Photo:
Dance along to your favorite bands at an outdoor summer concert. Credit: Julie Dodobara
The kids are out of school, the tots are underfoot — you’ve got to get out of the house! Luckily, there are many Seattle summer concerts on the horizon. And we are talking not only about music, but entertaining shows with science, animals, comedy, magic — and much more!
Best of all? The concerts and performances are in local parks, and they’re all free. Whether a lunch hour or early evening time slot works best for your crew, show up, sing along, play, dance. Roll out a blanket and have a picnic. It’s the perfect casual summer outing.
Seattle-area summer concerts
Downtown Summer Sounds
Dates and time: Select dates, July 11–Aug. 28
The Downtown Summer Sounds series entertains downtown workers, summer tourists and, of course, families! Enjoy nearly 20 free in-person concerts at various parks and venues in the Seattle downtown core, including Bell Street Park, Westlake Park, Union Square and Occidental Square.
Spotlight on the Waterfront
Dates and time: Thursdays, July 3–Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m.
Marvel at the waterfront views from Pier 62 while reveling in a different type of performance each week. The series kicks off with an introduction to Anáhuac culture through dance and music and continues with hip-hop performances, native Hawaiian music, a Chinese lion dance and much more.
U Village Summer Concert Series
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 16–Aug. 20, 7–8:30 p.m.
Turn up at University Village’s Village Green for free summer concerts on six Wednesdays this summer. (80s music fans, do not miss Nite Wave on July 30!)
ShoreLake Arts Concerts in the Park
Dates and time: Wednesday, June 25 and July 9–Aug. 13
ShoreLake Arts welcomes families for free summer concerts on Wednesday evenings. Bring some low-back chairs and enjoy outdoor tunes at locations including Pfingst Animal Acres Park, Richmond Beach Community Park, Cromwell Park, Shoreline City Hall and Kruckeberg Botanic Garden.
Kent Summer Concert Series — Wednesday Picnic Performances
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 9–Aug. 6, noon–1 p.m.
Free kid-focused shows combined with water games, carnival activities, sno-cones and sports from Kent Parks make for a fun afternoon at West Fenwick Park.
Kent Summer Concert Series - Kent Station Summer Series
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 9–Aug. 20, 6–8 p.m.
Additional family-friendly concerts take place in the evening. Summer Sounds concerts happen on Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. at Kent Station.
Kent Summer Concert Series - Thursdays in the Meadow
Dates and time: Thursdays, July 10–Aug. 14, 6:30–8 p.m.
The summer concert bounty in Kent doesn’t end there! The whole family can also enjoy concerts in the meadow on Thursdays at Morrill Meadows Park.
Terrace Summer Nights: Music
Dates and time: Thursdays, July 10–31, 4:30–7 p.m.
Mountake Terrace offers family-friendly music performances during July at either Civic Campus or Terrace Creek Park. Grab some dinner and prepare to relax and enjoy!
Summer concerts on the Eastside
Rock the Village
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 9–Aug. 27, 7–8:30 p.m.
The Village at Totem Lake kicks off its evening summer music series with popular 80’s tribute band, Nite Wave and continues with seven more concerts on the green near Cinemark.
Village Fun Days
Dates and time: Thursdays, July 10–Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Village at Totem Lake also has a mid-day series dedicated to kids’ entertainment. Catch science, comedy, circus, music acts and more on Thursdays this summer.
Live at Lunch Concert Series
Dates and time: Select dates Wednesday–Friday through Sept. 5, noon–1 p.m.
Make lunchtime extra special by catching one of Bellevue’s midday outdoor concerts, offered at numerous downtown Bellevue locations. Check the schedule on the Bellevue Beats website for specific venue info.
Concerts on the Green
Dates and time: Tuesdays, July 1–Aug. 19, 7–8:30 p.m.
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.
Celebrate Woodinville Summer Concerts
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 9–30, 5:30–8 p.m.
Live it up on warm summer nights at Woodinville’s outdoor concert series, taking place at Wilmot Gateway Park over four Wednesdays this summer. 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 tasty picnic dinner.
KidsFirst! Performance Series
Dates and time: Tuesdays, July 15, 22 and 29; Aug. 5 and 12, 1–2 p.m.
Spend the afternoon at Sammamish Commons Plaza at City Hall enjoying outdoor entertainment especially for kids. Mark your calendar for the Falconer, Harmonica Pocket, Garden with Lisa and more.
Sammamish Concerts in the Park
Dates and time: Thursdays, July 10–Aug. 14, 6:30–8 p.m.
Sammamish also hosts evening concerts for the whole family on Thursdays so grab a blanket and head to Pine Lake Park.
Kirkland Kids Summer Concert Series
Dates and time: Tuesdays, July 8–Aug. 19, 10–11 a.m.
Pack up the kids and head to wonderful Juanita Beach Park on Tuesday mornings this summer. This park features wetland trails, bike paths and a beach in addition to the playground. Don’t miss kiddie faves, Brian Waite Band (July 15), Cowboy Buck (July 22) and Harmonica Pocket (Aug. 12).
