By: Amy Hopf, Digital Content Associate
Come out and enjoy summer nights filled with live music, fresh air, and the beautiful scenery of Philly’s parks and playgrounds. Musicians playing jazz, rock, hip hop, folk, children’s music, and more will be performing at various parks and rec centers across the city. Bring a blanket or chair to relax, or get ready to dance the night away with neighbors and friends!
Be sure to check the links provided below for weather-related cancellations or rain dates!
2018 Concert Series
Live Jazz Fridays
Where: Cedar Park (49th St. & Baltimore St., 19143)
When: Fridays, June 1-July 27 from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m
Cost: Free
Bring family, neighbors, folding chairs, or a blanket and come out for the 18th Annual Live Jazz Fridays. Enjoy a summer of jazz with both returning faves and new bands, presented by Cedar Park Neighbors.
Woofstock Concert Series
Where: Seger Park (1020 Lombard St.)
When: Tuesdays, starting June 5, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Seger Park Dog Owner’s Association is hosting Woofstock, a summer-long concert series that dog owners and community members alike are invited to attend, every Tuesday evening this summer. Enjoy live music while your pups run & play in our off-leash dog run, or bring a blanket and sit by the performers on the grassy hillside of the park.
Outdoor Jazz Concert Series
Where: DiSilvestro Playground (1701 S. 15th St.)
When: Wednesdays, June 6, July 11, August 8, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Come out on Wednesdays June 6, July 11, and August 8 for a free outdoor Jazz Concert series presented by DiSilvestro Playground and Jots. In the case of rain, concerts will be performed indoors. The series kicks off on June 6 with Narbeth Jazz Project.
Fridays in June Music Series
Where: Cianfrani Park (8th & Fitzwater Sts., 19147)
When: Fridays, June 1-June 29, from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m
Cost: Free
Fridays in June Music Series returns to Cianfrani Park for the five Fridays of the month. House of Roots Soundsystem will play June 8 at 7 p.m.
Music & Mist Summer Concert Series
Where: Julian Abele Park (22nd St. & Carpenter St., 19146)
When: Fridays, June 8-September 7, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join the Friends of Julian Abele Park for the Music & Mist Summer Concert Series! Bring a blanket, cooler, and chairs to enjoy the free entertainment. This music series will feature a variety of musical acts: the series kicks off on June 8 with Maggy Thump. You can see the full summer schedule on the Facebook event.
Concerts by the Bridge
Where: Lardner’s Point Park (5202 Levick St., 19135)
When: Starts off June 9 (various dates), 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join Riverfront North Partnership by the river to kick off the Riverfront North Concert Series that runs through the summer. There will be live music on stage in front of the Tacony-Palmyra bridge, great views, and a great night. On June 8, the kickoff concert will be Magnificent Birds of Prey, and on Thursday, June 14, Glen Foerd on the Delaware will play.
Music in the Park
Where: Bardascino Park (10th St. & Carpenter St., 19147)
When: Tuesdays, June 12, July 10, August 21, from 7 p.m.- 9:15 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bring some chairs and drinks for an evening of live music in South Philly’s Bardascino Park! The series kicks off on June 12 with Belleville Quartet. Music in the Park is sponsored by the Friends of Bardascino Park with a grant from the Philadelphia Recreation Advisory Council.
70th Annual Pastorius Park Concert Series
Where: Pastorius Park (200 W Hartwell Lane, 19118)
When: Wednesdays, June 13-July 25 (no concert July 4), from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Come hear a diverse set of bands and musicians in one of Chestnut Hill’s most majestic settings. Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the music. Concerts are supported by the Chestnut Hill Community Association and Chestnut Hill Hospital.
Summer Concert Series
Where: Louis I. Kahn Park (328 S 11th St., 19107)
When: Wednesdays, June 13, July 18, August 15 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, September 16 at 3pm
Cost: Free
The Friends of Louis I. Kahn Park are sponsoring a series of four free concerts this summer, with music styles including roots music, ‘60s and ‘70s rock fusion, classic jazz, New Orleans blues, funk, and traditional concert band. Join friends and neighbors in the park for live music, food, and the annual summer raffle! The fun kicks off on June 13 with Hank’s Cadillac.
Summer Concert Series
Where: Disston Recreation Center (4423 Longshore Ave., 19135)
When: Thursdays June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
For four Thursdays in June and July, Disston Rec Center is hosting the Summer Concert Series, featuring a range of music styles! Bring or borrow a chair; all concerts are free.
