Photo:
A scene from a past Celebrate Woodinville summer concert. Credit: Photography by Carol Hook
The kids are out of school, the tots are underfoot — you’ve got to get out of the house! Luckily, there are many free outdoor concert series in the Seattle area to check out.
Best of all? The concerts and performances are in local parks and they’re all free. Show up, sing along, play, dance. Roll out a blanket and have a picnic.
Did we miss a great series? Email us with the details, and also check out our list of South Sound–area free summer concerts and performances.
Seattle-area outdoor performances:
Downtown Summer Sounds, downtown Seattle
The Downtown Summer Sounds series is coming back with a bang this summer. Enjoy more than 30 free in-person concerts at various parks and venues in the Seattle downtown core, including Freeway Park, Westlake Park and Occidental Square.
Details: Select dates, July 5–Sept. 9, starting at noon or 5 p.m. Free.
Location: Various downtown Seattle spots. See the full schedule.
Spotlight on the Waterfront, Seattle
Come check out the last two performances of the 2022 Spotlight on the Waterfront series at Pier 62.
Details: Friday, June 24, 4–6 p.m., and Saturday, June 25, noon–2 p.m. Free.
Location: Pier 62, Seattle
U Village Summer Concert Series, Seattle
Turn up at U Village's Village Green for free summer shows on five Wednesdays this summer.
Details: Wednesdays, July 20–Aug. 17, 7–8:30 p.m. Free
Location: University Village, Seattle
ShoreLake Arts Concerts in the Park, Shoreline
ShoreLake Arts brings back free concerts this year with two Wednesday evening performances. No food trucks or refreshments this year, so bring a picnic and some low-back chairs from home.
Details: June 29 and Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Pfingst Animal Acres Park (June 29) and Kruckeberg Botanic Garden (Aug. 17)
This series offers a bounty of weekly options July 6–Aug. 17. Free kid-focused shows happen on Wednesdays, noon–1 p.m., at Morrill Meadows Park. Two additional series are family-friendly and take place in the evenings: Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m., at Kent Station; and Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m., at Lake Meridian Park.
Details: Select dates July 6–Aug. 17. Free.
Locations: Morrill Meadows Park, Kent Station, Lake Meridian Park
Eastside outdoor family performances:
Concerts on the Green, Issaquah
Stake out a spot on the Issaquah Community Center lawn on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. for outdoor concerts that will make the whole family want to get up and dance. This summer’s series features terrific tribute bands.
Details: Tuesdays, July 5–Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Free.
Location: Issaquah Community Center
Make lunchtime extra special by catching one of Bellevue’s midday, mid-week outdoor concerts, offered at numerous downtown Bellevue locations every Tuesday and Thursday at noon, plus Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.
Details: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, July 5–Sept. 8, noon–1 p.m. (Wednesday performances start at 11:30 a.m.). Free.
Location: Check the schedule for venue info.
Celebrate Woodinville Summer Concerts
Live it up on warm summer nights at Woodinville’s outdoor concert series, taking place at Wilmot Gateway Park over four Wednesdays. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. In true wine-country fashion, starting at 5:30 p.m., there will be local wine and craft beer available for purchase (for adults), plus food truck fare for sale for a yummy picnic dinner.
Details: Wednesdays, July 13–Aug. 3, 6:30–8 p.m. Free.
Location: Wilmot Gateway Park, Woodinville
KidsFirst! Performance Series, Sammamish
Spend the afternoon at Sammamish Commons Plaza enjoying outdoor entertainment especially for kids. Mark your calendar for the Reptile Isle Hands-on Animal Adventure, Mikey Mike The Rad Scientist and more, Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Details: Tuesdays, June 28–Aug. 16, 1–2 p.m. Free. (No performance on July 5.)
Location: Sammamish Commons Plaza at City Hall, Sammamish
Concerts in the Park, Sammamish
Grab a blanket for evening concerts at Pine Lake Park that the whole family will enjoy, Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Details: Thursdays, July 7–Aug. 18, 6:30–8 p.m. Free.
Location: Pine Lake Park, Sammamish
Kirkland Kids Summer Concert Series
Pack up the kids and head to wonderful Juanita Beach Park (awesome new playground alert!) Tuesdays at 10 a.m. this summer. This park features wetland trails, bike paths and a beach in addition to the playground. Don’t miss kindie faves The Brian Waite Band (July 26), Cowboy Buck (July 12) and The Not-Its! (Aug. 16).
Details: Tuesdays, July 12–Aug. 16, 10 a.m. Free.
Location: Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland
Kirkland Summer Evening Concerts
Enjoy music at this popular waterfront park on Thursday evenings throughout the summer. Check out the event website for a full lineup of performers.
Details: Thursdays, July 7–Aug. 18, 7–8:30 p.m. Free.
