If you have StubHub, EventBright and TicketMaster bookmarked on your computer then you’ve probably already sold out your summer weekends to overpriced Dallas-Fort Worth venues. We’re here to tell you, there’s another way. Pack up the kids for one of these nine free outdoor summer concert series in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Addison: Summer Series
What: Get a taste of the Addison Circle District with live music and classic, family-friendly 80s films (i.e., Back to the Future and ET the Extra-Terrestrial) as part of the city’s Summer Series. Performers include the Austin Jones Band, Zach Balch and more. Picnics encouraged. Several restaurants are within walking distance.
When: Music begins at 8pm each Saturday in June and July (except July 4) and movies start at dusk in August.
Where: Beckert Park, 5044 Addison Circle Dr. between Quorum Drive and the Dallas North Tollway. 972/450-2851
Allen: Summer Sounds
What: Say goodbye to the Monday blues and spread a blanket at the City of Allen’s Summer Sounds. Enjoy a variety of genres, including top 40 hits from Moving Colors and old-school R&B by All Funk Radio. Snow cones and light concessions are available for purchase.
When: 7pm each Monday through June 22.
Where: Joe Farmer Recreation Center Amphitheater, 1201 E. Bethany Dr. 214/509-4700
Arlington: Children’s Concert Series
What: Join one-hour interactive performances by award-winning children’s artists, including Vocal Trash and Aaron Nigel Smith during the Children’s Summer Concert Series.
When: 9:30am and 7:30pm each Wednesday, June 10–July 8.
Where: Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, 100 W. Abram St. Located in Founders Plaza, directly across from City Hall. 817/543-4301
Dallas: Music Thursdays
What: Feed your food-truck addiction during Music Thursdays at everyone’s favorite urban park. This all-age music series showcases the best of local musicians, DJs, jazz artists and bluegrass bands, such as Spare the Horses.
When: 7–8:30 each Thursday, year-round.
Where: Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. 214/716-4550
Denton: Twilight Tunes Concert Series
What: For a little small-town charm in what some call the “North Texas Music Capitol,” mark your calendar for the Twilight Tunes Concert Series. See local favorites including The BoomBachs and The Bird Dogs. Events take place rain or shine. Check website for alternating rainout locations.
When: 6:30–8pm every Thursday through July 2 and 10am–11:30am July 4.
Where: Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Lawn, 110 W. Hickory. 940/382-7895
Fort Worth: Friday on the Green
What: See multiple performances per night during the 7th season of Friday on the Green. Leave the picnic baskets at home for this one, and wine and dine at a variety of food trucks instead. (Hint: Rahr & Sons Brewing Company sponsors the event.) Come early for free face painting.
When: 7–10pm the second Friday of each month through October.
Where: Magnolia Green. Located on Lipscomb Street between Magnolia and Rosedale Streets. fortworthsouth.org
Irving: Irving Concert Series
What: If tribute bands are your thing, the Irving Concert Series is where you want to be this summer. Catch Texas Flood, a Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute and Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Show. Stick around for dessert from the Kona Ice food truck.
When: 7–8:30pm June 12 and 26.
Where: Whistlestop Plaza, 123 W. Irving Blvd. 972/721-2600
Lewisville: Sounds of Lewisville
What: Since its creation in 1991, the Sounds of Lewisville has seen some of the top acts in North Texas, including The Dixie Chicks and Brave Combo. This year, make a trip to Old Town Lewisville to see The Killdares and a handful of other local acts. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but picnics are also allowed.
When: 7pm every Tuesday through July 28.
Where: Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W. Church Street. 972/219-3401
McKinney: Jammin’ in June
What: Let your furry friends tag along for three nights of live music as part of Jammin’ in June. Visit the adjoining dog park before you catch performances by local acts, including Renegade Band and McKinney Community Band.
When: 7:30–9pm June 11, 18 and 25.
Where: Bonnie Wenk Park, 2996 Virgina Pkwy. 972/547-7482
Published June 2015
