Make a plan to enjoy free outdoor concerts around Columbus this summer!
There is so much live music to enjoy this summer throughout Central Ohio every night of the week. These concerts make great outings for the family, a date, or with your friends.
deposit photos
Check out our list of outdoor music for the next 30 days, or scroll down to the individual concert series for each day of the week!
If you know of any other free outdoor concerts around Columbus that should be listed, please email info@columbusonthecheap.com.
Outdoor concerts in Columbus Day-to-Day
List includes the next 5 days; check links for weather or other cancellations. Scroll down to see individual concert series listed below.
Summer Outdoor Concerts
Granville Concerts on the Green
FREE performances on the Back Lawn of the Bryn Du Mansion, 537 Jones Road, Granville or at the Block of N Main, Downtown Granville (on street). If rain – check website for indoor location.
Concerts will start at 6:30PM and will be a 90 minute set with no intermission. Food truck will be on site. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics.
2025 Concert Schedule
tba
Monday Outdoor Concerts
Lolli-Pops! Summer Children’s Concert Series
Bring the kids to the Village Green Amphitheater in Powell on select Mondays @ 10:30 a.m. Find more details.
2025 Concert Schedule
tba 2025
Tuesday Outdoor Concerts
Music on the Lawn at Grandview Heights Public Library
Tuesdays in July & August 2025 from 7:00-8:00 pm. If unsure of the weather, call 614-486-2951 after 5:30 pm about possible cancellation. See details here.
schedule tba 2025
Wednesday Outdoor Concerts
Midweek at the Creek(side)
Summer 2025 tba. Catch FREE, live music at Creekside Plaza in Gahanna on Wednesday nights from 6-8 PM. Check out the great lineup below to enjoy with local food and drink during CORA hours! Details on website.
Thursday Outdoor Concerts
Easton Groove is at The Yard
Thursdays, May-September 2025 from 6 – 9 pm. Sit on a nearby patio, or at The Yard to enjoy the show. Shows will take place in The Yard – Easton’s newest district, located north of Macy’s and east of Nordstrom.
Celebration at the Station summer concert series
Thursdays from June 6 – August 15, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Free live music at Hilliard’s Station Park in Old Hilliard during DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area).
June 6 – Devin Henry
June 13 – 4th Day Echo
June 20 – RockHouse
June 27 – Long Play
July 11 – Alan Carl
July 18 – Audio Graffiti
July 25 – Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Aug. 1 – CowTown Inc
Aug. 8 – Trailer Park Ninjas
Aug. 15 – Conspiracy
Live @ Polaris Summer Concert Series
Live music is back at Polaris Fashion Place on Thursdays!
The events are in the outdoor lifestyle center space near Cheesecake Factory, Benihana, and Cohatch! Enjoy family-friendly vendors, food trucks, and other entertainment in “the yard”. Alcohol is available for purchase.
See full schedule here!
Upper Arlington Music in the Parks
Free concerts in parks throughout Upper Arlington. Bring a chair or blanket, and grab some food from the food trucks on site.
2024 Concert Schedule
April 19 – Jazz at the Barn
June 3 – Arts on Arlington
July 18 – Party on the Plaza
September 2 – Labor Day Arts Festival
Summer Music Series at Bridge Park
Join us at Dublin Bridge Park from 5-7pm in the pocket park next to Rebol every third Thursday of the month through September for live music and happy hour specials.
Grab a DORA drink and enjoy the tunes!
2024 Concert Schedule
May 16 | Topher James and Biscuit Brigade
June 20 | The Bridge Live
July 18 | Whiskey Business Duo
August 15 | Rock’n Roulette Band
September 19 | Preston Cooper Music
Bingo, Trivia, Igloo dining and more fun at Dublin Bridge Park
Thursday Evening Concerts in the Park at Gallant Woods Preserve
July 11 – August 8, 2024 from 7-8:30 pm. Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic (no alcohol). Read more here.
July 11 – Blue Cats (Blues, Rock 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s)
July 18 – Delaware Community Concert Band (Big Band & Classic 60’s)
July 25 – The Big Badd (Pop, Rock, & 2000’s Funk)
August 1 – Z-Sharp Big Band (Big Band)
August 8 – Spittin’ Image (Comedy Duo 70’s & 80’s Tunes)
Heritage Music Festival Concert Series at King Lincoln District
The Mt. Vernon corridor of the King Lincoln District is rocking with the Heritage Music Festival Concert Series on Thursdays in July and August.
Events are family-friendly with vendors, food court, and a nearby playground.
Thursdays in July – 6 PM to 9 PM
Thursdays in August – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Check the Facebook page for performance details as they are released.
Free Outdoor Concerts at Columbus Commons
Columbus Commons offers a variety of free and ticketed concerts, including family-focused options. Read more about the fun at the Columbus Commons here.