Location: Marina Park, Kirkland
Kenmore Summer Concert Series, Kenmore
Come enjoy concerts on the South lawn at Saint Edward State Park. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this outdoor concert series! Bring along a picnic or purchase food from a vendor, and grown-ups can enjoy the beer garden (check the website for updated information and to see the bands that are preforming this year).
Details: Thursdays, July 7,14, 21, 28, 6–8 p.m. Free. Discovery Pass not required starting at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Saint Edward State Park, Kenmore
North Sound outdoor performances:
Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Marysville
Marysville hosts bands in Jennings Memorial Park on Fridays at 7 p.m. this summer.
Details: Fridays, July 15–Aug. 12 , 7 p.m. Free.
Location: Jennings Memorial Park, Marysville
Marysville Children’s Concert Series, Marysville
Pack a picnic and enjoy popular children’s entertainers three Wednesdays this summer at Jennings Memorial Park.
Details: Wednesdays, July 6, July 20 and Aug. 3, noon–1 p.m. Free.
Location: Jennings Memorial Park, Marysville
American Roots Music Series at Deception Pass, Oak Harbor
Depending on where you live, you may need to plan ahead a bit more for this series. Washington State Parks is putting on free outdoor concerts at the North Beach Amphitheater at Deception Pass State Park. Plan a day trip or an overnight to catch a Saturday night concert near the beach.
Details: Saturdays, July 2–Aug. 27, 7 p.m. Free; Discover Pass required to park.
Location: North Beach Amphitheater, Deception Pass State Park, Oak Harbor
South Sound outdoor performances:
Kent Summer Concert Series
This series offers a bounty of weekly options from July 6–Aug. 17.
Details: Kid-focused shows happen on Wednesdays, noon–1 p.m. Other ongoing series are family-friendly and take place in the evenings on Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. at and Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m. Free.
Location: Kid-focused shows at Morrill Meadows Park; Wednesday evening shows at Kent Station; Thursday evening shows at Lake Meridian Park..
Lacey in Tune Summer Concert and Entertainment Series
The City of Lacey also offers more than one outdoor entertainment option. There are family friendly noon shows, evening options, and even a few Friday night concerts followed by a family-friendly movie!
Details: The Children's Entertainment Series, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., July 5–Aug. 9; family-friendly Noon Tunes concerts, Wednesdays at noon, July 6–Aug. 3; Concerts and Movies at Dusk, Fridays at 7 p.m., July 15 and 29. The concert start at 7 p.m. and movies are shown at dusk. Free.
Location: Huntamer Park, Lacey
Kids Summerstage and Summer Sounds Concerts, Auburn
Stop by Les Gove Park for the Kids Summerstage. There is a fantastic playground to explore after the show. On rainy days, concerts will be rescheduled. The City of Auburn is also offering the evening Summer Sounds concert series.
Details: Kids Summerstage, Wednesdays at noon July 13–Aug. 17; Summer Sounds concert series, Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., July 7–Aug. 25. Free
Location: Les Gove Park, Auburn
Summer Concerts at Covington Community Park
Concerts at the park are back in Covington. Enjoy family-friendly concerts on Friday evenings. Plan on some extra time before or after to explore the cool trails or the super fun playground.
Details: Friday night, July 29–Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Free
Location: Covington Community Park, Covington
Bonney Lake Summer Concerts
Cruise by Allan Yorke Park for Kids Club, great kid-approved entertainment on . On 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 at the website.
Detail: Kids Club, Mondays at 6:30 p.m., July 11–Aug. 29; Tunes at Tapps, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in July and August. Free.
Location: Allan Yorke Park, Bonney Lake
Puyallup Concerts in the Park
Outdoor concerts at Pioneer Park are back this year with two series to chose from: the Family Series on Thursdays and the Kids Noon Tunes on Tuesday.
Details: Family Series, Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.; Kids Noon Tunes, Tuesday, at noon. July 5–August 18. Free
Location: Pioneer Park, Puyallup
Summer Sounds at Skansie, Gig Harbor
Head to revamped Skansie Brothers Park in Gig Harbor for a waterfront outdoor concert.
Details: Tuesdays from 6–7 p.m., June 28–Aug. 30. Free
Location: Skansie Brothers Park, Gig Harbor
Summer Sounds in Federal Way
Head to Steel Lake Park for Federal Way's Summer Sounds Concert Series. Turn up Aug. 3 at 11:30 a.m. for a special kids' day.
Details: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., July 6–July 27. Free.
Location: Steel Lake Park, Federal Way
Maple Valley Music in the Park
Groove to family-friendly music lakeside at Lake Wilderness Park in Maple Valley on Thursday. Stop by on Wednesday, August 3 at 11 a.m. for a special kids concert. Stay awhile and explore the expansive park complete with a playground and swimming beach.
Details: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 4–25. Free.
Location: Lake Wilderness Park, Maple Valley
Editor's notes: This article was most recently updated in 2022. Kris Collingridge, Lauren Valencia and ParentMap staff contributed to this article.
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