Looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to enjoy summer evenings with the family? Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties offer a variety of free outdoor concerts. Grab your picnic blanket and enjoy live music in beautiful settings—without spending a dime.
MONTEREY COUNTY
CONCERT SERIES AT SUNSET CENTER
Terrace Hour is a free outdoor concert series held on the Terrace Stage.
- WHEN: 6:00 to 7:00 pm on select Fridays
- WHERE: San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel
- MORE INFO: Sunset Center
FAVORITE FRIDAYS AT DEL MONTE SHOPPING CENTER
Enjoy a five-week summer series of tribute concerts.
- WHEN: Fridays through June 27
from 6:00– 8:00 pm - WHERE: Garden Courtyard near H&M, Del Monte Shopping Center, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey
- MORE INFO: Del Monte Center
SEASIDE’S SUMMER SESSIONS
Live music, kids’ activities, fresh produce and more at the Seaside Farmers’ market.
- WHEN: Third Thursday of the month
- WHERE: Seaside Farmers Market, located at 1259 Canyon Del Rey Blvd.
- MORE INFO: Elevate 831
SOLEDAD’S MUSIC IN THE PARK
A free concert series with live music, food, and family fun.
- WHEN: June 13, July 11, August 8
- WHERE: Cesar Chavez Park, 555 Front Street, Soledad
- MORE INFO: City of Soledad
SUMMER MUSIC AT CARMEL PLAZA
Enjoy free live concerts on The Plaza.
- WHEN: July 11, 18, and 25
- WHERE: Mission Street, Carmel
- MORE INFO: carmelplaza.com
SUMMER SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC AT BIG SUR RIVER INN
Relax by the river with live music every Sunday.
- WHEN: Sundays from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
- WHERE: 46800 Highway One, Big Sur
- MORE INFO: bigsurriverinn.com
SUNDAY BLUES IN THE PARK IN SEASIDE
Relax by the river with live music every Sunday.
- WHEN: Sundays from 1:00 – 4:30 pm (7/13-8/10)
- WHERE: Laguna Grande Park, Seaside
- MORE INFO: City of Seaside
SUNSET MUSIC SERIES AT ASILOMAR
Live music with coastal views every Friday evening during the summer. Food and drinks available for purchase.
- WHEN: Fridays, May 23 – August 29 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm with Special Performances: May 23, June 20, July 4, August 15, August 29
- WHERE: Asilomar Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove
- MORE INFO: visitasilomar.com
WINE GARDEN MUSIC SERIES AT FOLKTALE WINERY
Live music on Saturdays and Sundays.
- WHEN: Saturdays, 2:00 – 4:00 pm; Sundays, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- WHERE: 8940 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel
- MORE INFO: Folktale Winery
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
CAPITOLA SUMMER CONCERTS
Enjoy weekly concerts at the beachside Esplanade Bandstand.
- WHEN: Wednesdays, June 11 – August 27 at 6:00 pm
- WHERE: Capitola Village
- MORE INFO: santacruz.org
EVENINGS ON THE COLONNADE
Enjoy beachfront music performances under the stars.
- WHEN: June 16 – August 7 from 8:30 – 9:30 pm
- WHERE: Colonnade Deck, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- MORE INFO: beachboardwalk.com
MUSIC IN THE PLAZA – WATSONVILLE
Family-friendly concerts featuring regional bands.
- WHEN: June 20, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, September 5 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
- WHERE: Watsonville City Plaza
- MORE INFO: santacruz.org
SUMMER MUSIC NIGHTS – WATSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Free live performances or karaoke nights.
- WHEN: Mondays in June from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
- WHERE: Main Library Meeting Room, Watsonville Public Library
- MORE INFO: watsonville.gov
TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE AT SANTA CRUZ WHARF
Monthly concerts on the wharf with regional favorites.
- WHEN: Second Tuesdays, May – September, plus June 24, July 22, and August 26 at 6:00 pm
- WHERE: Santa Cruz Wharf Common Stage
- MORE INFO: cityofsantacruz.com
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