Get outside to enjoy live music this summer throughout the city. Many outdoor concert series are back to normal for Summer 2023!

There are free outdoor concerts around Columbus on various nights of the week that would make great outings for the family, a date, or with your friends.

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If you know of any other free outdoor concerts around Columbus that should be listed, please email info@columbusonthecheap.com.

Summer Outdoor Concert Series

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. 

Monday, May 29: Camouflage/ Army Reserve Band (Country); Food Truck: TBA
Sunday, June 4: Turn It Up (Lynard Skynard Tribute); Poppy’s Roadside Diner
Sunday, June 18: New Wave Nation (80’s); Food Truck: Tabouli Cafe
Tuesday, June 20: Reelin’ In The Years (Classic Rock); Food Truck: Grilled Cheese Gangsters
Sunday, July 9: Shannon Clark & The Sugar (Americana); Food Truck: Tabouli Cafe
Tuesday, July 18: Heatwave (Linda Ronstadt Tribute); Food Truck: Happy Dog Pizza
Sunday, July 23: Earth To Mars (Bruno Mars Tribute); Food Truck: Day Y Noche
Sunday, August 6: 52nd St. Stranger (Billy Joel Tribute); Food Truck: Grilled Cheese Gangsters
Tuesday, August 15: Long Play (Classic Rock); Poppy’s Roadside Diner
Sunday, August 20: Wet Bandits (90’s); Food Truck: Tic Tak Taco
Monday, September 4: Victims Of Love (Eagles Tribute); Food Truck: TBA
Tuesday, September 12 (rescheduled): Long Play (Classic Rock) Downtown Granville (Main St. between College & Broadway)

Monday Outdoor Concert Series

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 on the City of Powell website.

June 5 – Paulette’s Princess Parties
June 19 – New Basics Brass Band
July 3 –  The Shazzbots
July 17 – Erica Carlson Magic Show with Musical Guest Mark Reinhart
July 31 – Bring the Farm to You
August 14 – Paulette’s Princess Parties

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Tuesday Outdoor Concert Series

Music on the Lawn at Grandview Heights Public Library

Tuesdays in June & July 2023 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.

June 6 – Columbus Soul and Salvage (R&B/Soul); Food truck: Hogback BBQ
June 13 – Topher James and Biscuit Brigade (R&B/Soul); Food truck: Paddy Wagon
June 20 – The British Invasion (‘60s Music); Food truck: A Cut Above
June 27 – Teeny Tucker (Blues); Food truck: Queen’s Table
July 11 – Sean Carney (Blues); Food truck: Pitabilities
July 18 – Flogo Shaggins (Rock/Funk); Food truck: Tortilla
July 25 – The Conspiracy Band (R&B/Funk); Food truck: M&S Grub Hub

Wednesday Outdoor Concert Series

Midweek at the Creek(side)

 June 7 – August 2. 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. 

Wednesday, June 7th: Whiskey Business Acoustic Duo
No Midweek at the Creek on June 14th
Wednesday, June 21st: Joey & Jessica
Wednesday, June 28th: Chris Wedebrook
Wednesday, July 5th: Long Tall Deb and Colin John
Wednesday, July 12th: Lucky Penny Sisters
Wednesday, July 19th: Tim Owings
Wednesday, July 26th: Honey & Blue
Wednesday, August 2nd: Change it Up Charlie

Concerts, Summer fun, Farmers Market, and more in Gahanna

Thursday Outdoor Concert Series

Easton Unplugged at The Yard

Thursdays, May-September 2023 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.

See full schedule here!

Celebration at the Station summer concert series

Thursdays from June 1 – August 10, 2023 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 1 – Alexis Gomez
June 8 – Zack Attack
June 15 – Alan Carl
June 22 – Walk of Shame
July 6 – Fabulous Johnson Brothers
July 13 – Swagg
July 20 – Conspiracy
July 27 – New Frontier
Aug. 3 – Reaganomics
Aug. 10 – Trailer Park Ninjas

Summer fun, concerts, and more in Hilliard

Upper Arlington Music in the Parks

Thursdays, starting at 6:00 p.m. Free concerts in parks throughout Upper Arlington. Bring a chair or blanket, and grab some food from the food trucks on site.