Riverside Concert Series
Where: Glen Foerd on the Delaware (5001 Grant Ave., 19114)
When: Thursdays, June 14, July 12, August 10, from 7 p.m.-8:30 pm
Cost: Free
Bring a picnic dinner, or just come to enjoy scenic views of the river and great music! The series kicks off with the Old City Sweethearts on June 14, followed by Rendition Jazz Band on July 12, and Kat & the Hooligans on August 9. Please bring your own chair and blanket. Concerts are held rain or shine, but may be cancelled in the case of lightning or severe winds.
Campbell Square Music Nights
Where: Campbell Square (2525 E Allegheny Ave., 19134)
When: June 19-October 5 (various dates), at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Friends of Campbell Square have organized a series of musical events in the park this summer. On June 19, enjoy a Polish American String Band performance; on August 17, Shenanigans Irish Music comes to Campbell Square; and on October 5, there will be a lively Elvis Tribute Night.
Music in the Park Series
Where: Gold Star Park (625 Wharton St., 19147)
When: Thursday, June 21, July 19, September 20, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Gold Star Park will host a series of live, family friendly concerts a few Thursdays this summer. On, June 21, Magdaliz and Her Latin Ensemble Crisol will play. On July 19, the Knife and the Fork Band performs, and on September 20, Radio Tag closes out the summer.
Summer Jazz Series
Where: Hawthorne Park (12th St. & Catharine St., 19147)
When: Thursdays, June 21, July 19, and August 16, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Jazz Bridge will once again bring back their Summer Concert Series, “Jazz in Hawthorne Park,” located in the park at 12th & Catharine Streets. These concerts are free, and lawn chairs, beach chairs, picnic baskets, and friends are welcome to have a great time.
West Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Series
Where: Malcolm X Park (52nd St. & Pine St., 19143)
When: Every other Thursday, June-September, from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m
Cost: Free
Come out for the 15th anniversary of this summer series hosted by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Friends of Malcolm X Park. The West Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Series runs May through September, every other Thursday.
Malcolm X Park will also be hosting Friday Nite Oldies every Friday, July 6-September 28, from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Summer Concert Series
Where: Gorgas Park (6300 Ridge Ave., 19128)
When: June 28-September 15 (various dates), at 7pm
Cost: Free
This summer, Gorgas Park features a packed schedule, so bring some chairs or a blanket and come on out for a fun night of live music and festivities! The performances kick off on June 22 with the Roxborough Music Festival (rescheduled from June 2). See the full schedule below.
June 22 – Roxborough Music Festival
June 28 – Merion Concert Band
July 12 – Duke Brothers Band
July 26 – The Big Jangle
July 28 – Veterans Tribute/Merion Concert Band/Savoy Opera Company/Fun Day
July 29 – Young Elvis Show (Jeff Krick, Jr.)
Aug 4 – Repete in the Park
Aug 9 – Ben Arnold Band
Aug 23 – Zydeco Band
Sept 11 – The Hooligans
Sept 15 – Mature Elvis with Light Show (Jeff Krick, Sr.)
Performances in Public Spaces Series
Where: Parks and playgrounds citywide
When: June 6-October 31 (various dates & times)
Cost: Free
This summer, Performances in Public Spaces returns for another year of free performances across the city! An initiative led by the Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Performances in Public Spaces supports local artists and performing arts organizations of all sizes and skill levels, helping them share their work with new audiences.
Kidchella Music Festival Series
Where: Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse (3500 Reservoir Drive, East Fairmount Park)
When: Fridays, June 15, July 20, and August 17, from 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse’s wildly popular Kidchella Music Festival will continue for a fifth year on 3 dates. This year, the festival will include a Youth Arts Zone on Smith’s front lawn, in addition to the main stage concerts,and will feature six nationally acclaimed children’s music artists.
Jazz in the Park at Morris Estate
Where: Morris Estate Cultural Center (1610 W. Chelten Ave, 19126)
When: Tuesdays, July 10-August 14, from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m
Cost: Free
Come out for this summer jazz series hosted by 8th District Councilwoman Cindy Bass and Sol Unlimited. The event runs for six Tuesdays and features diverse performers, local vendors, a food trucks, raffles, and prizes.
Jazz in the 9th Concert Series
Where/when:
Finley Park (7701 Mansfield Ave., 19150): Saturday, July 14, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Tacony Creek Park (Olney & Clarkson Aves., 19120): Saturday, July 28, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Clarkson Park (5450 N Old York Road, 19141): Saturday, August 11, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker, in collaboration with Olney Culture Lab, will host the Jazz in the 9th Summer Concert Series 2018. Check out some jazz across a few parks.
Free Summer Concert Series at ASHM
Where: American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Ave, 19145)
When: Fridays, August 3 and August 31, from 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m
Cost: Free
Head over to the American Swedish Historical Museum for a couple of summer evening concert on the Terrace, with food and drink available for purchase. On August 3, the Oskar Stenmark Trio will play, and August 31 will feature Ann-Marita Garsed.
