Summer of Music: the Long Beach Municipal Band
For generations, summer evenings in Long Beach have been filled with the sounds of the Long Beach Municipal Band, a beloved local tradition with the nation’s oldest municipal band. This year’s concert series continues that legacy with six weeks of free outdoor performances. So, grab a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy some music under the summer sky.
The Long Beach Municipal Band has become a treasured part of the city’s cultural landscape. The 2026 summer concert series, themed “Picnics and Pops,” offers a rich variety of musical genres—from patriotic tunes to love songs, cinematic scores, jazz and classic rock, along with some Disney magic. Each week introduces a new sound, ensuring every performance feels unique and fresh. All performances begin at 6:30 PM and are free to attend. Bring blankets, chairs and picnic style dinners and snacks and enjoy an evening of free live music in Long Beach Parks!
The featured programs are: “City Lights, Jazz Nights” (June 24-27), “America the Beautiful: A Musical Tribute” (June 30-July 3), “The Music Behind the Magic” (July 7-10), “Songs For the One You Love” (July 14-17) “John Williams in Concert: A Legacy of Cinema” (July 21-24) and “Legends of Vinyl: The Bands that Defined an Era” (July 28-31).
Concerts will take place on set days at these five parks:
- Tuesdays: Whaley Park North (5620 E Atherton St) – June 23, June 30; Bixby Annex Park (East Ocean Blvd and Junipero Ave) – July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28
- Wednesdays: Los Cerritos Park (3750 Del Mar Ave) – June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29
- Thursdays: Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park at Marine Stadium (5255 Paoli Way) – June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30
- Fridays: El Dorado Park West (2800 N Studebaker Rd) – June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31
The Municipal Band is not only the nation’s oldest, it’s also among the most accomplished. The ensemble is packed with elite musicians whose day jobs place them in Los Angeles recording studios working with major artists, contributing to film and television scores as well as performing in prestigious ensembles. Their expertise elevates every concert well beyond the expectations of a typical park performance.
“We put time in the studio to be great at our craft, but the musical magic happens with the audience,” Conductor Kurt Curtis said. “It’s an emotional rush, it’s why we play—to inspire—and they’re part of it. That feedback, that connection with audiences, where the whole community culminates with this emotional crescendo. I can’t wait!”
All performances are free and begin at 6:30 p.m.
For more information about any upcoming Municipal Band performances, click here.