Kirkland Summer Evening Concerts
Dates and time: Thursdays, July 10–Aug. 28, 7–8:30 p.m.
Enjoy music at the popular Marina Park located on Kirkland’s waterfront on Thursday evenings throughout the summer. The series kicks off with 60's and 70's tribute band, Laurel Canyon.
Kenmore Summer Concert Series
Dates and time: Thursdays July 10, 24 and Aug. 7 and 21, 6–8 p.m.
Come enjoy concerts on the South lawn at Saint Edward State Park. Bring along a picnic or purchase food from a vendor. A Discover Pass is required to park. Free shuttles are also available.
South King County and Tacoma-area summer concerts:
Auburn Kids’ SummerStage
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 9–Aug. 13, noon–1 p.m.
Pack a lunch and stop by Les Gove Park for the Kids Summerstage. There is a fantastic spray park and playground to explore after the show. On rainy days, concerts will be moved indoors.
Auburn’s Summer Sounds Concert Series
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 9–Aug. 13, 6:30–8 p.m.
If you haven’t gotten your musical fill, the City of Auburn is also offering the Summer Sounds concert series on Wednesday evenings, also at Les Gove Park.
Summer Concert at Covington Community Park
Dates and time: Friday, July 25, 6:30–8 p.m.
Enjoy a family-friendly summer concert at Covington Community Park. Plan on some extra time before or after to explore the cool trails or the super fun playground.
Summer Sounds in Federal Way
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 9–30, 6:30–8 p.m.
Pack a picnic and head to Steel Lake Park for Federal Way’s Summer Sounds Concert Series. Turn up Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. for a special kids’ day with crafts, food, entertainment and fun.
Kids Club Entertainment at Allan Yorke Park
Dates and time: Mondays, July 14–Aug. 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Cruise by Allan Yorke Park for Kids Club, great kid-approved entertainment. There will be music, magic and reptiles!
Tunes at Tapps Outdoor Concerts
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 9–Aug. 20, 6:30–8 p.m.
The Tunes at Tapps summer concert series, also held at Allan Yorke Park, 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.
Puyallup’s Concerts in the Park: Family Series
Dates and time: Thursdays, July 10–Aug. 28, 6:30–8 p.m.
Outdoor concerts at Pioneer Park are back this year with two series to choose from. The first is the Family Series on Thursday evenings with music representing nearly every popular music genre. A bonus show on Wednesday, Aug. 6 is for 60s music fans.
Puyallup’s Kiwanis Kids Day in the Park
Dates and time: Tuesdays, July 8 and 22, Aug. 5 and 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Puyallup’s second concert series is for the kiddos and it’s an added dose of fun with activities and games before each show every other Tuesday in Pioneer Park.
Summer Sounds at Skansie
Dates and time: Tuesdays, July 8–Aug. 26, 6–8 p.m.
Head to Skansie Brothers Park in Gig Harbor by land or by sea for waterfront outdoor concerts featuring an impressive lineup of local and regional talent performing a wide range of musical styles.
Maple Valley Music in the Park
Dates and time: Thursdays, July. 31–Aug. 21, 6 p.m.
Groove to family-friendly music lakeside at Lake Wilderness Park in Maple Valley on Thursdays. Stick around on select nights for a movie at dusk, or explore the expansive park complete with a playground and swimming beach.
Lacey in Tune Children’s Entertainment Series
Dates and time: Tuesdays, June 24 and July 8–Aug. 12, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
The City of Lacey also offers more than one outdoor entertainment option. The Children’s Entertainment Series serves up kid-pleasing entertainment including science, magic and music at Huntamer Park on Tuesday evenings.
Lacey’s Noon Tunes Concert Series in the Park
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 9–23, noon–1 p.m.
The family-friendly Noon Tunes concerts, also located in Huntamer Park, are a great option for lunchtime picnics accompanied by a variety of musical stylings.
Lacey in Tune Outdoor Concerts and Movies
Dates and time: Fridays, July 18–Aug. 8, at 7 p.m. The concerts start at 7 p.m. and movies are shown at dusk.
Enjoy live tunes while you wait for dusk and a showing of an outdoor flick for the whole fam at Huntamer Park on Friday evenings.
North Sound outdoor concerts:
Marysville Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Dates and time: Wednesdays, July 9–Aug. 13, 5:30–7 p.m. or noon–1 p.m.
Bring the kids to enjoy popular children’s entertainers every other Wednesday this summer at Comeford Park for some midday fun. The whole family can get their feet moving during evening concerts on the other Wednesdays.
American Roots Music Series at Deception Pass
Dates and time: Saturdays, July 12–Aug. 23, 7–8 p.m.
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 in Oak Harbor. Plan a day trip or an overnight to catch a Saturday night concert near the beach. A Discover Pass is required to park.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2017 and was most recently updated June 16, 2025 by ParentMap calendar editor, Julie Dodobara to include a fact-check and verified details on this year’s summer concerts in Seattle and Greater Puget Sound. Kris Collingridge, Lauren Valencia and ParentMap staff contributed to this article.