Single Day Concerts & Festivals
EPCC Summer Outdoor Concert
Where: East Passyunk Community Recreation Center (1025 Mifflin St., 19148)
When: Thursday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join friends and neighbors at the East Passyunk Community Rec Center for a free outdoor summer concert in the park with the Blues Pharaohs! Bring a beach chair or blanket. Concessions will be sold; no glass or alcohol permitted.
Clark Park Music and Arts Festival
Where: Clark Park (43rd St. & Baltimore Ave., 19104)
When: Saturday, June 16, from 11 a.m -7 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Clark Park Music and Arts Festival has been a West Philadelphia tradition for over 40 years, giving residents a chance to meet their neighbors and benefit from the artistic wealth of the city. Meet local craft vendors and nonprofits, taste some delicious food from food trucks, check out local pop-up art displays, and hear awesome local bands performing. This year’s lineup includes a headlining performance from Grandchildren.
The Class of ‘84: Back to the ‘80s Night
Where: Penn Treaty Park (1341 N Delaware Ave., 19125)
When: Friday, June 16, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Friends of Penn Treaty Park are teaming up with the Class of 84 for an all-out ‘80s extravaganza. Come dance to all your rock favorites and sing along with hundreds of your closest friends! There will be prizes for the best ‘80s costumes, food, fun, and spectacular views of Philadelphia.
Make Music Philly
Where: Powers Park (2965 Almond St., 19134)
When: Thursday, June 21, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Make Music Day is a live, free musical celebration on June 21, the longest day of the year, with concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks across the city. Ring in the summer solstice as part of an international event with its heart and soul in our local community!
An Evening with the Philadelphia Orchestra
Where: Penn Treaty Park (1341 N Delaware Ave., 19125)
When: Thursday, June 21, at 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Philadelphia Orchestra will play a community concert at Penn Treaty Park, their last segment of a series of spring free community concerts. Join the Philadelphia Orchestra as they reach deeper into the communities of Philadelphia. It is free and open to the public, but RSVP online at www.philorch.org to receive the latest information regarding these concerts.
Roxborough Music Festival
Where: Gorgas Park (6300 Ridge Ave., 19128)
When: Friday, June 22, from 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Friends of Gorgas Park are hosting the 1st Annual Roxborough Music Festival at Gorgas Park. The collaboration will have food trucks, art and crafts, and kids’ games, and regionally and nationally acclaimed musical performers, including Gorgas Park favorite, Ben Arnold.
Music Celebration & BBQ at Hatfield House
Where: Hatfield House (N. 33rd St., 19130)
When: Friday, June 29, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bring your chair or picnic blanket, and catch local performers and musicians performing on the porch.
On the Delaware Music Festival
Where: Pennypack on the Delaware Park (8201 State Rd.)
When: Saturday, June 30, from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Riverfront North Partnership, Southeast Northeast (the SENE), Sandbox Music Publishing, and Wawa Welcome America are hosting an all-day music festival at beautiful Pennypack on the Delaware Park as part of this summer’s Wawa Welcome America Week. This event will feature two stages, a kids corner, yoga on the pier, local artisan marketplace, food trucks, a beer tent, and more! This is a free event, with VIP tickets available.
Freedom Rocks the Park
Where: Penn Treaty Park (1341 N Delaware Ave., 19125)
When: Saturday, June 30, from 2 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Save the date for this year’s celebration in Penn Treaty Park! Local bands will perform into the evening: stick around for the fireworks display over the Delaware River at the end of the night.
Deco on the Delaware
Where: Glen Foerd on the Delaware (5001 Grant Ave., 19114)
When: Saturday, August 4, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $45 for adults, free for children 12 and under (purchase tickets)
Step back in time to celebrate the elegance of the Jazz Age at Philadelphia’s last riverfront Gilded Age estate. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of 1920s era music and dancing, lawn games, food, vintage-inspired cocktails, plus fashion and pie contests.
Larger Concerts
Pennypack Park Music Festival (3300 Welsh Rd., 19136)
This free concert series features popular tribute bands from along the East Coast every Wednesday night in Pennypack Park. The series will run from May 30 through September 5: see the schedule for details.
The Dell Music Center in Fairmount Park (2400 Strawberry Mansion Dr., 19132)
The Dell Music Center, located in scenic East Fairmount Park, is Philadelphia’s premier outdoor entertainment venue. The 2018 entertainment season kicks off with a Party in the Park on June 7, with a performance by the group Breakwater, giveaways, and one-day ticket specials on all shows.
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Fairmount Park (5201 Parkside Ave., 19131)
The Mann Center serves more than 180,000 patrons annually, presenting diverse musical genres including classical, pops, jazz, rhythm & blues, rock & roll, indie, and country.
