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
The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association host its Concerts in the Park(ing Lot) series throughout the summer. 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. The 2026 schedule is coming soon at 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 11) and Sligo Rags (August 20). 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.
NAPLES ISLAND
The Naples Improvement Association’s monthly concert series takes place at The Colonnade, a charming park overlooking Naples Bay. The free concerts are held from 6 to 8 PM, and the June 30 show will also feature a chili cook-off. Concerts take place monthly May through September on May 26, June 30, July 28, and August 24, culminating in a street dance party on September 13. For more information and a full schedule, visit the NIA website.
2ND & PCH
2ND & PCH (6400 Pacific Coast Hwy) hosts its Beachside Beats concerts 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. Stayed tuned for the 2026 schedule of performers.
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 Ship Happens (June 7), Bad Daddies (July 19), AbSOULute (July 26), 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 117th season, "Picnics and Pops," with another impressive summer season featuring six distinct weekly programs. Genres will range from Dixieland jazz and swing to patriotic marches, Disney favorites, and the music of John Williams. Performances are free and take place at four local parks all over the city at 6:30 PM between June 23 and July 31. For the full 2026 schedule, visit the band’s page.
EARL BURNS MILLER JAPANESE GARDEN
Every Friday from July 10 to August 21, 2026, 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
On Long Beach’s east side, Live at the Shell will host a series of concerts on Tuesday evenings from July 14 to August 25. The series includes performances by Rolling Stones tribute Jumping Jack Flash (July 14), 80s tribute band Knyght Ryder (August 4) and Super 70s Band with a disco costume contest (August 25). There will also be opportunities to hear rockabilly, country, soul and more. Come to The Shell (701-939 Federation Dr) 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. 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. 2026 dates coming soon.
LONG BEACH AIRPORT
In 2025, the Long Beach Airport (4100 Donald Douglas Dr) debuted 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. Each concert features 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. 2026 schedule coming soon.
RANCHO LOS ALAMITOS
During summer concerts at Rancho Los Alamitos (6400 E Bixby Hill Rd), enjoy a picnic on the grass and take in the bucolic and peaceful atmosphere of the grounds. These family-friendly concerts highlighting local performers will take place on June 23 and August 28, from 5 to 7 PM. Details about performers and ticket links will be available soon.
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