Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Date Idea, Good for Groups, Meetup, Music, Nightlife, Outside, 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 100 concerts that we get to enjoy for free. Stop by to listen to a wide range of tunes by these talented musicians!
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 Kendall Center (Tue)
Enjoy sounds of jazz, pop, and more under a backdrop of a beautiful fountain and other art pieces.
Summer Concerts at 401 Park (Thu)
The luscious lawn in front of TimeOut is perfect for a bite, a resting place, and a concert!
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.
Summer Concerts at Club Passim (Thu)
Enjoy tunes at this nonprofit venue that has focused on musical experiences for all.
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 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 with a salsa influence.
Summer Concerts at Sam Adams Park at Faneuil Hall (We/Fri)
Marvel at the beautiful red brick of Faneuil Hall while listening to wonderful melodies.
Summer Concerts at Spectacle Island (Sa/Su)
Explore the treasure of Spectacle Island by hiking, picnicking, and enjoying live jazz performances.
Summer in the City at the Harborwalk (Tue-Thu)
Watch the harbor come alive by the Boston Harbor Hotel with scenic waterfront views, great music, and a variety of restaurants nearby.
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.
Summer Concerts at Urban Park (Tue/Wed)
Head to the top of the Kendall parking garage for a secret urban garden on the roof. There will be live music for you to enjoy by Club Passim and Berklee students. Plus, Lamplighter will be hosting some pop-ups for you to enjoy a brew while taking in tunes with friends.
Fresh Beats: Free Summer Concert Series (We)
Enjoy music on the third Wednesday of every month in Southie! There will be free lawn games and food and beverages for purchase, so everyone can enjoy.
Friends’ Fridays Summer 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 popup brews and BBQ.
Thursdays on the Lawn at the Loring-Greenough House (Thu)
Thursdays on the greenest lawn you’ve ever seen would not be complete without live music. Head to Loring-Greenough House for a picnic, a beer garden, a concert, and more at this historic home.
Boston Landmarks Orchestra at the Hatch Shell (Wed/Sat)
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.
Live Music at Aeronaut Allston (Thu-Sat)
The beloved Aeronaut Allston beer garden is complete when there’s live music playing as you sip on tasty brews.
NEMPAC’s Jazz in the Park Series (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.
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.
Concerts at Hingham Shipyard (Fri)
Head to Hingham by car or ferry for a unique listening experience at the Hingham Shipyard right on the water.
Eliot Schoolyard Concerts (Sun)
Bring your own seat and make your way to the Eliot Schoolyard in Jamaica Plain for live performances.
Sounds of Fort Warren: Jazz at the Fort (Sat)
Fall in love with jazz tunes that echo through the nooks of Fort Warren on Georges Island.
Revere Beach Summer Concert Series (Thu/Fri)
Days full of sandy beaches, sunny weather, and live music are the epitome of summer.
Boston Parks and Recreation Neighborhood Concert Series
Explore the communities of Boston while listening to a wide genre of music all summer long.
Listen to live music after strolling through vendor stalls at the Brighton Farmers’ Market.
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
XX The Fenway Park Summer Concert Series is back for the 2024 season. Even though they aren’t free, we had to give a special mention for one of Boston’s most iconic lineups.
Sunday, Dec 15, 2024 11:30a
Crane Estate
Thursday, Dec 12, 2024 6:00p
Trillium Fort Point