stage (literally and figuratively) for soothing orchestra performances on summer nights.
FRIENDS FRIDAYS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES (Fri)
Take in beachy weather and beachy views at the Ruth Gordon Amphitheater with their summer concert series. Bring a blanket or a beach chair, your pup, your friends, and your kids, and enjoy the water, music, and pop-up brews and BBQ.
CX SUMMER NIGHTS (Thu)
Bring your pup and your friends and head to CX Summer Nights for lawn games, local brews from Lamplighter CX, and live music.
SUMMER CONCERTS AT HINGHAM SHIPYARD (Fri)
Head to Hingham by car, bus, or ferry for a unique listening experience at the Hingham Shipyard right on the water.
BOSTON PARKS & RECREATION NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES (Select Days)
Explore the communities of Boston while listening to a wide range of music all summer long.
NEMPAC’s JAZZ IN THE PARK (Thu)
The North End Music and Performing Arts Center is ready to bring you soulful jazz on The Greenway.
HARBORWALK SOUNDS AT THE ICA (Thu)
After you enjoy strolling through the ICA and getting inspired by modern art, head to the back, grab a seat on the steps, and enjoy live music right on the water while the sun sets.
Outdoor Music Festivals + Special Events
There’s never too much live music, especially free concerts! Indulge yourself at these festivals full of great music, and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes as you get lost in the best tunes.
Bonus paid concert series: Fenway Park Summer Concerts
The Fenway Park Summer Concert Series is back for the 2025 season. Even though they aren’t free, we had to give a special mention for one of Boston’s most iconic lineups.
Saturday, Jun 21, 2025 11:30a
Keolis massAdventures
Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025 5:00p
Boston Area Spanish Exchange (BASE)
Saturday, Jun 14, 2025 11:00a
Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre