Live outdoor music and summer go hand-in-hand, especially on The Classic Coast where waterfront parks and historic gardens set the stage for open-air performances. As live events make their great comeback, many of the area's most popular outdoor concert series return. The 2021 lineup is vast and includes family-friendly concerts and children's nights with an array of genres like jazz, folk, blues, house music and more. 

Read on for a list of summer concerts throughout the area. 

COVID-19 NOTE:

When you're ready, we can't wait to welcome you back to The Classic Coast. Rest assured, the safety and well-being of both visitors and locals remains our top priority. The mask mandate requiring face coverings in Rhode Island has been lifted, however local businesses may ask you to wear a mask when visiting their establishments. Please be prepared for individual business mask policies. Additionally, shops, attractions and tours are monitoring the number of guests at any given time and may ask you to socially distance to enter. 

All we ask when you land on these shores is that you play your part in keeping everyone safe. Please be kind, adhere to guidelines and maintain social distancing. 

 

1 Nimfest

Where:
King Park, 125 Wellington Ave, Newport
When:
Every Sunday
Cost:
Free and open to the public

NIMFest at King Park, now in its 14th year, takes place in the park gazebo on Wellington Avenue overlooking Newport Harbor. Pack a lawn chair and a blanket for high-energy live music performances every Sunday from 3:00 - 6:00 PM through August 29.

Presented by the City of Newport, all concerts are free of charge. Leashed pets welcome.

 

THE SCHEDULE:
  • July 11: Back to Amy Bubbles + The Bassnotes
  • July 18: Down City Band
  • July 25: October Road: A James Taylor Tribute + Bill and Gabby
  • August 1: Four Bridges + Le Mechante et el Connard
  • August 8: Larry Brown Swinglane Orchestra
  • August 15: Eddy's Show + Barfly
  • August 22: Cee Cee and The Riders
  • August 29: The 40 + Islander Rockers

 

2 Sounds From The Big Chair

Where:
Redwood Library + Athenaeum, 50 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
When:
Wednesdays, 7/08 - 7/29
Cost:
Free and open to the public

Redwood Library's summer concert series features local musicians in a variety of genres performing on the library's 19' Windsor rocking chair. All the events are free and open to the public. 

Sponsored by the Jarzombek Family: Mark Jarzombek and Michelle Drum.

 

THE SCHEDULE:
  • July 8: Charlie Marie Country Tunes 
  • July 15: Megan O’Connor & Samuel Breene Violin duets
  • July 22: The High Tidals Cumbia & Funk 
  • July 29: So Sol Americana & Brazilian Folk 

 

3 Easton's Beach Family Night

Where:
Easton's Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport
When:
Every Tuesday
Cost:
Free and open to the public

Live music comes with oceanfront views at Easton's Beach Family Night Concert Series every Tuesday starting July 6 through August 10. All shows begin at 6:00 PM.

 

THE SCHEDULE:
  • July 6: Rockin' Soul Horns
  • July 13: Country Wild Band
  • July 20: Sh-Bop
  • July 27: Bar Fly—sponsored by Easton's Beach Snack Bar
  • August 3: Cee Cee + The Riders
  • August 10: Downcity Band—sponsored in memory of Ralph Gizzi

 

4 Easton's Beach Children's Night

Where:
Easton's Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport
When:
Every Thursday
Cost:
Free and open to the public

Interactive live bands, magicians and story tellers complete your child's experience at Easton's Beach Children's Night Series every Thursday through August 12. Festivities begin at 6:00 PM 

 

THE SCHEDULE:
  • July 8: Johnny the K
  • July 15: Robert Clarke—magician
  • July 22: Bill Harley
  • July 29: Big Joe the Storyteller
  • August 5: Toe Jam Puppet Band
  • August 12: T-Bone

 

5 Waterfront Concert Series

Where:
King Park, 125 Wellington Ave, Newport
When:
See schedule below
Cost:
Free and open to the public

The Waterfront Concert Series returns to King Park this year for live performances under the gazebo. Pack a blanket or a picnic chair to enjoy a variety of genres including blues, folk, Irish folk and more. Presented by Friends of the Waterfront with a gift from the Isham Family Fund, concerts take place on Fridays from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, with the last concert of the series on Saturday, September 4 from 3:o00 - 6:00 PM.

Leashed pets welcome.

