Summer Concerts for Families in Seattle, Portland & more!

We have compiled a list of family-friendly concerts that are free or frugal for you to check out this summer around the Pacific Northwest. I love the free outdoor concerts each summer. It’s a great way to get the family out and relax for a while on those beautiful summer evenings or afternoons. Many of them are held in parks or near markets, so there are often other things you can do with the family before or after the concert too. Pack a picnic lunch or dinner and its a great way to have an outing on a budget!

We also listed a few of the popular Zoo Tunes concerts since we know those are great family events as well, but they are more pricey. 

Make sure to check out more ideas for family fun around the Pacific Northwest this summer::

• Seattle Staycation Ideas
• Northwest Water Parks
• NW Summer Activities on a Budget
• Summer Bucket List (free printable and activities!)

Free & Frugal Summer Concerts around the Northwest:

North Puget Sound area:

Monroe – Music in the Park –  This is a free concert series playing four Fridays in July at Lake Tye park. There will be food trucks, beer garden & live music. Food trucks open at 6:30pm, music starts at 7pm.

 

 

Greater Seattle & Eastside area:

Seattle – Music in the Park in Columbia Park – 7:30pm on Fridays in July – FREE.  Bring a picnic, stretch out on the lawn, and enjoy a live audio broadcast of each of our Summer Festival concerts, provided directly to neighborhood parks by KING-FM, direct from Benaroya.

Seattle – Music in the Park in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill (Across from the Asian Art Museum) – 7:30pm on Wednesdays – FREE.  Bring a picnic, stretch out on the lawn, and enjoy a live audio broadcast of each of our Summer Festival concerts, provided directly to neighborhood parks by KING-FM, direct from Benaroya.

Seattle – Music in the Park in Freeway Park (Downtown Seattle, 700 Seneca Street) – 7:30pm on Fridays in July – FREE.  Bring a picnic, stretch out on the lawn, and enjoy a live audio broadcast of each of our Summer Festival concerts, provided directly to neighborhood parks by KING-FM, direct from Benaroya.

Seattle – Music in the Park in Seattle Chinese Garden – Mondays in July at 7:30pm – FREE.

Seattle – Music in the Park in Yesler Terrace Park – Mondays in July at 7:30pm – FREE.

Seattle – Out To Lunch Concert Series – No updates on a schedule and time when this will start, but most likely it’ll be in July through August.

Seattle – Summer Concerts at the Ballard Locks (3015 N.W. 54th Street) – 2pm Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 1st through September 2nd – FREE.  Pack a picnic and enjoy tunes and entertainment at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks on most Saturdays and Sundays. From lively marches to show tunes to classics, each week will feature a different lineup of music.  Concerts will take place from June through September.

Seattle – University Village Sounds of Summer Concert Series – University Village (2623 N.E. University Village St.) – 7:00 – 8:30pm on Wednesdays beginning July 10th to August 21st – FREE.  This all-ages concert series will feature live music from bands like Eldridge Gravy and The Court Supreme, Nite Wave, The Paper Boys, Kalimba, Dudley Manlove Quartet, DoctorfunK, and Hit Explosion as well as a beer garden, gourmet bites and plenty of fun activities in the kid’s play area including face painting, a balloon artist and sponsor giveaways. Grab a seat starting at 6pm!

Shoreline – Shoreline Lunchtime Music Series – Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (2021 N.W. 197th Street) – Noon on Tuesdays (starts Tuesday, July 9th).

Seattle – Concerts at the Mural – Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre (305 Harrison St.) – 5:30pm on Fridays in August – FREE.  What could be better than enjoying an awesome outdoor summer concert in the shadow of the Space Needle? Concerts at the Mural is a free August series (4 shows in total) for all ages.