Friday, May 24, 2024: The Navigators. Food trucks and bar kick things off at 5:30 p.m. Free to the public. No ticket required.
Friday, August 30, 2024: A Song Remains (A Night of LED Zeppelin) + The Dead Revival Band (Grateful Dead Tribute). Food trucks and bar kick things off at 5:30 p.m. Free to the public. No ticket required.
Thursdays in August at Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion at Columbus Commons. The bar will open at 5:30 p.m. and the music will start at 7:00 p.m. Different food trucks will be on site each week for dinner or snacks.
New for 2024! Beers and Board Games will be facilitating table top games from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
August 1: Joe Peppercorn (Beatles tribute) and Fleetwood Gold + East High School Marching Band
August 8: Leading Ladies with Lily Bloom Band and Angela Perley
August 15: Saylor Twift (Taylor Swift live-band tribute) + Go Big, Go Broadway: Enchanted Evening Edition
August 22: The Worn Flints + Zoo Trippin’, shop at the vendor market
August 29: Columbus Soul Review + T. Wong and Mojoflo
Friday Outdoor Concerts
Grove City Summer Sizzle Concert Series
Most Fridays, May 24 – September 27, 2024 at 7 p.m. at Town Center Park. 3387 Park St. See details and schedule.
Fun Fridays at Bexley Public Library
2411 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43209
4th Fridays through May featuring live music and food trucks from 5:o0 pm – 7:oo pm.
Friday, June 14: Home Alone from 5:00pm – 7:00pm
more TBA for 2024
See food trucks and entertainment scheduled here.
Canal Winchester Music in the Park
Stradley Park, next to 36 S. High St, Canal Winchester
Music in the Park is a free summer concert series held on the third Friday of May, June, and July, featuring live entertainment and family-friendly activities at Stradley Place
May 17: Touch-A-Truck, featuring music by Poverty String Band
June 21: Pet Palooza, featuring music by The Treble Catz
July 19: Cruise-In Car Show, featuring live music by The Gas Pump Jockeys
August 16: End of Summer Bash, featuring live music by Creek Don’t Rise
September 20: Fall Fest, featuring live music by TBA
Things to do in Canal Winchester, Ohio: Easter Egg Hunt, Dining, Festivals, and more
Pickerington Summer Concert Series
Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
Bring a blanket and chairs to enjoy music in the park with family and friends. Check out Friday Night Flicks in Pickerington too!
Sunday, June 23 – Chris Logsdon
Sunday, July 21 – Rockhouse
Sunday, August 4 – The McCartney Project
Gahanna Creekside Live
Every other Friday from June 7 through August 23, 2024. Family friendly entertainment, dancing and adult beverage sales at Creekside, Gahanna. Acoustic performers will be playing throughout Creekside from 5pm to 7pm, headliner starts at 7 p.m. Details here.
Fri Jun 7 – Opening: Lucky Penny Sisters, Headliner: Hangtime
Fri Jun 28 – Opening: E & D, Headliner: Trae Myers
Fri Jul 12 – Opening: Blue Spectrum, Headliner: Radio City
Fri Jul 26 – Opening: Gravity’s Pull, Headliner: Session Five
Fri Aug 9 – Creekside Live: Celebrate Gahanna, Headliner: Pop Gun
Fri Aug 23 – Opening: Chaz & Nicki, Headliner: Andy Shaw: Bob Marley Tribute
Uptown Friday Night Concert Series in Westerville
The Uptown Concert Series returns to the City Hall Courtyard on a new night. Concerts will be held on Fridays in 2024 from 7 – 9 pm.
Grab a DORA drink and takeout from your favorite restaurant and join the eclectic musical styles presented on the City Hall stage. Details on website.
June 7: Paul Shammell
June 21: Brian Michael Smith
July 5: Pat Buzzard Duo
July 19: Donna Mogavero
August 2: Honey & Blue
August 16: James Pyle
August 30: Deanna Sweeney Duo
Summer Series Live Music at East Market Trolley District
Enjoy live music on Fridays at 7 pm at East Market. Check the events calendar for full schedule.
June 7 – Whiskey Business
June 14 – Shakin’ and Stirred
June 21 – Evan Holcombe
June 28 – Paul Valdiviez
July 5 – Closed for Private Event
July 12 – Ainsley Sefert
July 19 – The Flame Keepers
July 26 – Scottie G
August 2 – That’s the Breaks
Holly Jolly, Santa and weekly fun at Trolley District and East Market
Friday Nights Uptown in Marysville
Enjoy an evening of live music, great food and family fun in Uptown Marysville on select Fridays from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
The Marysville Outdoor Refreshment Area (MORA) will be active, so you can grab a drink at participating establishments and enjoy it outside.