June 8 – Party on the Plaza
June 22 – Music at the Miller
July 13 – Arts on Arlington
October 19 – Songwriter Social

Upper Arlington Music in the Parks and around town with UA Performance Series

Summer Music Series at Bridge Park

Join us at 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! See details on Facebook.

June 15: Andy Shaw Band
July 20: Honey and Blue
August 17: Max Muscato
September 21: Ramey

Thursday Evening Concerts in the Park at Gallant Woods Preserve

Thursdays, July 6 – August 10, 2023 from 7-8:30 pm. Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic (no alcohol). Read more here.

July 6 – Marquis 66 – Classic Rock and Roll
July 13 – The Big Badd – Pop, Rock, & Funk
July 20 – Sing Along with Joanie Calem – Sing Along Children’s Concert
July 27 – Swing’s The Thing – Big Band
August 3 – Ashley Best & the Set ‘Em Up Band – Country Blues
August 10 – Of Sound Mind – Folk & Classic Rock Quintet

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. This free concert series will run each week from 5-8 p.m.

Events are family-friendly with vendors, food court, and a nearby playground.

Thursdays, July 13 – July 27, 2023 from 6 PM to 9 PM
Thursdays, August 3 – 17, 2023 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Free 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.

Sunday, May 28: Shadowbox Live Flower Power.  Wear your tie-dye and dust off those go-go boots to relive the music of the 1960’s. Starts at 7:00 pm and is free to the public. No ticket required.

Sunday, July 9: Martina McBride with Grace Harper.  Chart topping songs from one of country musics biggest stars. Starts at 5:30 pm and is free to the public. Tickets are required and can be reserved here starting June 14 at 10 a.m.

Friday, August 18: Free Navigators Concert. Food trucks and bar open at 5:30 p.m. The Navigators will take the stage at 7:00 p.m. Free to the public. No ticket required.

Friday, August 25: Boyz II Men with Harmonic Soul Band. Relax with the smooth harmonies of this music icon. Starts at 5:30 pm and is free to the public. Tickets are required and can be reserved here starting July 26 at 10 a.m.

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. 

• August 3: Grassinine (Mountain Rock) + North to Nashvile (Country)
• August 10: The Deeptones (Funk/Soul) + The Fuzz (performing a Police Tribute)
• August 17: The Spikedrivers (Twangy Rock/Blues) + The Ark Band (performing a Bob Marley Tribute)
• August 24: Re Do (Hip Hop and Pop DJ Battle) + Deal Breakers (performing an Earth, Wind, and Fire Tribute)
• August 31: Reaganomics (80’s Pop) + MojoFlo (Neo Funk/Soul) 

Cherry Valley Hotel Summer Concert Series

Thursdays through August, 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

Cherry Valley Hotel is way more than just a place to stay!

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!

May 18: Barefoot McCoy
June 29: The Hip Replacements
July 13: Innervision
August 17: Victorious Kaybirds

Friday Outdoor Concert Series

Grove City Summer Sizzle Concert Series

Most Fridays, May 26 – September 1, 2023 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.

May 26 – Red Healer
June 16 – CYNTsation
July 14 – Dave Buker and the Historians
August 18 – OG Players

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 19: Touch-A-Truck, featuring music by Simple Harvest
June 16: Pet Palooza, featuring music by Treble Catz
July 21: Cruise-In Car Show, featuring live music by The Gas Pump Jockeys

Things to do in Canal Winchester, Ohio: Spring fun, 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. Make it an evening and stay for Friday Night Flicks following the concert.

June 2 – Turn to Stone
July 7 – Lee Gantt Band
August 4  – Swagg

Gahanna Creekside Live

Every other Friday from June 9 through August 18. 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.

Concerts, Summer fun, Farmers Market, and more in Gahanna

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.

MORA Hours are extended starting in May, Monday – Friday from 4 pm – 10 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, noon – 10 pm.

