Free outdoor concert roundup around Columbus in 2024

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.

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. 

2024 Concert Schedule

Monday, May 27: Direct Energy (Classic Rock); Food Truck: Poppy’s Roadside Diner
Sunday, June 9: Crooked Highway (Classic Rock); Food Truck: Day y Noche
Tuesday, June 18: Common Tread (Blues/Country/Rock/Pop); Food Truck: Grilled Cheese Gangsters
Sunday, June 23: Buzzard Kings (Classic Rock); Food Truck: Tabouli Cafe
Sunday, July 7: The Makeshifts (90’s); Food Truck: Woodfired Pizza
Tuesday, July 16: Long Play (Classic Rock); Food Truck: TBA
Sunday, July 21: Heisey Wind Ensemble; Food Truck: Coop’s Chicken
Sunday, August 4: David Spires (Country); Food Truck: Sparks BBQ
Sunday, August 18: Jeff German & The Blankety Blanks (Americana_; Tic Tac Taco
Tuesday, August 20: Disco Inferno (Disco); Food Truck: TBA
Monday, September 2: Parrots of The Caribbean (Jimmy Buffet Tribute); Food Truck: Yura Bowl

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.

2024 Concert Schedule

June 3 – Columbus Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet
June 17 – Paulette’s Princess Parties
July 1 – The Musical Magic Duel: Erica Carlson, Magic Nate, and Mark Reinhart
July 15 – The Shazzbots
July 29 – Bring the Farm to You
August 10 – Paulette’s Princess Parties

Lolli-Pops! Summer Children’s Concert Series

photo

Tuesday Outdoor Concerts

Music on the Lawn at Grandview Heights Public Library

Tuesdays in July & August 2024 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.

July 2 – The Conspiracy Band
July 9 – The British Invasion
July 16 – Saylor Twift Forever
July 23 – Columbus Soul and Salvage
July 30 – Kelly Delavaris
August 6– The Big Badd
August 13 – Tony Monaco
August 20 – Donna Mogavero Band
August 27 – Whirlybirds

Wednesday Outdoor Concerts

Midweek at the Creek(side)

June 5 – August 7, 2024. 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. 

June 5 – Tyy Perkins
June 19 – Jeff McCargish
June 26 – Long Tall Deb and Colin John
July 10 – Lucky Penny Sisters
July 17 – Honey and Blue
July 24 – Joey and Jessica
July 31 – Blue Spectrum
August 7 – Bourbon Legend

Upcoming Spring and Summer fun in Gahanna

Thursday Outdoor Concerts

Easton Groove is at The Yard

Thursdays, May-September 2024 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 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

Upcoming summer fun in Hilliard

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!

Live @ Polaris Summer Concert Series

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

Read more here. 

Upper Arlington Music in the Parks Performance Series

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

Summer 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)

Thursday Evening Concerts in Preservation Parks

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  

Free Concerts at Columbus Commons through the Summer

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.

Grove City Summer Sizzle Concert Series

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: 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

Upcoming Spring and Summer fun in Gahanna

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

Historical Charm and fun at Trolley District and East Market in Columbus

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

Marysville Friday Nights Uptown, Summer fun 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 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

Festivals and top things to do in Lancaster, Ohio

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.

Get Outdoors at Alum Creek State Park

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)

Westerville Sounds of Summer Concert Series

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

Worthington Concerts on the Green on Sundays

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.

Hilliard Arts Council Summer Concert Series

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 2024 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!

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

Huge list of Outdoor movies around Columbus

Past outdoor concerts; tba for 2023

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

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.

Cherry Valley Hotel stays, dining, and events

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