November 14, 2022
9 Free Summer Concert Series in the Ann Arbor Area 2023
Nothing screams summer quite like listening to live music in the park! And when it’s free? Even better.
Luckily, the Ann Arbor area is hosting a plethora of concert series throughout the summer, featuring both local and national acts covering a wide range of genres, from bluegrass to classic rock. And the best part is, you don’t have to spend a dime — that way, you can use your savings on food truck bites and craft beer!
Add these free concert series to your calendar for a fun and musical summer in Ann Arbor you won’t forget.
Sonic Lunch
Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | May 25–August 31, 2023
Spend your lunch break at Sonic Lunch, a free summer outdoor concert series happening at the corner of Liberty and Division in downtown Ann Arbor. Each Thursday from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. through the month of August, there will be a live band playing and lunch available on site for purchase from local vendors. Seating is available but lawn chairs are welcome! This free series is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Bank of Ann Arbor.
Chelsea Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights
Thursday Nights 6:30–8:30 p.m. | June 1–July 27, 2023 (Festival: July 28 + 29, 2023)
Each Thursday night from June 1 through July 27, Chelsea’s Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights features musical performances throughout downtown Chelsea, plus kid-friendly acts like magicians and balloon artists. Enjoy a variety of musical genres, including bluegrass, Americana, folk, rock, celtic, blues, jazz, country and everything in between. The series concludes on the weekend of July 28 and 29 with the Chelsea Sounds & Sights Festival. This weekend-long event has much more than just music — there will be kids’ entertainment and activities, a classic car show, an art market, a chalk art exhibition and competition, a farmers’ market, and a food court. Both the music series and festival are presented by our very own Rick Taylor!
A2 Summer Streets
Thursdays 7–9 p.m. + Sundays 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | June 1–August 31, 2023
Reinhart is a proud sponsor of A2 Summer Streets, a free concert series taking place along Main Street on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings. On Thursday nights, enjoy music provided by Treetown Sounds while you grab a bite to eat and sip on a drink from a participating restaurant, pub or brewery (which can be carried in designated containers within the District boundaries). And on Sundays, enjoy brunch at any of the participating eateries while you listen to live music!
Ann Arbor Civic Band Concerts
Wednesday Nights 7:30–8:30 p.m. | June 14–July 19, 2023
Established in 1933, the Ann Arbor Civic Band is a non-profit organization that gives local instrumentalists the opportunity to perform music for the public throughout the summer. In past years, the band has performed at the West Park Bank Shell in West Park, but this year, they are performing at Burns Park while the band shell is undergoing renovation. Check out the lineup for this series extending from June 14 through July 19!
Salty Summer Sounds
Thursday Nights 7–9 p.m. | June 15–August 17, 2023
Each summer, Saline residents look forward to Salty Summer Sounds, a free music series taking place each Thursday night on South Ann Arbor Street, which is closed to traffic. Enjoy exciting live music and dancing over the yellow lines! Genres range from Celtic to bluegrass and classic rock to reggae — see the full lineup here.
Music in the Air Concert Series
Friday Nights at 7 p.m. | June 16–September 1, 2023 (Except July 7)
Head to Kellogg Park in Plymouth each Friday night (except for July 7, during Art in the Park) for Music in the Air, a free concert series featuring a variety of different artists and genres, from funk and R&B to blues and rock and roll. You may drop off your blankets and chairs after 3:30 p.m. on concert days, so you can easily stroll through downtown Plymouth (and secure your spot on the lawn!). This series is completely free to attend. Check out the lineup to see who’s playing this summer!
Dexter Summer Music Series
Friday Nights 6:30–9 p.m. | June 23–September 1, 2023
Enjoy live music in Dexter each Friday night at the Monument Park Gazebo Concert series, featuring a variety of different bands through Labor Day. This free series takes place at the park’s gazebo from 6:30–9 p.m.! And during Dexter Daze (August 11 and 12), bands will be playing in the gazebo all day!
John E. Lawrence Jazz Series
Friday Nights 7–9 p.m. | June 30–September 1, 2023
Ford Lake Park, Ypsilanti Township
Calling all jazz lovers! The John E. Lawrence Jazz Series is taking place throughout July and August at the scenic Ford Lake Park in Ypsilanti Township. Listen to a new array of nationally known recording artists from the local scene as well as international recording artists. Bring your own lawn chair and blankets to sit comfortably in the grass lawn. This event is free to attend but there is a $5 parking fee per vehicle upon entry to the park!
University of Michigan Summer Carillon Concert Series
Monday Nights 7 p.m. | July 10–31, 2023
Burton Memorial Tower, Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan is hosting their annual Summer Carillon Concert Series at Burton Memorial Tower on Monday nights in July. All concerts are free and open to the public! This year’s series features performers from across North America and the world playing the amazing 53-bell Charles Baird Carillon in the tower. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs — and there will be concert programs and a coloring book for kids available near the tower door. Street parking is limited but there is additional parking available in the structures at 324 Maynard and 510 East Washington. Check out the Carillons’ Facebook events to see the lineup of upcoming performers.
Finish Your Summer on a High Note
What free Ann Arbor summer concert series are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
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