May 19: Direct Energy Band
June 9: SWAGG
July 7: Battle of the Bands Finals
August 18: McGuffey Lane
October 6: Rt 161 Happy Wanderers

Find fun in Marysville, including Friday Nights Uptown and more

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 26: Bad Influence
June 2: Mowtown Sounds of Touch
June 9: Kalysta Minton & Pop Stadium 11
June 16: Todd Berry (Elvis impersonator)
June 23: Chris Nash & Julia Neville
June 30: Acoustic Superfriends
July 7: Lancaster Community Band & The Mens Chorus
July 14: British Invasion
August 4: Billy Payne & Alan Carl Band
August 11: Debbie Wright and Friends & Blue Steel

Saturday Outdoor Concert Series

Alum Creek Marina Summer Music Series

Music lovers can enjoy a relaxing evening on the outdoor patio during the 2023 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.

 The Marina is located at 4000 Hollenback Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035.

Get Outdoors at Alum Creek State Park

Summer Sounds at Soine Vineyards

3510 Clark Shaw Road Powell, Ohio 43065
Saturdays, from 6 pm – 8 pm. Live music and food trucks at Soine Vineyards.

June 17 – In a Jam; Food Truck: Taco Mania
June 24 – Caroline & Dad Band; Food Truck: 3 Flame BBQ
July 8 – Willie Nelson Mandela; Food Truck: PT Thai Food
July 22 – Triple Creek Band; Food Truck: Taco Mania
August 5 – Ryan Borland; Food Truck: Tortilla Street Food
Aug. 19 – Dan & Paul Acoustic; Food Truck: Taco Mania
August 26 – Caroline & Dad Band; Food Truck: Saki

Westerville Summer Concert Series

Saturdays from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Free to the public. Alum Creek North Park Amphitheater (221 W. Main St.)

June 10 – Westerville Community Band
July 15 – Westerville Community Band
August 5 – Westerville Concert Band
August 12 – Westerville Concert Band
August 19 – Westerville Symphony

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 Concert Series

Whitehall Music in the Park

John F. LaCorte Amphitheater at John Bishop Park. Lawn blankets, chairs and snacks are encouraged. 

May 26: The Shazzbots (5pm), SWAGG  (6pm)
June 25: Longplay Band (6:30 pm)
July 23: Soultown Live (6:30 pm)

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.

June 11, 2023 – Honey and Blue
June 25, 2023 – Lee Gantt Band
July 9, 2023 – New Frontiers
July 23, 2023 – Zack Attack

Annual DAC Sundays at Scioto Tribute concert series

Scioto Park amphitheater, 7377 Riverside Dr., in Dublin

Select Sundays, Aug. 17 – Oct. 8, 2023
Dublin Arts Council presents Sundays at Scioto on Sunday evenings from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

Aug. 27 – The Reaganomics
Sept. 10 – Popgun
Sept. 24 – North to Nashville
Oct. 8 – The British Invasion

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. Dublin Arts Council will invite a food truck and dessert provider to each concert. Sales proceeds will benefit DAC.

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 29: Whirlybirds
June 25: TBA
July 30: Sydney McSweeny

Westerville Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Concerts are FREE and held at the Alum Creek Amphitheater (221 W. Main St.) at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays

June 11 – Westerville Concert Band
June 18 – Turn to Stone (ELO Tribute)
June 25 – Nick Netherton Band (Country)
July 2 – Westerville Symphony
July 9 – Swagg (Party Band)
July 16 – British Invasion (Rock N’ Roll)
July 23 – Street Player (Variety – 60s to Today)
July 30 – The Select Phase (Rock N’ Roll)
Aug. 6 – Zack Attack (Fun Party Band)
Aug. 13 – Wet Bandits (90s Party Music)
Sept. 10 – David Anthony Magic Show

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 21 – Kilbourne Middle School Bands
May 28 – Largemouth Brass Band
June 4 – The Curtails
June 11 – Matt Munhall Quartet
June 25 – The Last Waltz Tribute – The Band
July 2 – The Lightning Express
July 9 – Tony Monaco Jazz Quartet
July 16 – The Ark Band
July 23 – The Ladies of Longford
July 30 – Sons of Gladys Tribute – Tom Petty
August 6 – OSU Marching Band Alumni
August 13 – Mad, Mad Men

Worthington Concerts on the Green on Sundays

Hilliard Arts Council Summer Concert Series

June 11 – Sept 3, 2023. 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.

