Summer Concert Series in Long Beach

The beach is alive with the sound of music all summer long, as a near-unending stream of free 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. So grab a chair, blanket and something comfortable to groove in while enjoying another music-filled summer in the city.

BIXBY KNOLLS

On five dates this summer (June 24, July 22, and August 2, 12, and 19), the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association will host its Concerts in the Park(ing Lot) series. Pull up your beach chairs, grab dinner at a local restaurant, and boogie the night away with Yari Moré Latin Band, David Bowie Tribute by MOVE, and other local bands. This is an all-ages family friendly event, and leashed dogs are welcome, too. The music begins at 6:30PM. For the full schedule, including bands and locations, visit bixbyknollsinfo.com/concerts.

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 6:30PM with bands performing from 7 to 8PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring low chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner. The concerts, featuring the likes of The Salty Suites (June 13) and Sligo Rags (July 25), are free, though donations to the Friends of El Dorado Nature Center are encouraged. For more information and a complete schedule, visit the series page.

Shoreline Village

Shoreline Village (429 Shoreline Village Drive) is home to restaurants, retail and, this summer, one of the city’s most ambitious concert series, Summertime in the SLV. From June until Labor Day, the waterfront plays host to bands every Saturday (1-5PM, 6-10PM) and Sunday (1-5PM). Concerts take place at the Boardwalk Theater near The Funnel House and include returning favorites Catfish and the Hollywood Hound Dogs (June 9, July 21, and Sept. 1), DJ Del (July 4) and 90s cover band So Rad (June 22 and Aug. 31). For a rundown of the entire schedule, visit the Summertime in the SLV page.

Credit: Shoreline Village

NAPLES ISLAND

The Naples Improvement Association has put together a monthly series that will take place at The Colonnade (south end of The Colonnade Canal), a charming park overlooking Naples Bay. The free concerts are from 6 to 8PM, and the June 25 show will also have a Chili Cook-off. Concerts take place in June, July, and August. 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 80s cover bands, reggae, cumbia, R&B, top 40 hits, 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. For the full schedule and bands roster, visit the Beachside Beats page.

Credit: 2nd & PCH

PENINSULA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Certainly one of the most picturesque locations for a show, these free Sunday concerts are presented 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, with performances by country act the Kelly Rae Band (June 30), Blue Breeze Band (July 14), and Undercover Live (July 28). 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 115th season with another impressive summer season featuring six distinct weekly programs. Beginning with “Night at the Movies” (June 25-28) and concluding with “Curtain Call” (July 30-Aug 2). Performances are free and take place at local parks all over the city at 6:30PM. For more information, locations and the full schedule, visit the band’s page.

EARL BURNS MILLER JAPANESE GARDEN

Every Friday from June 7 to August 9, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden (Earl Warren Dr) on the campus of California State University, Long Beach will host a summer concert and picnic series from 6 to 8PM. 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. Tickets are $10 per person and can be reserved online or by phone at (562) 985-8420.

RECREATION PARK BANDSHELL

Friends of Rec Park Bandshell will host a 7 Saturdays of Summer series taking place at The Shell (701-939 Federation Dr) July 13 to August 24 from 6 to 9PM. The series features live performances by local groups including Knyght Rider, King Salmon, and the Long Beach Camerata Singers, whose concert The Music of Laurel Canyon (August 3 at 6PM) will celebrate the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Joni Mitchell, and other denizens of Laurel Canyon from decades past. Come early to snag bench seating or spread out a blanket for a picnic on the lawn.

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.