May 17: Rock the Block with McGuffey Lane
June 14: Wander & Wine Fest with Fleetwood Gold
July 12: Wild Card Battle of the Bands
August 16: Crafted Country Celebration with North to Nashville
Friday Night Bandstand in Downtown Lancaster
More than 20 bands will perform throughout the summer every Friday night in Downtown Lancaster, with occasional Saturday events as well. Most nights start at 7 p.m. Nights with dual acts start earlier.
This series is free and open to the public. Just bring a lawn chair, grab a drink from one of the local bars (can be enjoyed anywhere within the Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area) and carry out from your favorite local pub!
May 31: Bad Influence
June 7: Late Night Alibi
June 14: Julia Neville
June 21: Thunderstruck
June 28: Classic Rock Experience
July 5: Lancaster Community Band
July 12: British Invasion
August 2: These Guys Live
August 9: Stadium 11 FX
Saturday Outdoor Concerts
Alum Creek Marina Summer Music Series
Music lovers can enjoy a relaxing evening on the outdoor patio during the 2024 Summer Music Series. Bring a comfy chair and listen to live music with a waterfront view. Enjoy classic rock, country, and folk music on scheduled nights from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Sunday May 26 – Stop Drop and Roll
Saturday June 1 – Cami Nyx and The Shades
Saturday June 8 – Usual Suspects and The Repeat Offenders
Saturday June 15 – John Schwab
Saturday June 22 – Reelin’ In The Years
Saturday June 29 – Clubber Lang
Thursday July 4 – Jackass Genius (6-9PM)
Saturday July 6 – Whiskey Would (6-9PM)
Saturday July 13 – At It Again
Saturday July 20 – Tailgate Band
Saturday July 27 – Shucking Bubba
Saturday August 3 – Travis Brown Band
Saturday August 10 – AJ Angelio
Saturday August 24 – Whiskey Would
Sunday September 1 – Jackass Genius
The Marina is located at 4000 Hollenback Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035.
PBJ and Jazz Free Summer Outdoor Kids’ Concerts
2nd Saturday of each month through September at Topiary Park from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Summer concerts are presented at the Topiary Park, free of charge by Jazz Arts Group in partnership with Columbus Metropolitan Library and Columbus Museum of Art.
Enjoy story time, concert and picnic, and art activity.
June 10, 2023: PBJ & JAZZ NEW BASICS BRASS BAND
July 15, 2023: PBJ & JAZZ JASMINE SPITZER QUINTET
August 12, 2023: PBJ & JAZZ TERRANCE CHARLES QUARTET
September 9, 2023: PBJ & JAZZ BIG BAND
Sunday Outdoor Concerts
Concerts on the Lawn in Reynoldsburg
Select Sundays, from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Livingston House, 1792 Graham Rd.
Get outside and enjoy live music this summer at the historic Livingston House for Concerts on the Lawn. This free concert series makes a great outing. Bring a picnic, a blanket or chair, and enjoy a summer of music. Remember singing and dancing are encouraged.
Sunday, June 9, 2024 – tba
Sunday, June 23, 2024 – tba
Sunday, July 14, 2024 – tba
Sunday, July 28, 2024 – tba
Annual DAC Sundays at Scioto Tribute concert series
Scioto Park amphitheater, 7377 Riverside Dr., in Dublin
Select Sundays, Sept-Oct, 2024
Dublin Arts Council presents Sundays at Scioto on Sunday evenings from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.
September 15: OSU Alumni Marching Band, Opener: George Barrie, Guitar/Pop/Soul
September 22: Fleetwood Gold, Opener: Andy Shaw, Guitar/Americana
September 29: Angela Perley & The Howlin Moons, Opener: Devi + Liz, Violin Duo
October 6: Hoodoo Soul Band, Opener: Lily Bloom, Harp/Soul
Guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the riverfront park before the concert begins. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic items to the amphitheater.
For more information, visit https://dublinarts.org/sundaysatscioto.
Jazz in the Park in Bexley
Jazz in the Park returns to Havenwood Park. Jazz in the Park features four different bands from the central Ohio region. Food Trucks Begin Serving: 5:00 pm, Concerts: 5:30-7:00 pm
May 27: Summer Serenade: Featuring Students From Mason Studio NEW BASICS BRASS BAND
June 23: Fo/Mo/Deep
July 28: Clave Sonic
Westerville Sounds of Summer Concerts
Concerts are FREE and held at the Alum Creek Amphitheater (221 W. Main St.) at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays, 2024
June 9 – Westerville Jazz Orchestra
June 16 – SWAGG (Party Band)
June 23 – Roxy Janes (All female rock group)
June 30 – Westerville Symphony
July 7 – Westerville Concert Band
July 14 – no concert
July 21 – British Invasion
July 28 – Zach Attack (Fun Party Band)
Aug. 4 – Westerville Concert Band and Westerville Jazz Orchestra
Aug. 11 – Turn to Stone (ELO Tribute Band)
Aug. 18 – Westerville Symphony
Aug. 25 – New Wave Nation (80s Band)
Worthington Concerts on the Green
Free family-friendly concerts at Worthington Village Green at the corner of High Street and Dublin-Granville Road. Starts at 7:00 pm.
