Time to grab a picnic, a blanket, and the kids, and head to a nearby park for some music. File all of these wonderful summer concert events (most of them free) at the top of the ever-growing list of why Portland is a wonderful city for families.
Kruger’s Farm Tunes Series
Jun 23 – Sep 1, Thursdays, 6:30 pm, $10 per car
Head to Sauvie Island for farm animals, hayrides, berry picking and music by popular jazz, rock and bluegrass names, including the Shanghai Woolies, Jackstraw and The Midnight Serenaders. You can bring a picnic or purchase a wood-fired pizza, beer, and wine on site.
Portland Festival Symphony
July 30 – August 14, Saturdays and Sundays, 6:00 pm, free
This will be the Festival Symphony's 31st season of presenting free classical music concerts in Portland’s public parks. Often they will even encourage the children to participate in special selections with play instruments that the children can take home for their further music enjoyment.
Sundown at Ecotrust Concert Series,
June 30 – July 28, Thursdays, 5:30 pm, free
A unique series of outdoor concerts that tell a story about how to live deliberately in our bioregion and provide an opportunity to learn about Ecotrust Programs and partner organization. Bands include Typhoon, Vagabond Opera, The Dimes, and Y La Bamba. Bike valet will be provided so ride down to enjoy the show.
Music on Main Street
June 29 –August 31, Wednesdays, 5:00 pm, free
PCPA's Music on Main Street plunks popular local bands right in the middle of the streets of Portland (Main Street between SW Broadway and Park) for free, family-friendly shows. The Stolen Sweets, The Buckles, Mike Coykendall & Michael Jodell—the lineup is impressive.
Noon Tunes at Pioneer Square
July 5 – August 18, Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon, free
Downtown Portland’s longest running free concert series, featuring some of the best local and regional musical artists to entertain crowds of thousands. They will also feature a variety of Portland Farmers Market food vendors so music lovers can enjoy a mix of high quality, locally-sourced lunch options while listening to great tunes.
Washington Park Summer Festival
August 4 – 13, nightly, 6:00 pm, free
Showcasing a diverse array of local artists and musical genres, from world beat and jazz to pop and classical, this free concert series draws thousands each year to the Washington Park Amphitheater for music under the summer sky. Linda Hornbuckle & the Divas of Soul will be kicking off the series this year.
Portland Parks Summer Concert series
July 5 – August 31, nightly, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm (varies), free
Smokey rockabilly, swingin’ jazz, Ethiopian dance, Ghanaian drums. During July and August, you can enjoy over 40 different concerts in parks across our fair city. Every night of the week there’s at least one park rocking.
Oregon Zoo Concert Series
June 23 – Aug 27, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 7:00 pm, $24/ticket for ages 3 and older
You’ll come for the animals, but you’ll stay for the music. These shows aren’t free, but you get to see world-class artists performing under the stars at the zoo's amphitheater. It’s magical! If you’ve got the beat, enjoy wicked games, or believe in the heart of rock and roll, then you’ll want to catch classic acts like Huey Lewis and the News, Chris Isaak, and the GoGos. Or enjoy Portland favorites like Taj Mahal or Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. The musicians are as diverse as the animals.
Tualatin Parks Concert and Theater Series
July 7 – August 11, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 6:00 pm, free
This year's line-up includes jazz favorite The Midnight Serenaders, pop/rock band Quarterflash, Hawaiian band Hapa, local stars Pepe & The Bottle Blondes. You can also catch Shakespeare in the Park—the comic antics of Twelfth Night are something the whole family will enjoy.
Lake Oswego’s Summer Concert Series
July 6 – August 26, Times vary, free
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation hosts three summer concert series: Moonlight and Music (Sundays from 6:00 - 7:30 pm); Sounds of Summer. (Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:30 pm); and Summer Splash. (Fridays from noon to 1:30 pm). See listing for specific parks and days.
—Cheyenne Terbrueggen