Shoreline – Concerts in the Park – 6:30pm on Wednesdays – FREE

• July 10: Kim Archer Band – Soulful rock. Animal Acres Park, Lake Forest Park
• July 17, 7pm: Creme Tangerine – Beatles and classic rock/pop hits. Cromwell Park, Shoreline
  Part of the City of Shoreline’s Swingin’ Summer Eve community festival
• July 24: Shakespeare in the Park “Romeo & Juliet”– Performed by Wooden O Seattle Shakespeare Company. Richmond Beach Park, Shoreline
• July 31: Naomi Wachira – Gospel music. Cromwell Park, Shoreline
• August 7: Billy Brant – Jazz, Rock, Blues and Soul. Animal Acres Park, Lake Forest Park
• August 14: Correro Aereo – Music of Venezuela, Argentina & Mexico. Kruckeberg Botanical Garden, Shoreline
• August 21: The W Lovers – Alternative Country and Americana. Cromwell Park, Shoreline

Burien – Burien Music in the Park – Lake Burien School Park (1620 S.W. 149th Street) – 6:30-8pm on Thursdays July 11th through August 15th.

Kirkland – Kids Concerts – Juanita Bay Park (2201 Market Street) – 10am – 11am on Tuesdays beginning July 9th through August 20th.

• July 9: Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth
• July 16: Eric Herman & the Puppy Dogs
• July 23: Recess Monkey
• July 30: Captain Awesome Sauce
• August 6: Brian Waite Band
• August 13: The Not It’s
• August 20: Caspar Babypants

Kirkland – Evening Concerts – Marina Park – 7pm – 8:30pm on Thursdays beginning July 11th through August 22nd.

• July 11: West Coast Feed
• July 18: 85th Street Big Band
• July 25: Cambalache
• August 1: Creme Tangerine
• August 8: Rear View Mirror
• August 15: Brian James
• August 22: Petty Differences

Bellevue – Live at Lunch – Noon – 1:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – FREE, July 9th- September 12th

• Bellevue Library South Lawn – 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
• Bellevue Connection – 550 106th Ave NE; Bellevue 98004
• Kaiser Permanente Bellevue – 11511 NE 10th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
• Bellevue Square Fountain Court – 408 Bellevue Way NE; Bellevue 98004
• City Center Plaza – 555 110th Ave NE; Bellevue 98004
• Downtown Park Plaza – 10201 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
• Symetra – 777 108th Ave NE #1200, Bellevue, WA 98004
• Key Center – 601 108th Ave NE; Bellevue 98004
• Skyline Tower – 10900 NE 4th St.; Bellevue 98004
• The Summit – 10885 NE 4th Street; Bellevue 98004

Woodinville – Concerts in the Park – Wilmot Gateway Park (1730 N.E. 131st Ave.) – 5:30 – 8:00pm on Wednesdays – FREE and beginning July 17th.

Issaquah – Concerts on the Green – Issaquah Community Center (301 Rainier Blvd. S.) – 7pm -8:30pm on Tuesdays – FREE .  Starting July 9th through the last Tuesday in August, you can enjoy Tuesday evening outdoor concerts at the Issaquah Community Center. If you’re too tired to pack a picnic dinner, concessions will be available through the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah. No dogs are allowed at the concerts.

Sammamish – Sammamish Concerts in the Park – Pine Lake Park (2401 228th Ave., S.E.) – 6:30-8:30pm on Thursdays – FREE.  This evening summer concert series starts on July 11th through August 15th with family tunes, food from the Kiwanis Club & space for the kids to play & dance. Bring a picnic blanket or low-backed chair. There is limited parking at Pine Lake Park. There will be a free shuttle from South Sammamish Park and Ride to and from concerts.

Kenmore – Kenmore Summer Concert Series – Saint Edward State Park (14445 Juanita Dr. N.E.) – 6pm – 8pm on Thursdays – FREE .  Enjoy six weeks of free, diverse concerts on Thursday nights starting July 11th through August 15th. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and dinner and enjoy these outdoor concerts in Saint Edward State Park.

