Must-See Outdoor Summer Concert Series and Tours Around the Country

An outdoor music series is a great addition to your summer bucket list—there are a variety of acts to choose from, rotating dates mean you’re less likely to run into scheduling conflicts or inclement weather, and if you love one of the concerts, there’s an opportunity to come back for more. From The Summer Concert Series at NYC’s Hudson Yards to Sunset Concerts at LA’s Skirball Cultural Center, we’ve rounded up some of the best outdoor summer concert series located near Related properties. Plus, check out big-name tours stopping through stadiums near each city. 

New York City: The Summer Concert Series at Hudson Yards

A weekly summer concert series is one of the many perks of Backyard at Hudson Yards presented by Wells Fargo. The free summer music series runs Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. on the Wells Fargo Stage, June 25 through August 13. Expect musical acts like The Knocks, Alex Sampson, Brittney Spencer, and more. Each concert kicks off with a live DJ set by DJ and producer CHACHI. Wells Fargo customers can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages at the exclusive Wells Fargo Club in The Bosque, while Mastercard holders have the opportunity for artist meet-and-greets, prime seating, and light bites and custom cocktails. A Champagne Pommery cart will provide samples on select concert dates. Other Backyard at Hudson Yards programming includes sporting events shown on Hudson Yards’ 30-foot big screen, outdoor fitness classes, kid-friendly events, and more. 

Notable tours: Enjoy a night of alternative-folk with The Lumineers at Citi Field on July 11. 

Chicago: Millennium Park Summer Music Series

The Millennium Park Summer Music Series offers twice-weekly (Mondays and Thursdays) concerts from 6:30-9 p.m. (gates at 5 p.m.). Catch acts from Fred Wesley and the New JBs, Steel Pulse, Mother Nature, and more—for free, June 26 through August 7. Guests will enjoy a mix of R&B, house, disco, jazz, pop, country, alternative, and world music from well-known and emerging artists under the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The Pavilion seating bowl is first-come, first-served, while bring-your-own blankets and chairs are welcome on the lawn. Concertgoers can pack their own food and beverages to savor as they watch the sun set over Chicago’s glittering skyline. 

Notable tours: Grown-up emo kids and new emo fans alike will want to see My Chemical Romance: The Black Parade on August 29 at Soldier Field.

Boston: Summer in the City at Boston Harbor Hotel

Imagine the ultimate Boston summer night: taking in views of a grand rotunda, the skyline, and Rose Kennedy Greenway—a breeze coming off the harbor while you sip and dine alfresco to the tunes of renowned musical acts. This is the scene June 6 through August 28 at Summer in the City at Boston Harbor Hotel. The free event, now in its 26th year, returns with favorites like Soul City, Country Wild Heart, and The Pulse of Boston, brand-new acts like up-and-coming Berklee College of Music artists, and headliners like Ryan Murphy. More exciting news—Rowes Wharf Sea Grille offers an expanded patio, while the Harborwalk Terrace now spotlights a picnic-style light-bites menu, new cocktails and mocktails, and shareable pitcher drinks to perfectly complement the summer music series. Concerts start at 6 p.m.

Notable tours: Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour comes to Gillette Stadium for two nights: July 15 and July 16. 

Los Angeles: Sunset Concerts at Skirball

Enjoy an eclectic musical lineup set against the Skirball Cultural Center’s iconic hillside courtyard on Thursdays, July 17 through August 7. This summer’s acts include Rodrigo Amarante, Helado Negro, La Perla, Meridian Brothers, MULA, Frente Cumbiero, JOJO ABOT, and Say She She. The summertime music series, now in its 28th season, is free, but parking at Skirball is $20. RSVPs are not required but seating is limited, so plan to arrive when concert check-ins start at 6 p.m. You’ll enjoy access to certain exhibitions, shopping, and dining while you wait for the shows to start at 7 p.m. Sandwiches, snacks, and salads are available until 8:30 p.m., and full bar service is offered all evening long. 

Notable tours: Head to SoFi Stadium (although the facility is domed, its open sides and clear roof give it an outdoor feel) to shake it with Shakira on August 4. 

San Francisco: Golden Gate Park Band 

Those who love afternoon concerts will want to check out the Golden Gate Park Band, now in its 143rd year. The free concerts, which take place at the Spreckels Temple of Music in the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park, start at 1 p.m. on Sundays (excluding Sundays that fall on holiday weekends like Labor Day), and run all the way through September 28. The 30-person band performs different musical numbers, joined often by special guests. Highlights include July 13 - Disney Magic with guest Conductor David Adams, August 3 - Celebrating San Francisco History - A concert in honor of Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams and First Responders, and August 10 - Around the World in 90 Minutes - Peter and the Wolf with guest narrator Maggie Clennon Reburg, American in Paris by Gershwin, and Perpetuum Mobile by Strauss. Concertgoers can pack their own picnics, or order from any of the food trucks often parked behind the bandshell. 

Notable tours: Morgan Wallen takes his popular country sound to Levi's Stadium for two nights this summer on August 1 and August 2. 

Washington, D.C.: Rock the Dock at The Wharf

Rock the Dock offers free live performances Wednesdays at Transit Pier from May 28 through August 27. Concerts start at 7 p.m., with limited bench seating, and tables and chairs available. Enjoy unparalleled views of the Potomac River as you sip a drink from waterside bar Cantina Bambina, win a prize at the DC Lottery tent, and sample food from various Wharf restaurants or stage-adjacent pizza kiosk, Union Pie. Local artists perform a mix of pop-rock, country, party hits, ’90s pop, and more.

Notable tours: Beyoncé brings her highly anticipated Cowboy Carter Tour to Northwest Stadium on July 4 and July 7. 

West Palm Beach: Soul in the City Jazz Experience

Although only parts of the venue are outside, patrons will take in unbeatable views of the Intracoastal Waterway from the Lake Pavilion’s floor-to-ceiling windows as they enjoy two special evenings of jazz this summer. Experience the jazzy stylings of the Allyson Briggs Band on Sunday, July 16, and The Robert Ross Band on Sunday, August 20. Both events run from 7-9 p.m. and food and beverages are available to enjoy with your music. 

Notable tours: Catch Kesha and the Scissor Sisters at iThink Financial Amphitheatre on August 9. 

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