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Family-Friendly Outdoor Summer Concerts in Philly

From patriotic pomp to a "kindie" series, here's where to hear music outside this summer.

There’s not much better on a summer night than packing a picnic and sitting out with the kids, listening to music while the sun sets. Here’s this year’s list of Philly outdoor concerts; admission is free unless otherwise noted.

Live at Sister Cities Park

Thursdays from June 6-August 29, 5–8 pm

210 N. 18th St.

 

Live at Sister Cities Park brings local singer-songwriters together for a season-long party on the Parkway! A variety of snacks will be available for purchase at Sister Cities Café, including beer and wine. Kids are free to frolic in the Children’s Discovery Garden and Boat Pond, which will stay open late.

 

June 6: Jeff Campbell

June 13: Nelly’s Echo

June 20: Matt Santry

June 27: Nathan Angelo

July 11: Hadar

July 18: Everything Turned To Color

July 25: Tony Lucca

August 1: Chris James and Nalani & Sarina

August 8: Joy Ike

August 15: Masila Muli

August 22: Emily Drinker

August 29: The Quixote Project

Cedar Park Jazz Series

Fridays from June 7–July 26, 6–8 pm

50th St. and Baltimore Ave.

 

June 7: Rich Tucker and the Universal Music Koncept
June 14: Weez the People Collective
June 21: Rayburn Wright’s Jasz Lab
June 28: Firestorm
July 5: Clef Club and Youth Ensemble
July 12: Bobby Zankel and the Wonderful Sound Six
July 19: Dr. Ketchup
July 26: Nazir Ebo and Friends

Music & Mist Summer Concert Series

Select Fridays throughout the summer, 6 pm

Julian Abele Park, 22nd and Carpenter streets

 

Friends of Julian Abele Park will host free music and entertainment throughout the summer that’s fun for the whole family.

 

June 7: The Lara & Joe Show
June 14: Jay Epstein Quartet
June 21: Jeff Pettit
June 28: Kamara (Eddie Kamarauskas)
July 12: Douglas Gillin (Dug) from The Nodd
July 19: Gretchen Elise
July 26: Arnie Krakowsky and Tim Price
August 2: Open Mic Night
August 9: Scott Barkan
August 16: Douglas Gillin from The Nodd
August 23: Deep City Healers
September 6: Open Mic Night

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Free Neighborhood Chamber Concert

June 9, 3 pm at Penn Treaty Park, 1301 N. Beach St.

June 28, 8 pm at Penn’s Landing

 

Enjoy a free concert by members of The Philadelphia Orchestra!

Pastorius Park Free Summer Concert Series

Wednesdays from June 12–July 24, 7:30 pm
Pastorius Park, Hartwell Lane and Millman Street,(rain location: Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s Cherokee Campus, 500 West Willow Grove Avenue)

 

Pastorius Park Concerts is the longest running outdoor concert series. Families and friends bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the music. Concerts are rain or shine– in case of bad weather, they will take place at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s Cherokee Campus.

 

June 12: Conjunto Philadelphia

June 19: The Jack Saint Clair Orchestra

June 26: Zydeco a-go-go

July 3: Elegance String Quartet

July 10: Beppe Gambetta

July 17: Christine Havrilla & Gypsy Fuzz

July 24: The Gothard Sisters

Smith Playground’s Kidchella

June 14, July 12, and August 9; 4–7:30 pm
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, 3500 Reservoir Drive

 

This “kindie” music festival features kids’ activities starting at 4 pm, then music from 6 — 7:30. Tickets are $10 per person, and $5 for Smith members, PA Access Cardholders, and Philadelphia Family and Main Line Parent Supporting Members.

 

June 14: Moona Luna and Johnny Shortcake

July 12: The Pop Ups and Lolly and YoYo

August 9: The Not-Its and Lucy Kalantari

40th Street Summer Series

June 15, July 13, and August 17; 6 pm

39th and Walnut streets

 

The Summer Series includes giveaways, activities for kids, and great music! Activities begin at 5 pm, and the performances start at 6 pm. Bring chairs or blankets and get ready to have fun!

 

June 15: Stargazer Lily and Ashley Phillips

July 13: Voices of Africa

August 17: Gwendolyn Bye Dancefusion and Magdaliz and Her Latin Ensemble Crisol

Kahn Park Summer Concert Series

June 19, July 17, and August 21, 7:30–9 pm; September 15, 3–4:30 pm

1119 Pine St.

 

This free summer concert series includes raffle prizes and more!

 

June 19, 7:30– 9 pm: The Hoppin’ John Orchestra
July 17, 7:30– 9 pm: Beats Walkin’
August 21, 7:30– 9 pm: The Dukes of Destiny
September 15, 3–4:30 pm: Merion Concert Band

Gorgas Park Summer Concert Series

Select dates June 27–October 5

6300 Ridge Ave.

 

Friends of Gorgas Park have a full schedule of free concerts. Check their Facebook page for cancellation info.

 

June 27, 7–9 pm: Merion Concert Band

July 11, 7–9 pm: The Providers

July 25, 7–9 pm: Big Jangle (Tom Petty tribute band)

July 27, 10 am–2 pm: Hospitalized Vets Tribute

August 8, 7–9 pm: Zydeco-a-go-go

August 22, 7–9 pm: Philadelphia Funk Authority

August 31, 5–9 pm: Ben Arnold and Friends

September 11, 6–9 pm: 9/11 ceremony, followed by The Hooligans

October 5 ,6–9 pm: Jeff Krick

Wawa Welcome America

June 29–July 4

Various locations (see listings below)

 

As part of the week-long Welcome America July Fourth celebration, there will be free concerts of all kinds, from gospel to Philly POPS and much more. Plus, stick around after some for fireworks!

 

June 29, 8–10 pm: U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Concert and Waterfront Fireworks at Penn’s Landing

June 30, 7–8:30 pm: Gospel on Independence at Independence Mall (Chestnut Street between Fifth and Sixth streets)

July 1, 8–10 pm: U.S. Army Field Band Concert and Waterfront Fireworks at Penn’s Landing

July 2, 5–7:30 pm: Kimmel Center’s Great American Party on the Plaza at Kimmel Center (300 S. Broad St.)

July 3, 7–9:30 pm: POPS on Independence at Independence Mall (Chestnut Street between Fifth and Sixth streets)

July 4, 7–10 pm: Jennifer Hudson and Megan Trainor headline the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks on Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Rock ’n’ Roar at the Philadelphia Zoo

June 30, July 27 and August 3; 10–10:45 am
Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.

 

This fun morning concert series is a great reason to stop in at the zoo! The concert is included with zoo admission, and free for members. Acts for this year are TBA.

Young People’s Concert Series at The Mann

July 8 and August 6; 11 am

Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue

 

These morning concerts at The Mann are free, but registration is required (links below). Gates open 30 minutes before showtime. Parking is free.

 

July 8: People of Earth

August 6: Rhythms of the World

Smooth Jazz Summer Nights

Fridays in August, 7:30 — 9 pm
Great Plaza, Penn’s Landing

 

Enjoy music from award-winning jazz and blues musicians each Friday night in August. Concerts are free.

 

August 2: Bilal

August 9: Vivian Green

August 16: Jessy J

August 23: Michael Manson’s ‘George Duke Tribute’

August 30: Special Guest TBA

 

 

Photograph by P. Meyer for Visit Philadelphia.

 

Contributing Writer

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