South Puget Sound area:

Kent – Republic Services at Town Square Plaza, 2nd & Harrison – 11am – Noon Wednesdays beginning July 10th through August 14th.
NOTE:  There is a water feature, so bring a change of clothes!

Kent – Thursdays at the Lake – Lake Meridian Park (14800 272nd Street) – 7pm – 8:30pm Thursdays beginning July 11th through August 15th.
NOTE:  Shuttle bus service available.

Auburn – Kids’ Summer Stage at Les Grove Park – Noon – 1pm on Wednesdays July 10th through August 14th.
NOTE:  There are art activities and water activities.  Bring a swimsuit and a picnic, and plan for a large crowd.

• July 10: Reptile Isle
• July 17: The Magic of Jeff Evans
• July 24th: Recess Monkey
• July 31: Ruth & Emilia
• August 7: Charlie ‘The Noiseguy’ Williams
• August 14: Joanie Leeds

Downtown Renton Outdoor Concerts – 2 each summer, and include lots of other family fun activities too.

Bonney Lake – Tunes at Tapps –  Allan Yorke Park on Wednesdays in July and August. This event features an outdoor market with local vendors and live music. The market takes place from 5 – 8 pm & the music from 6:30 – 8pm. 

Puyallup – Noon Tunes at Pioneer Park  – Noon on Tuesdays beginning July 11th.
NOTE:  There is a water feature here, so pack a change of clothes.  There is not much shade at this park, so make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and anything else you need for a sunny day.

Lacey – Children Entertainment Series, Huntamer Park – 6:30pm on Tuesdays beginning July 9th through August 13th.

Lacey – Lacey in Tune – Summer Concerts in the Park – 12pm on Wednesdays beginning July 10th through August 14th.

Gig Harbor – Summer Sounds at Skansie – Skansie Brothers Park (3211 Harborview Drive) – 6:30-8pm on Tuesdays beginning June 25th through August 13th – FREE.  Rain or shine, the annual concert series in Gig Harbor will be on the dates provided. Bring a chair and blanket, and enjoy great free concerts all summer long on the Gig Harbor waterfront.

Tacoma – Summer Concert Series at Point Ruston on the Waterfront – 5pm – 7pm on Saturday nights from July 6th to August 31st. FREE, family-friendly concerts, no tickets needed.

 

Central Washington area:

Suncadia – Summer Outdoor Concert – Suncadia Village Amphitheater & Pavilion (3600 Suncadia Trail) – Various Times and Dates – FREE.  If you’re planning a getaway to Suncadia this summer, check out some of the Northwest’s best musical talent at the resort’s outdoor amphitheater in July and August.  Pack your blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic or purchase food and beverages from the on-site vendors.  Make sure to check out our review of Suncadia & things to do & places to eat in surrounding areas, too.

Southwest Washington/ Portland, OR area:

Portland – Concerts in the Park – Sellwood Riverfront Park (SE Spoken & Oaks Pkway) – 6:30pm on Mondays – FREE;   Click here for more listings of concerts. Begins July 8th.

Portland – Concerts in the Park – McCoy Park (N. Trenton) – 6:30pm on Tuesday, August 6th – FREE; Click here for more listings of concerts.

Portland – Concerts in the Park – Dawson Park (N. Stanton & Williams) – 6:30pm on Wednesday, July 10th & Friday, August 16th – FREE; Click here for more listings of concerts.

Portland – Concerts in the Park – Ventura Park (SE 115th & Stark) – 6:30pm on Friday, August 9th – FREE; Click here for more listings of concerts.

Portland – Concerts in the Park – Fernhill Park (NE 37th, North of Ainsworth) – 6:30pm on Fridays – FREE; Click here for more listings of concerts. Begins July 12th.

Portland – Concerts in the Park – Lovejoy Fountain Park (SW 3rd & Harrison, Downtown) – 6:30pm on Thursdays; Click here for more listings of concerts. Begins July 18th.