 

THE SCHEDULE:
  • June 18: Rosewood Trio— Summer Solstice Kick-Off 
  • June 25: Melissa Chaplin Family + Mel and Unruly Roots—Newport Originals
  • July 9: James Montgomery + All Star Blues Band—Blues Masters
  • August 6: Diane Blue + Ilana Katz Katz—Ladies of the Blues
  • August 20: Dave Furlong and The Honk + Bill Killian's Voyages
  • September 4: Kevin Doyle's Roscommon Soles + Rhode to Dublin—Irish Folk Music

 

6 Sundays at East Ferry Memorial Square

Where:
East Ferry Memorial Square, Jamestown
When:
Every Sunday
Cost:
Free and open to the public

Make your way to East Ferry Memorial Square in Jamestown for free evening music overlooking Narragansett Bay. Concerts are held on Sundays from 6:30 - 8:00 PM through August 15, and 6:00 - 7:30 PM through August 29. 

 

THE SCHEDULE
  • August 1: Greg Abate—Instrumental jazz
  • August 8: Country Wild Band—Country
  • August 15: Good Vibe Tribe—Classic rock & oldies
  • August 22: Steamy Windows—Funky dance band
  • August 29: Jamestown Community Band
  • September 12: Nickel Juke Box—Motown (2:00 - 3:30 PM)

 

7 Norman Bird Sanctuary Summer Outdoor Concert Series

Where:
Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown
When:
See schedule below
Cost:
$35 - $40

The Summer Outdoor Concert Series unites two Aquidneck Island nonprofit organizations for a diverse lineup of outdoor performances at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. Celebrating Common Fence Music’s commitment to preserving folk music traditions, these concerts provide an opportunity to enjoy time outside in nature while listening to live music

 

THE SCHEDULE
  • June 18: Sean Rowe—Sold out
  • July 30: Dom Flemons
  • August 20: Alisa Amador
  • September 24: Oshima Brothers
  • October 2: Roanoke

 

Purchase Tickets

 

8 Summer Concerts in The Gardens

Where:
Linden Place Mansion, 500 Hope Street, Bristol
When:
See schedule below
Cost:
$15

The gardens at historic Linden Place set the stage for a summer lineup of musicians on select Tuesdays through September 7. A family-friendly event, performances will feature a variety of local-based bands and a mix of musical genres including jazz, classic rock, country, R&B, bluegrass, and more. Bring your own blanket, lawn chairs and picnic basket for a relaxed evening of live music. Concerts begin at 7:00 PM.

 

THE SCHEDULE
  • July 6: David Alves
  • July 20: Jake, The Crooner
  • August 3: Brian Twohey
  • August 10: Peter McGlynn
  • August 24: Alexus Lee
  • September 7: DiggIT, Tim Smith

 

Purchase Tickets

 

9 Blithewold Mansion's Music at Sunset

Where:
Blithewold Mansion, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol
When:
Every Wednesday
Cost:
4 Passenger car: $55 | 2 Passenger car: $30

Each summer in Bristol, the award-winning gardens and grounds at Blithewold Mansion serve as the stage for the Music at Sunset Concert Series where local artists gather each Wednesday for a variety of musical performances. 

Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and chairs/blankets to set up among Blithewold's 33 acres of gardens and grounds overlooking Narragansett Bay. 

 

JULY: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

 

AUGUST: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

 

SEPTEMBER: 5:00 - 7:00 PM

 

Purchase Tickets

10 Warren Summer Concerts

Where:
South end of Water Street, Warren
When:
Every Sunday
Cost:
Free and open to the public

Enjoy a night of entertainment at Warren’s iconic Band Shell. Pack a blanket and chairs and settle in on the lawn at Burr's Hill Park for live performances from some of the area’s most talented artists and bands. Concerts are Sundays through September 5 at 5:00 PM.

Presented by the Warren Parks and Recreation Department. Leashed dogs welcome.

 

THE SCHEDULE:
  • July 11: Back in the Day + Band Inc.—80's Tribute + Rock
  • July 25: Jesse Liam—Pop
  • August 1: Off Kilter with Out of the Blue—Rock
  • August 8: October Road: James Taylor tribute + Kevin Herchen—Country
  • August 15: Wicked Petty: Tom Petty tribute + Marvin Perry Duo—Modern country/rock
  • August 22: Who Made Who: AC/DC tribute + Wicked Acoustic—Acoustic rock
  • August 29: The Patterson: Smith Trio—Folk, jazz, blues
  • September 5: Atwater-Donnelly Trio—Traditional American folk

 

*BONUS PERFORMANCE

MUSIC AT THE FORT: AUGUST 18

Head Fort Adams for one night of Music at the Fort, featuring a live performance from The Ravers. Performance scheduled for 6:00 - 9:00 PM. More Details TBA.

 

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