Small town summer tunes
DISCOVER
Some of my favorite summer memories are gathering together a fabulous picnic, a blanket and perhaps a small lantern for ambiance as the sun goes down - when the music begins, the voices in the crowd quiet, and the entire amphitheater slips into a time of its own. With the business of life, the crazy goings on in this world - soaking into a relaxed, musical evening under starry skies is its own kind of miracle.
Perhaps you prefer a more lively music set - I assure you, there are concerts for every taste in our precious small towns. Here are a few destinations that we have uncovered. Check out their line-ups for the coming warm months.
Virginia
Floyd, VA – Small Town Summer
Every other Thursday from June 5 to August 28, Lineberry Park quietly hums with bluegrass and Americana tunes. Community helps set the beat—kids run free, folks mingle near food trucks and picnic blankets. Completely free and beautifully Floyd.
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival
Tucked to the west of Interstate 81 and its string a charming small towns is a summer long music festival with a lineup that satisfy every appetite. These concerts are tickets - so check out the website.
Williamsburg, VA - Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Under oak trees at Lake Matoaka, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra plays alfresco each summer. Free and polished, it’s a genteel evening of classical pieces, perfect for a prelude to dinner in this historic gem.
Lexington, VA - Lime Kiln Theater Summer Concert Series
“Lime Kiln Theater is rooted in and inspired by the magic of a natural, outdoor theater. Established in 1984, Lime Kiln has grown into a must-experience live music destination on the east coast and beyond, hosting world-renowned folk, bluegrass and Americana artists each season.” Their concert series often sells out - so plan ahead!!
Maine
Camden, ME- Jazz in the Park with the Creative Ensemble Collective
While Camden has a line up of concerts this summer, this outdoor jazz performance on the Village Green on August 10th caught out eye.
Brunswick, ME - Music on the Mall
Music on the Mall, Downtown Brunswick’s Summer Concert Series, brings you FREE live music every Wednesday evening at 6 PM throughout the summer on the Brunswick Town Mall.
Farmington, ME - Whistlestop Concert Series
This has to be one of the most unique venues for outdoor concerts. The stage is in front of the drive-in movie screen where—during night shows—the bands are projected larger than life and even if you arrived late and sit in the back, you can see the show. The grounds are on a tiered slope—making it easy to see, explore, and find your way back to your people!
It is set amidst fields so that its you, your friends, music and the starry sky.
New Hampshire
Portsmouth, NH - River House Restaurant Concert Series
Wednesdays at 7 pm in Prescott Park's waterfront amphitheater, June through August. With an optional $15 donation, catch national tribute bands, funky originals, and soulful throwbacks. Picnic-ready, but you can also reserve a table and order from on-site vendors—coastal city meets community concert
Exeter, NH - Swasey Parkway Summer Concert Series
Thursday nights, June 26–Aug 14, 6–8 pm. Sit on the green beside the Exeter River, where retro-rock, country-pop, big band and more soundtrack communal lawn gatherings. Family-friendly and free, ending the fourth Thursday each month with fireworks—a charming small-town spectacle.
Vermont
Barnard, VT - Feast & Field Summer Concert Series
Head over to Fable Farm every Thursday for live music presented by Barn Arts Vermont. Tickets run $5–$25. Folk, Americana, and blues on a pastoral green—bring a blanket and soak in the community‑centered barnyard vibe.
St. Albans, VT - Summer Concert Series at Taylor Park
The series runs on Wednesday evenings from June 18, 2025 through August 27, 2025, kick off time is 5:30pm, unless noted.
So now that you have summer concerts on your mind, here are a few more! Where ever you find yourself this summer - take a moment and check the local calendar, we are sure there is an outdoor concert or movie to entertain you.
| Town | State | Venue | Event Type | Avg Ticket Price | Venue URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saranac Lake | NY | Riverside Park (Music on the Green) | Series | Free | https://www.saranaclakeny.gov/music-on-the-green/ |
| Oswego | NY | Water Street Square (Summer Concert Series) | Series | Free | https://www.oswegony.org/city-news-releases/news-story/city-of-oswego-announces-summer-concert-series-2025/ |
| Adirondaks | NY | Multiple | Series | Free | https://www.roostadk.com/outdoor-summer-concert-schedules-in-the-adirondacks |
| Beech Mountain | NC | Town Square Meadow (Music in the Mountains Summer Series) | Series | Free | https://beechmtn.com/ |
| Duck | NC | Town Park/Green (Concert on the Green & Duck Unplugged) | Series | Free | https://ducknc.gov/series/concert-on-the-green/ |
| Travelers Rest | SC | Trailblazer Park (Music in the Park Series) | Series | Free | https://travelersrestsc.com/2025-music-in-the-park-concert-series/ |
Do you know of any series or venues we need to know about? Let us know and we will include them!