Northwest OR:

Lake Oswego – Sounds of Summer Concerts – Foothills Park – 7pm – 9pm on Wednesdays beginning July 17th – FREE. Check out the link for who is scheduled.

West Linn – Music in the Park – 6:30pm – 8:30pm on Thursdays beginning July 25th through August 29th – FREE

Albany – River Rhythms– Thursdays in July and August (Beginning July 4th with fireworks after!) – FREE Concerts start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. A blanket area in front of the stage opens at 5:30 p.m. Seating is available on a first-come, first served basis. No chairs are allowed in the blanket area. Chairs and Blankets in the park (excluding blanket area) are allowed to be placed after 6 a.m. on concert days. There are also Kids Crafts each week from 5:30-7PM. They have a fantastic lineup this year!

Beaverton – Music At The Market– Beaverton Famers Market – Wednesdays and Saturdays – FREE Begins May 4th through July 20th. Click on the link above to view the detailed schedule.

Popular Summer Concert Series::

Puget Sound area:

Zoo Tunes at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle – Concerts begin at 6:00pm with doors opening at 5:00pm
One child (12 and under) is free with each PAID general admission ticket. {Please add the appropriate amount of free child vouchers to your ticketing order (online or at gates) for each concert you will be attending.}

• June 16 – Indigo Girls w/ Sera Cahoone; only fan exchange tickets now
• June 23 – Lucinda Williams; $37.50 + ticket fees
• June 30 – Greensky Bluegrass; $35 and up + ticket fees
• July 21 – Cody Johnson, Whitey Morgan w/ Jacob Bryant; $35 and up + ticket fees
• August 4 – John Prine w/ Amanda Shires; only fan exchange tickets now
• August 7 – The B-52s; only fan exchange tickets now
• August 11 – Feist w/special guest Rhye; $39.50 and up + ticket fees
• August 15 – Taj Mahal & Marc Cohn w/special guest Blind Boys of Alabama; $42.50 + ticket fees
• August 25 – The Wood Brothers w/Colter Wall; $35 and up + ticket fees
• August 28 – Lost 80s Live w/ A Flock of Seagulls, Wand Chung, The Vapors, The Motels, Boys Don’t Cry, The Escape Club, Real Life, Farrington, and Mann; $42.50 and up + ticket fees

Portland & surrounding areas:

Oregon Zoo Summer Concerts – Tickets are required for entry.  No outside food or beverage (only sealed water bottles), hard-sided coolers, wagons, baskets or blankets larger than 6’x6′ are permitted inside the venue.  Doors open at 5pm and shows start at 7pm unless otherwise noted.  Tickets to the concerts also include zoo admission for the day of the show.  Events are rain or shine and no refunds are available.

• June 14: Rain A Tribute to the Beatles; $32.50 and up
• June 15: Indigo Girls w/Sera Cahoone; $39.50 and up
• June 22: Lucinda Williams w/Cass Mccombs; $35 and up
• June 27: Jim James & The Claypool;  $35 and up
• June 29: Greensky Bluegrass;  $30 and up
• July 27: Broken Social Scene; $35 and up
• July 28: Michael Mcdonald & Chaka Khan w/Tommy Alexander; $47.50 and up
• August 6: The B-52s, OMD, Berlin; $55 and up
• August 10: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic; $44.50 and up
• August 11: Steve Earle & The Dukes + Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real; $35 and up
• August 12: Lord Huron and Shakey Graves; $45 and up
• August 13: Feist w/Rhye; $35 and up
• August 15: Thepianoguys; $48.50 and up
• August 16: Taj Mahal + Marc Cohn w/Blind Boys of Alabama; $39.50 and up
• August 17: Herbie Hancock & Kamasi Washington; $42.50 and up
• August 25: Amos Lee; $42.50 and up
• September 6: Death Cab for Cutie; $45 and up
• September 7: Oregon Symphony at the Zoo; $29 and up