Summer Concert Series in Long Beach

The beach is alive with the sound of music all summer long, as a near-unending stream of outdoor concert series take place throughout Long Beach. These neighborhood events occur all over–public parks, shopping malls, nature centers–featuring all types of music produced by all types of bands–from the venerable Long Beach Municipal Band to tribute outfits. (No Doubt? No doubt.) So grab a chair, blanket and something comfortable to groove in while enjoying another music-filled summer in the city.

EL DORADO NATURE CENTER

The El Dorado Nature Center’s (7550 E. Spring St.), Summer Concerts Series happens twice each month. The outdoor concerts will open for picnicking at 6:30 p.m. with bands performing from 7-8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring low chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner. The concerts, featuring the likes of Steel Parade (June 30) and Corday (Aug. 11), are free, though a $5 donation to the Friends of El Dorado Nature Center is encouraged. For more information and a complete schedule, click here.

SUMMERTIME IN THE SLV

SLV is Shoreline Village (429 Shoreline Village Drive), home to restaurants, retail and, this summer, one of the city’s most ambitious concert series. From June until Labor Day, the waterfront plays host to bands every Saturday (1-5 p.m., 6-10 p.m.) and Sunday (1-5 pm). Concerts take place at the Boardwalk Theater near The Funnel House and include returning favorites Catfish and the Hollywood Hound Dogs (July 2), Shy But Flyy (Aug. 12) and Elliott Caine (Aug. 27). For a rundown of the entire schedule, click here.

Credit: Shoreline Village

NAPLES SUMMER CONCERTS

The Naples Improvement Assn. has put together a program that will take place at The Colonnade, a charming park overlooking Naples Bay. The free concerts are from 6-8 p.m. The June 27th show, featuring country western band, Big City HIllbillies, will also have a Chili Cookoff from 5-6 p.m. Concerts continue until early September. For more information and a full schedule of bands, click here.

PCH RAISING DECIBELS

2ND & PCH once again welcomes the public to enjoy live music with PCH Raising Decibels. Concerts occur Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., from July 20 until late October. Guests, who are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, can listen and dance to such bands as No Doubt/Gwen Stefani tribute band New Doubt (July 20), Tomorrows Bad Seeds (July 27) and Bruno Mars tribute band Bruno and the Hooligans (Oct. 28). Concerts are free with seating first come, first served. For more information and a full schedule, click here.

Credit: 2nd & PCH

LONG BEACH PENINSULA SUMMER CONCERTS

Certainly one of the most picturesque locations for a show, these free, Sunday concerts are presented by the Peninsula Neighborhood Assn. Shows take place at the end of the Peninsula at Alamitos Park (72nd and Ocean Blvd.) right at the edge of the bay. Things get started July 9 with Ace Band, an old school R&B/soul/funk outfit and wrap up on Aug. 27 with Top 40 dance band, Squeeze Box. For more information and a full schedule, click here.

LONG BEACH MUNICIPAL BAND

The unquestioned Granddaddy of all local music series, the Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate its 114th season with another impressive summer season featuring six distinct weekly programs. Beginning with the movie music themed “Lights, Camera, Action” (June 27-30) and concluding with “Band-tastic” (Aug. 1-4), spotlighting great bands from Glenn Miller to The Beach Boys, performances are free and take place at local parks all over the city. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, locations and the full schedule, click here.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.