May 19 – Kilbourne Middle School Bands
May 26 – Capriccio Columbus
June 2 – Angela Perley
June 9 – The Lightning Express
June 23 – Nicholas Edward Williams
June 30 – Worthington Civic Band
July 7 – Eric Gnezda: Songs at the Center Tribute
July 14 – Hadden Sayers
July 21 – The Wet Bandits
July 28 – The Ark Band
August 4 – OSU Marching Band Alumni
August 11 – Buzzard Kings
Hilliard Arts Council Summer Concert Series
June 9 – June 30, 2024 (rest of schedule tba). This Sunday evening concert series features an eclectic mix of performers and music styles. The concerts are free to the public and usually occur in front of the Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center.
June 9 – Linda Dachtyl, Charles Earland tribute
June 16 – Columbus Chorus
June 23 – Swing’s the Thing (Big Band)
June 30 – Antoine Fatout & Kelly Crum Delavaris
The concerts are held during Hilliard DORA, which allows you to enjoy alcoholic beverages outside within a designated zone (read more about DORA above). Bring food and your beverage of choice from DORA participating establishments, or purchase from limited concessions available for purchase.
Westerville Community Band
The Westerville Big Band is now the Westerville Jazz Orchestra (WJO). See schedule for upcoming concerts this Summer.
Outdoor Concerts with Admission
The following concerts require admission, but are worth the extra money for a special outing.
Picnic with the Pops at Columbus Commons
Picnic with the Pops features National acts, Picnic with the Pops is such a fun experience.
Tickets start at $10-$35+, but you can bring your own picnic and alcoholic beverages to enjoy, which makes it more affordable than the typical concert experience. Food and beverages are also available for purchase.
Saturday, June 15: Generation Radio with Jason Scheff and Jay DeMarcus
Saturday, June 22: Violent Femmes
Saturday, June 29: Patriotic Pops
Saturday, July 6: Windborne The Music of Led Zeppelin
Saturday, July 13: Nas with the Columbus Symphony
Saturday, July 20: Cody Fry
Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27: The Ohio State University Marching Band
Nationwide Picnic with the Pops at Columbus Commons 2025 season
Popcorn Pops with Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Fun concerts for kids at Columbus Commons with lots of activities and play. Tickets are $7.62-$11.90.
Friday, June 21: Popcorn Pops Celebrate Summer!
Friday, July 12: Popcorn Pops Carnival!
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Past outdoor concerts; tba for 2023
The below concerts will be updated once details have been announced.
photo: Pixabay
TBA for 2024
Cherry Valley Hotel Summer Concert Series
TBA 2024, 6:30pm-8:30pm.
The series will take place on a backdrop of the beautiful gazebo overlooking the gardens. Neighbors and hotel guests are invited to enjoy local cover bands at no cost.
Concerts will take place in the beautiful botanical garden from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The public, as well as guests, can enjoy the music, along with a new Craftsman Kitchen & Terrace outdoor bar and patio menu designed to make their experience even more enjoyable.
Read more about the Summer Music Series, as well as dining and other fun at the beautifully renovated Cherry Valley Hotel.
photo: Cherry Valley Hotel
Music at the Gazebo in Newark
The Licking Park District, in partnership with the City of Newark and the Licking County Commissioners, will be holding the Music at the Gazebo series this summer at the Licking County Children’s Home Memorial Park in Newark.
The music will play on select Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm. A food truck will also be in attendance, so you can bring a picnic from home or purchase food. Bring a lawn chair or blanket!
tba for 2024
Whitehall Music in the Park
John F. LaCorte Amphitheater at John Bishop Park. Lawn blankets, chairs and snacks are encouraged.
tba 2024
Val says
Hi – we had a tech issue throughout the weekend which reverted some of our articles to the 2023 information. This should be fixed now and all of the concerts that have 2024 information have been restored to current information. Sorry for the confusion/inconvenience.
Jim says
Most of what’s showing is from 2023. What’s the holdup for 2024? Some free outdoor shows have already happened.
Val says
The lineup isn’t available yet – see article here, which includes a link to the Facebook page to see the lineup once they are announced! https://www.columbusonthecheap.com/heritage-concert-series-king-lincoln-district/
Angel says
Where is the line-up for the free concerts 2024 in Mayme Moore /Mt.Vernon park?