Free Outdoor Music in the Sacramento Area

There’s nothing better than a warm summer night. That is, of course, unless you’re spending it listening to live music! Come summer, Sacramento has plenty of free outdoor concerts where you can enjoy local bands, food, and a festive atmosphere under the stars. Following are some of the best bets for free outdoor music in and around the greater Sacramento area.

Concerts in the Park
Fridays, May – July, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Cesar Chavez Plaza

Photo courtesy Downtown Sacramento Partnership

Dozens of bands have rocked Downtown Sacramento in CIP’s near 30-year run. Lineups have included local acts as well as nationally-recognized bands such as Tesla and Franz Ferdinand. Bring the kids and have a picnic on the grass, grab a cold one from the beer garden, or indulge at one of the many food trucks. After the show, hit up one of the nearby bars that host special CIP afterparties.

Pops in the Park
Saturdays in June, 6 – 9 p.m. | Various locations

Pops in the Park is an East Sacramento tradition, with music lovers coming together in area parks to hear live music while enjoying Sacramento’s warm summer nights. There are food vendors and a beer and wine garden, with all proceeds supporting community projects. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs, pack a picnic and get to know your neighbors!

Davis Picnic in the Park
Wednesdays, March – Oct., 4:30 p.m. – sunset | Central Park

Photo courtesy Davis Farmers Market

With the return of daylight savings time comes this weekly event in Davis. Each Wednesday, the Davis Farmers Market extends its hours and transforms into a family-friendly mini music festival. Not only do attendees get to hear great local music, they can browse the market after hours, grab a bite to eat from the food vendors, and let the kids get the wiggles out on the playground or bounce house.

El Dorado Hills Live on the Boulevard
Thursdays, June – September, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Steven Young Amphitheater

El Dorado Hills gets rockin’ it every Thursday night in summer when live local bands grace the stage at the El Dorado Hills Town Center. Music ranges from pop to country to classic hits from the 60s and 70s, so be sure to wear your dancing shoes! Browse the nearby shops, pick up a bite to eat and make a night of it.

Elk Grove Hot Summer Nights
Fridays in August, 6:30 – 9 p.m. | Laguna Town Hall

Bring the whole family to Elk Grove to enjoy some great local music under the stars! Bring a picnic or purchase dinner from one of the food vendors, let the kids run around on the grass, and get to know your neighbors at this free community event.

Fair Oaks Concerts in the Park
Thursdays, June – August, 6:30 – 9 p.m. | Village Park

Photo courtesy Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District

Relax under the trees while enjoying live music in Fair Oaks. The free, family-friendly event welcomes bands of all musical genres, including jazz, rockabilly, big band, funk and rock. Hungry? Grab a snack from one of the local vendors, or bring your own and spread out on the lawn.

Folsom Palladio Summer Concerts
Wednesdays, June – August, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Palladio at Broadstone

Hip Service performing in 2018. Photo courtesy Go Palladio.

Head to Folsom on Wednesday nights in summer to see some of the most lively local bands out there. From the Cheeseballs to Wonderbread 5 to Hip Service, the lineup at the Palladio will get you on your feet! Bring the whole family and get dancing!

Roseville Music in the Park
Second Sundays, June – Sept., 6 – 8 p.m. | Royer Park

Music in the Park has been a Roseville tradition for the nearly three decades. The family-friendly music event is held at tree-canopied Royer Park, with enough room for the little ones to roam. If you need even more music in your life, head to Vernon Street Town Square on the third Saturday of the month for more music! You can even rent a cabana and hit up the beer garden.