Summer Concert Series in Long Beach

Long Beach is alive with the sound of music all summer long, as an array of free outdoor concert series take place throughout the city. These events occur all over–from public parks and the nature center to shopping malls and parking lots–featuring all types of music produced by all types of bands; from the venerable Long Beach Municipal Band to tribute groups. So grab a chair, blanket and something comfortable to groove in while enjoying another music-filled summer in the city.

BIXBY KNOLLS

On five dates this summer (June 23, July 14, July 21, and August 1 and 11), the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association will host its Concerts in the Park(ing Lot) series. Pull up your beach chairs, grab dinner at a local restaurant, and boogie the night away with tributes, soul, ska, and classic rock bands. This is an all-ages family friendly event, and leashed dogs are welcome, too. The music begins at 6:30PM. For the full schedule, including bands and locations, visit bixbyknollsinfo.com/concerts.

EL DORADO NATURE CENTER

Events in the El Dorado Nature Center’s (7550 E. Spring St.) Summer Concerts Series happen twice each month, June through August. Gates open at 6:30 PM with bands performing in the outdoor amphitheater from 7 to 8 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring low chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner. Featured bands include the likes of The Salty Suites (June 12) and Sligo Rags (August 21). A $5 per person donation helps support the nature center and Partners of Parks. For more information and a complete schedule, visit the series page.

Shoreline Village

Shoreline Village (429 Shoreline Village Drive) is home to restaurants, retail and one of the city’s most eventful concert series, Summertime in the SLV. From Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, the waterfront plays host to bands every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Concerts take place at the “Off Boardwalk Theater” near The Funnel House and include rock, R&B, jazz, blues, Latin, reggae, and more. For a rundown of the entire schedule, visit the Summertime in the SLV Facebook page.

Credit: Shoreline Village

NAPLES ISLAND

The Naples Improvement Association’s monthly concert series takes place at The Colonnade (south end of The Colonnade Canal), a charming park overlooking Naples Bay. The free concerts are held from 6 to 8 PM, and the June 24 show will also feature a chili cook-off. Concerts take place monthly May through September, with bands like Manuel the Band (May 27), Hillbilly Crutch (June 24), and Ashe Bros (July 29), culminating in a street dance with King Salmon on September 7. For more information and a full schedule, visit the NIA website.

2ND & PCH

2ND & PCH (6400 Pacific Coast Hwy) hosts its Beachside Beats concerts on Thursday evenings throughout the summer with monthly main stage performances and additional dates for soloists and small groups. Bring a low chair to enjoy these outdoor concerts, which will showcase tribute bands, motown, salsa, yacht rock, and more. While you’re there, you can pick up dinner, coffee, or a sweet treat at one of the restaurants, or visit the center’s retailers for some summer shopping. For the full schedule and bands roster, visit the Beachside Beats page.

PENINSULA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Certainly one of the most picturesque locations for a show, these free Sunday concerts are presented twice a month, June through August by the Peninsula Neighborhood Association. Shows take place at the end of the Peninsula at Alamitos Park (72nd and Ocean Blvd.) right at the edge of the bay from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, with performances by Blue Breeze Band (June 8), Stone Soul (June 29), and more. For more information and a full schedule, visit the series page.

LONG BEACH MUNICIPAL BAND

The unquestioned Granddaddy of all local music series, the Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate its 116th season with another impressive summer season featuring six distinct weekly programs. Beginning with “Wild, Wild West” (June 24-27) and concluding with “Symphonic Popcorn,” a pops concert with something for everyone (July 29-Aug 1). Performances are free and take place at local parks all over the city at 6:30 PM. For more information, locations and the full schedule, visit the band’s page.

EARL BURNS MILLER JAPANESE GARDEN

Every Friday from July 11 to August 22, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden (Earl Warren Dr) on the campus of Cal State Long Beach will host a summer concert and picnic series from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Bring your own picnic blanket or borrow chairs available at the garden and enjoy the evening hours and music in the garden’s serene setting. Concerts will include jazz, Motown, folk, and other genres. Tickets are $10 per person and can be reserved online or by phone at (562) 985-8420.

RECREATION PARK BANDSHELL

Friends of Rec Park Bandshell will host a 7 Saturdays of Summer series taking place at The Shell (701-939 Federation Dr) from July 12 to August 23. The series includes a performance by local 80s tribute band Knyght Ryder (July 12 at 6 PM), the Long Beach Bluegrass Festival (July 19, 11 AM to 8 PM), and the Long Beach Gospel Music Festival (August 16 at 4 PM). There will also be opportunities to hear rockabilly, jazz, and the Long Beach Camerata Singers, plus do some country line dancing. Come early to snag bench seating or spread out a blanket for a picnic on the lawn. For dates and details, visit liveattheshell.org.

LOS CERRITOS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

The Los Cerritos Neighborhood Association has a long-running tradition of hosting free concerts in Los Cerritos Park (3750 Del Mar Ave) following the end of the Long Beach Municipal Band’s concert season. This year, concerts will be held on August 6 and August 13 starting at 6 PM. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic to the north side of the park near the playground to enjoy an extended season of free concerts in the park.

LONG BEACH AIRPORT

For the first time, the Long Beach Airport (4100 Donald Douglas Dr) will host a series of free summer concerts in the outdoor plaza next to the terminal. Called Airwaves, the monthly series is family friendly and open to the public, with concerts held on Saturdays, July 12 (soul music), August 16 (rocksteady), and September 20 (Latin jazz funk), from 5 to 8 PM. Each concert will feature three bands, plus kids activities, food trucks, guided tours of the historic terminal, and beer and wine for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and park in Parking Structure B, where parking is free for four hours.

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About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.