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Catch a free concert around the Queen City

Summertime brings many free concerts you can attend + enjoy an evening outdoors.

A band in yellow shirts playing in a park with inflatable beach balls on the lawn.

What’s better than soaking up the sun with live music and being surrounded by Uptown’s buildings?

Photo by CLTtoday

There’s no better way to enjoy the summer sunsets than free outdoor concerts. Bookmark this list for a season full of live music, food trucks, and fun.

SouthPark After 5 | Thursdays, weekly | 5-9 p.m. | Symphony Park | Free | This free series features family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and more. Pro tip: Bring your lawn chairs.

River Jam | Thursdays-Saturdays, May-September | 7 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | $12 parking | Bring the family and pups to this outdoor series by the rushing rapids.

Uptown Unplugged: Lunchtime Music Series | Wednesdays, weekly through June 4 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Romare Bearden Park | Free | Unplug from the workday to grab lunch in Uptown before jamming to live music.

Two people in blue lawn chairs listening to live music at a park

Sundown Sounds draws hundreds of people to parks across the county for live music.

Photo via Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation

Sundown Sounds | Various days, June 12-Aug. 21 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Various locations | Mecklenburg County is bringing back this series at multiple Park and Recreation locations across the county.

Party in the Park | Select Sundays | 1-5 p.m. | The Mint Museum Randolph | Free | This monthly event fills the front terrace with food trucks, live music, and a cash bar + free museum admission.

Friday Night Music | Fridays, weekly | 6-9 p.m. | Camp North End | Free | Every week brings a new experience to the Boileryard — a DJ dance party, music-themed markets, and live bands.

Concerts on the Green | Various Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Village Green, Davidson | Prepare to groove to tribute bands playing all types of tunes from beach music to jazz.

Concerts at the Circles | Various Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 18 | 5-9 p.m. | Jetton Street, Davidson | This block party will feature acoustic artists, plus live bands.

Anne Springs Close Greenway Summer Concert Series | Thursdays, weekly through July 24 | Anne Springs Close Greenway | $5 parking | Bring a picnic, or buy food and drinks at this family and pet-friendly event.