Sweet Sounding Tunes in the Bay Area

The Outdoor Summer Concert Lineup

Written By: Nicole Fera outdoor summer concerts

There is always something going on up in the Bay Area that you wouldn’t want to miss out on, and summer is prime time for getting involved. We have put together a list of different concerts that take place around Northern California that are not only full of impressive artists, but also free to attend. We’ve got shows lined up on the beach, in parks, amphitheaters along the water and other great venues. Choose a show and a night to attend and see why these events entertain, enlighten, bring the communities together, and always make for one great night on the town.

Friday Night Bands on the Beach

Santa Cruz is known for their white sandy beaches, wonderful restaurants and shops and their happening boardwalk. Every summer you can experience a mix of top bands from the 70s, 80s and 90s that they round up to play free concerts on the beach! Does it get any better than that? There are two free shows every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., beginning June 17th and ending September 2nd. Some performers this year include Blue Oyster Cult, The Family Stone, Smash Mouth, Los Lobos and many more! Don’t miss out on your chance to hang at the boardwalk and then chill by the beach with some sweet sounds and rockin’ bands.

400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.423.5590

outdoor summer concerts

Stern Grove Festival

Rosalie M. Stern purchased Stern Grove in 1931 and gifted it to the city of San Francisco in memory of her husband Sigmund Stern, who was a prominent civic leader. In 1932, the first concert took place there, featuring the SF Symphony and since then free, summer concerts have been a regular tradition. Stern Grove is a natural amphitheater that is surrounded by all different types of trees including eucalyptus, redwood and fir, which make for a beautiful day to spend outside listening to some sweet tunes. For almost 79 summers, people have been gathering to hear the diverse music, hang out with friends and family and enjoy the beauty of the Grove. This year’s lineup will be announced May 1st, but make sure to mark your calendars down for June 19th, as Janelle Monae will be performing a benefit concert that you won’t want to miss. All other concerts are held Sundays at 2:00 p.m. through August 21st.

832 Folsom Street Suite 1000
415.252.6252

 

Union Square Live

Music, dance, theater, comedy and film—you name it, they’ve got it at Union Square. From April until October, live performances will be taking place in SF’s beloved park that is located in the heart of the city. This will be the 14th season that the city will feature different rock and roll bands, jazz bands, swing and salsa dancing, circus performers, outdoor cinema and much more! There is something for everyone in the lineup, and it’s a great way to get the community involved in something that they can all enjoy. Great music, a beautiful park and a wonderful day outside is something everyone could use more of in their lives.

333 Post Street,  San Francisco, CA 94102
415.477.2610

 

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is all about three things: free, outdoor and fresh. YBGF is dedicated to preserving and bringing to life the different parks and open spaces in these gardens and other spaces around the city. To do this, they put on different shows, presentations, and artistic acts to get the community involved in all different kinds of cultures that make up the neighborhood and city itself. Performances begin May 1st and run through October 30th with tons of unique jazz, classical, theater shows, and much more taking place! This is not only about enjoying free art, but about getting involved in something much bigger than that.

760 Howard Street , San Francisco, CA 94103

outdoor summer concerts

Napa City Nights

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival not only is a wonderful place to see some live music, but it’s considered a Napa Valley Summer tradition that you won’t want to miss out on again this year.

It is located right along the Napa Riverwalk Promenade that not only offers beautiful views of the Napa River, but is also only a short walk to all of the local shops and delicious restaurants nearby. Different jazz, rock, country, blues, pop and folk bands will be performing there from June 5th-September 4th, so don’t miss out!

Native Knowledge: Although there are plenty of seats in the amphitheater, bring a blanket and some snacks and set up right on the grass for an old school picnic feel.

3116 Encanto Dr, Napa, CA 94558
The Bay Area’s Summer Concert Lineup Is Music to the Ears

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Nicole is a New Jersey native who studied English and Journalism at Monmouth University, Long Branch. She moved to sunny San Diego to enjoy all that it has to offer, including the beach, the music scene and the opportunity to share her love of Journalism with others. She hopes to continue writing by making a career of her first true love: words.

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