Photo:
Summer Sounds at Skansie
Families in our region can enjoy a dizzying number of options for outdoor entertainment, in full force for 2023. We’ve put together a list of South Sound–area summer concerts and outdoor movies that will get you outside, keep you entertained and, in most cases, not even cost you a penny.
Here’s what’s happening around the South Sound region this summer. If we missed your favorite series, email us at calendar@parentmap.com. We’d love to hear about it. And, if you’re up Seattle way, consult our list of Seattle- and Eastside-area free summer concerts.
Family-friendly concert series
Kent Summer Concert Series
This summer concert series offers a bounty of weekly options, July 6–Aug. 16. Free kid-focused shows happen on Wednesdays, noon–1 p.m., at West Fenwick Park and Chestnut Ridge Park. Other ongoing series are family-friendly and take place in the evenings on Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m., at Kent Station, and on Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m., at Lake Meridian Park. Free.
Lacey in Tune Summer Concert and Entertainment Series
The city of Lacey also offers more than one outdoor entertainment option. The Children’s Entertainment Series takes place Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., July 11–Aug. 15, and family-friendly Noon Tunes concerts take place Wednesdays at noon, July 5–Aug. 9, at Huntamer Park. On Fridays at 7 p.m., July 14–Aug. 4, turn up for Concerts and Movies, which includes a concert followed by a family-friendly movie. The concerts start at 7 p.m. and movies are shown at dusk. Free.
Kids Summerstage and Summer Sounds Concerts
Stop by Les Gove Park for the Kids Summerstage happening Wednesdays at noon, July 12–Aug. 16. There is a fantastic playground to explore after the show. On rainy days, concerts will be rescheduled. The city of Auburn is also now offering the Summer Sounds concert series on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., July 13–Aug. 17, also at Les Gove Park. Free.
Summer Concerts at Covington Community Park
Concerts at the park are back in Covington. Enjoy family-friendly performances every Friday night, July 21–Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Covington Community Park. Plan on some extra time before or after to explore the cool trails or the amazing playground. Free.
Bonney Lake Summer Concerts
Cruise by Allan Yorke Park for Kids Club, great kid-approved entertainment on Mondays at 6:30 p.m., July 10–Aug. 21. On Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., July 12–Aug. 23, the Tunes at Tapps series brings live music of varying genres to the park for a great family picnic experience. An outdoor market precedes the Wednesday shows, beginning at 5 p.m. Check the lineup for both series on the website. Free.
Puyallup Concerts in the Park
Outdoor concerts at Pioneer Park are back this year, with two series to choose from: the Family Series on Thursdays July 6–Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m.; and the Kids Noon Tunes at noon on Tuesdays, July 11–Aug. 22. Free.
Summer Sounds at Skansie
Head to Skansie Brothers Park in Gig Harbor for a waterfront outdoor concert. This series runs Tuesdays from 6–8 p.m., July 11–Aug. 29. Free.
Summer Sounds in Federal Way
Head to Steel Lake Park for Federal Way’s Summer Sounds Concert Series, happening Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., July 12–Aug. 2. Turn up Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. for a special kids’ day. Free.
Maple Valley Music in the Park
Groove to family-friendly music lakeside at Lake Wilderness Park in Maple Valley on Thursdays at 6 p.m., Aug. 3–24. Stick around on select dates for a movie afterwards at dusk or explore the expansive park, complete with a playground and swimming beach. Free.
South Sound outdoor summer movies
Lacey’s Concerts and Movies at Dusk Series
As mentioned above, the city of Lacey’s Lacey in Tune concert and entertainment series is back this year. Movies at Dusk is the outdoor movie segment — with the film screening taking place after the concert. Music starts at 7 p.m. and movies play at dusk. Fridays, July 14–Aug. 4 in Huntamer Park. Free.
Gig Harbor Movies in the Park
Pack your chairs and blankets to enjoy free family movies at Sehmel Homestead Park. Movies are shown at 5 or 8 p.m. on Fridays in August. Free.
Federal Way’s Movies in the Park
Head to Town Square Park for two Movies in the Park showings, one Saturday, July 29 at 9 p.m. and the other Saturday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. Free.
Friday Night Flicks in Auburn
This summer movie series runs three Fridays, July 28 (at Lea Hill Park), Aug. 4 (at Sunset Park) and Aug. 11 (at Les Gove Park). Movies begin at around 9 p.m. Check the full lineup of entertainment and movie titles on the website. Free.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and updated most recently for summer 2023.
