September 18, 2019
11 Outdoor Community Concert Series Around Ann Arbor to Attend This Summer
Summer is almost here and while we are definitely looking forward to farmers’ markets, swimming pools and outdoor exploration—we are even more excited to see the return of outdoor music to the Ann Arbor area! After many events were canceled last year due to COVID-19, with the rise in vaccinations and a little creativity from event organizers, many are returning for 2021.
That’s why today, we’re taking a look at some of our most-anticipated outdoor concerts and concert series that are coming back to Ann Arbor this summer. Have fun!
Where: Throughout Ann Arbor
As the can’t-miss, arts-centered event of the summer, the 2021 Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF) will include a variety of events that meet the moment. This year, due to COVID-19, they’ve decided to host smaller pop–up concerts and events between June 11-July 3 throughout Washtenaw County, rather than the usual large shebang on Ingalls Mall. There will also be a variety of other live and digital offerings throughout the season. You can learn more, get information about the lineup, and reserve tickets here!
Where: Kellogg Park, Plymouth
When: Fridays June 4 through September 3, 7 p.m.
The popular Bank of Ann Arbor Music in the Air Concert Series in Plymouth is currently being organized. While they are planning on concerts in Kellogg Park in 2021, restrictions due to COVID-19 could lead to virtual shows, postponements or cancellations. We recommend liking the Downtown Plymouth Facebook page to keep tabs on updates and announcements regarding this concert series this season.
The Broken Branch Summer Series is a free, family-friendly, bi-weekly concert held at the Broken Branch Ranch on Plymouth Road. What started as a party to allow the full-time working musicians to enjoy their favorite acts and fellow performers and gather with friends, has grown into one of the best townie events you may not have heard of! Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, coolers and picnic baskets. Pets are not allowed. For public health and safety, COVID-19 protocols will be in effect. Click here to learn more!
Where: Kellogg Park, Plymouth
When: Wednesdays, beginning June 16, 12 p.m.
Wilcox Wednesdays is back! We couldn’t be more excited to head back to Kellogg Park in Plymouth for a 10-concert series beginning June 16 at noon. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs and/or a blanket to sit on. There also may be updates regarding COVID-19 policies depending on local health recommendations as the event grows closer. Click here for more information and to stay up to date on any changes.
Ann Arbor Civic Band
Where: West Park Band Shell in West Park, Ann Arbor
When: Wednesdays, June 16-July 14, 8 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Ann Arbor Civic Band
The Ann Arbor Civic Band, founded in 1935 as an extension of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, is now in its 85th year of providing residents of Ann Arbor with a wonderful musical experience over the summer. This year, The Civic Band 2is presenting “Evenings of Ensembles”–smaller, COVID-sized groups to allow for social distancing. All performances are held at the West Park Band Shell in West Park, on 7th Street in Ann Arbor, beginning at 8:00 p.m. but may be canceled due to any inclement weather.
When: Thursdays, June 17 through August 19, 7 p.m.
This summer, head out to Heritage Park in Farmington Hills on Thursday evenings for an hour and a half of great music in gorgeous natural surroundings! Organizers encourage spectators to bring a blanket or a lawn chair as well as picnic dinners to enjoy during the show. In case of rain, call 248-473-1848 for updates. Click here for a full summer lineup!
Where: Heritage Park, Canton
When: Thursdays, June 17-August 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Join downtown Canton for another summer of music and fun at the amphitheater in their scenic Heritage Park! Organizers encourage you to bring your blankets or folding chairs so you can relax and enjoy the music on the amphitheater lawn. All concerts are weather dependent and all participants, including children 5 years and older, are required to wear a face mask while enjoying the show. Each concert will run from 7–8:30 p.m. and at least three food options will be on site weekly starting at 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on their great drink deals during these events, where you can get 5-ounce wine pours, 12-ounce craft beers and 16-ounce beers for only $5 each!
A2SF & The Ark Presents Concert Series
Where: Fuller Park
When: June 25 & 26
After being closed for the past 14 months due to COVID-19, The Ark is ready to reopen! But before they do, they are partnering with the Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF) to host an outdoor series of concerts at Fuller Park at the end of June. Click here for the full schedule (which includes performances by Laith Al-Saadi and Kishi Bashiand!) and to purchase your tickets.
Where: Downtown Chelsea
Every Thursday night this summer, head to Chelsea for music performances that will knock your socks off! Shows start at 6:30 p.m. and take place outdoors at various spots throughout downtown. Click here for a full season itinerary (which includes acts like Eric the Juggler, the Annie Rods Capps Quartet and Fangs & Twang) and here to see performance locations on their 2021 Stage Map.
Where: Heritage Park, Canton
Thursdays aren’t the only time you can enjoy music in downtown Canton—you can also enjoy great shows on Tuesday afternoons! Head to Heritage Park at noon on Tuesdays for a free family–friendly concert series presented in partnership with the Community Financial Credit Union and the Canton Public Library. The 2021 schedule includes performances from Matt Ball-Boogie Woogie Piano, Zippity 2 Dad, School of Rock and The Fairy Godmother of Music.
When: July 14, 21 & 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
For an exciting evening of live entertainment, visit Concert Hill at Marsh Made Park in West Bloomfield on select dates throughout July. To help with social distancing, households are required to pre-register by household prior to each concert. Registered cars must arrive between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., and after 6:30 p.m., unregistered cars will be let in until the concert is full. Tickets cost $10 per car and are not refundable if the registered car does not show up. For all the information (and the current lineup!) click here.
Rock on!
We couldn’t be more excited for music to return to Ann Arbor this summer! Did we miss your most–anticipated concert or outdoor music series? Let us know in the comments below!
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