Outdoor Concert Series in the Triangle: Music Nearly Every Day This Summer!
If you’re looking to fill your evenings with toe-tapping rhythms, soul-stirring jazz, or family-friendly grooves, you’re in luck — the Triangle is absolutely bursting with free (and a few affordable) outdoor concert series throughout spring, summer, and even into fall. Whether you’re in Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Cary, or beyond, there’s live music happening nearly every day of the week. Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping your picnic blanket packed and your dancing shoes ready!
Chapel Hill, Carrboro & Hillsborough: Roots, Relaxation, and Rhythm
🎸 Freight Train Blues (Carrboro) Fridays, May 16 – June 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Carrboro Town Commons | Free Celebrate the legacy of blues legend Libba Cotten. This soulful series benefits the Music Maker Relief Foundation. 🎶 Southern Village’s Sunday Night Live (Chapel Hill) Sundays starting April 13 | 7 p.m. | Southern Village | Free The green lawn, the sunset, and live music — it’s the perfect way to end your weekend. 🪕 Fridays on the Front Porch (Chapel Hill) Starting August 22 | 5–8 p.m. | Carolina Inn | Free Live bands, food trucks, and Southern hospitality on the historic inn’s beautiful porch. 🎨 Last Fridays Makers Market (Hillsborough) Last Friday of the month, May – October | 5:30–8:30 p.m. | Old Courthouse Lawn | Free Part art walk, part concert — this Hillsborough tradition is a great family-friendly night out. 🍷 Wind Down Wednesday (Chapel Hill) Wednesdays, April – October | 6 p.m. | La Vita Dolce, Southern Village | Free Wine specials, music, and a welcoming space for both kids and dogs.
Durham: Funky, Fresh, and Full of Flavor
🎧 PLAYlist (Durham Central Park) First Fridays, May – October (except July, which is July 11) | 6:30 p.m. | Free DJ sets, live bands, and dance parties. A Durham favorite! 🎻 Music at the Stack (American Tobacco Campus) Wednesdays, April 30 – May 21 | 6:30 p.m. | Free Presented by the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, featuring diverse artists. 🌿 Music Near the Gardens (Duke East Campus) Wednesdays, May 28 – June 25 | 7 p.m. | Free A special edition of the iconic “Music in the Gardens,” with an after-party at The Pinhook. 🛍 Music on Main (Streets at Southpoint) Saturdays, May 10 – October 4 | 5–8 p.m. | Free Shopping, dining, and music all in one lively setting.
Raleigh: From City Plazas to Park Grooves
🎤 Live After 5 (City Plaza) One Wednesday a month, May – August | 6–9 p.m. | Free Downtown Raleigh’s after-work party with bands and beer. 🌅 Live@Lake Raleigh Thursdays in April & May | 6 p.m. | Free Lakeside family fun presented by NC State LIVE. 🌴 Midtown Beach Music Series (North Hills) Thursdays, April 10 – June 26 | 6–9 p.m. | $6.15 Classic beach tunes and old-school R&B. 🎸 Pop Up Music Series (North Hills) Fridays & Sundays, April – June & Sept – Oct | Free Two venues, two moods — the Commons on Fridays, Midtown Park on Sundays. 🌳 Raleigh Summer Concert Series Select Sundays, June 22 – Sept 21 | Fletcher & Pullen Parks | Free A relaxing way to wind down the weekend.
Cary, Apex & Morrisville: Laid-Back Vibes and Community Beats
🚣 Bands, Bites and Boats (Cary) First Fridays, April – October (except July: July 11) | Bond Park Boathouse | Free Enjoy live music from land or lake, paired with local food and drink. 🎷 Josh Cellars Jazz Series (Koka Booth Amphitheatre) Wednesdays in April | 5:45 p.m. | $7.73 lawn, kids free Smooth jazz in a picturesque amphitheater setting. 🎶 Live in the District (Morrisville) Thursdays, April 17 – May 22 | 6:30–9 p.m. | Free Beach music, brews, and food trucks. 🎉 CaryLive! & Live at Lunch Various dates | Downtown Cary Park | Free A mix of evening and lunchtime performances to suit your schedule. 🎸 Crossroads Plaza May Music Series (Cary) Wednesdays in May | 6–8 p.m. | Free Convenient weekday entertainment while you shop. 🎵 Music in the Park (Morrisville) First Fridays, May – September (plus June 20 for Juneteenth) | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Free
Western Wake: Hometown Fun & Family Feels
💃 Groovin’ in Garner June 20, Aug 15, Sept 19 | 6:30–9:30 p.m. | Free 🎭 Summer at the Springs (Holly Springs) First Fridays, June – September | Free 🎶 FM2FV Concert Series (Fuquay-Varina) April & May | Centennial Square | 6:30 p.m. | Free
Wake Forest & Rolesville
🎉 Friday Night on White (Wake Forest) 2nd Fridays, April – September | 6 p.m. | Free Downtown streets turn into a dance floor. 🌿 Six Sundays in Spring (Wake Forest) April 27 – June 1 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Free
Eastern Wake & Johnston County
🎵 Wendell’s Meet on Main Select Fridays | 6:30–10:30 p.m. | Free 🎶 Zebulon Spring Concert Series Check back soon! | Town Hall Lawn | Free 🌊 New River Jam (Smithfield) 3rd Fridays, March – June | 7 p.m. | Free
Chatham County & Beyond
🎼 Bynum Front Porch Music Series (Pittsboro) Fridays, May – August | 7 p.m. | Free (but pass the hat!) 🎤 MOSAIC Summer Jam (Pittsboro) Every other Friday, April – June | 7 p.m. | Free 🌽 Saturdays in Saxapahaw May – August | 5–8 p.m. (music starts at 6) | Free Music, market, and magic by the river. 🎉 Downtown Alive! (Sanford) Spring & Fall Series | Check back for dates | Free 🎡 Gig in the Park (Wilson) Every other Thursday, April – June | 6–9 p.m. | Free 🏛 Freeman Round House Summer Concert Series (Wilson) Sundays, May – July | 6 p.m. | Free
No matter where you live in the Triangle — or how far you’re willing to travel for a good tune — there’s a concert series waiting to become your new summer tradition. Keep your ears open and your calendar clear!
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