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.

Click here for full concert schedule. 

Westerville Community Band

The Westerville Big Band is now the Westerville Jazz Orchestra (WJO)

June 1, 2023 (Thursday) – Westerville Jazz Orchestra Live on Cheshire
5:30 – 7:30 PM | Sourcepoint Enrichment Center (800 Cheshire Rd, Delaware)

June 10, 2023 (Saturday) – Westerville Jazz Orchestra
6:30 PM | Alum Creek Park Ampitheather (221 W Main St, Westerville)

June 11, 2023 (Sunday) – Concert Band Summer Concert
6:30 PM | Alum Creek Park Ampitheather (221 W Main St, Westerville)

July 15, 2023 (Saturday) – Westerville Concert Band & Jazz Orchestra
6:30 PM | Alum Creek Park Ampitheather (221 W Main St, Westerville)

July 23, 2023 (Sunday) – Westerville Jazz Orchestra and Akron Big Bands in Concert
4:00 PM | Valley Dale (1590 Sunbury Rd, Columbus)

July 29, 2023 (Saturday) – Central Ohio Big Band Showcase featuring the Westerville Jazz Orchestra and other Central Ohio Big Bands
1:00 PM | Valley Dale (1590 Sunbury Rd, Columbus)

August 12, 2023 (Saturday) – Concert Band Summer Concert
6:30 PM | Alum Creek Park Ampitheather (221 W Main St, Westerville)

Outdoor Concert Series 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 $10.50-$36.75, 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 17: Ne-Yo – Symphony with Soul
• Saturday, June 24: Super Diamond
• Saturday, July 1: Patriotic Pops and Soul
• Saturday, July 8: The Music of Whitney Houston: A Celebration
• Saturday, July 15: The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
• Saturday, July 22: Ben Folds – What Matters Most Tour
• Friday, July 28: The Ohio State University Marching Band
• Saturday, July 29: The Ohio State University Marching Band

Picnic with the Pops at Columbus Commons feat. Ben Folds, Ne-Yo, and more

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 23: Popcorn Pops
Friday, July 21: Popcorn Pops

Check out our list of outdoor movies around Columbus this Summer!

Catch favorite flicks under the stars with Outdoor movies around Columbus

Outdoor concert options in Columbus Day-to-Day

(list includes the next 30 days; check links for weather or other cancellations)

Friday, October 6, 2023

Friday, October 13, 2023

Friday, October 20, 2023

Friday, October 27, 2023

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Past outdoor concerts; tba for 2023

The below concerts will be updated once details have been announced.

photo: Pixabay

Franklinton Fridays Music Series

TBA for 2022. On the 2nd Friday of the month during Franklinton Fridays, enjoy free summer concert series at Land-Grant Brewing! Every show highlights a local artist’s poster design and two Columbus performers. 

This year the FFMS is featuring songs created by young students working with We Amplify Voices and a a variety of artists both musical AND graphic. Each installment features two amazing performances, a unique poster design, a one of a kind beer can and hands on family activities!

North Columbus Civitan Park of Roses

Sundays, TBA 2023. Sundays at 7 pm at the Gazebo in the Park of Roses. Concerts will move to the Shelter House for inclement weather. Free snow cones are available most nights beginning in June. Bring a blanket or chairs. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.

MAC Summer Outdoor Series

NOTE: Waiting for 2023 updates. Check back soon!

The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington welcomes the community back onto the lawn with three public outdoor events. Each program will include a live musical concert followed by an outdoor film in partnership with the Gateway Film Center. Gates open at 6:00pm. Draft beer will be available for purchase before the concert. Food trucks will be available onsite for each date until 9:30pm.

The concert will begin at 7:00pm followed by the movie at 9:00pm. General seating is free for all ages. Preferred area near the band is $15 per person, children 12 and under are free with adult ticket purchase. Blankets and lawn chairs encouraged; no BYOB.

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