Here at the Bay Area Telegraph, we’ve been writing a ton about different free concert series, local food truck events, festivals and more.
To gather everything in one place–and to share some events we haven’t covered yet–we’re gathering everything together in one place.
Here are 10 free summer concert series and festivals to put on your local calendar. Feel free to share this on your Nextdoor or Facebook, or send it directly to a friend you’d like to invite!
1. Concord Music & Market
Where: Todos Santos Plaza, Concord
When: Thursdays, June 4 through September 24
Concord’s Music & Market is one of the longest-running and most reliable free summer nights in the 925. The weekly event pairs the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association market with live music in Todos Santos Plaza, giving visitors a built-in dinner plan before the concert starts.
The farmers market runs from 4 to 8 p.m., with live music from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It is a strong pick for families, date nights, and anyone who wants the full downtown summer scene: produce stands, food trucks, lawn chairs, and music in the middle of Concord.
2. Walnut Creek Broadway Plaza Summer Concert Series
Where: Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
When: Thursdays, August 6, 13 and 20
Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza is bringing back its late-summer concert series with three Thursday night shows in August. Music runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Broadway Plaza Street, with limited seating available and visitors encouraged to bring their own chairs.
The 2026 lineup includes Foreverland on August 6, The Bell Brothers on August 13, and Summer Night City on August 20. For Walnut Creek, this is one of the easiest summer music nights to combine with dinner, dessert, shopping, or a downtown stroll.
3. Lafayette Rock the Plaza
Where: Lafayette Plaza, 3530 Plaza Way
When: Friday evenings in June
Lafayette’s Rock the Plaza series turns the small downtown plaza into a free Friday night concert venue. The 2026 series runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on select Fridays in June, with Jimbo Scott & Yesterday’s Biscuits, The Kyle Athayde Dance Party, and Lamorinda Idol finalists on the schedule.
The event is also a preview of the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival later in the year, but Rock the Plaza has its own appeal: easy downtown access, a relaxed Lamorinda crowd, and a low-key setting that works well for families with kids.
4. Danville Music in the Park
Where: Danville Town Green
When: Select Saturdays, June 13 through July 25
Danville’s Music in the Park series is back at the Town Green, next to the Community Center and Library. The 2026 schedule includes four Saturday concerts from 6 to 8 p.m.: The Bell Brothers on June 13, New Moon on Monday on June 27, Mercy and the Heartbeats on July 11, and Dream Like Taylor on July 25.
This is one of the more family-friendly picks on the list, especially because it sits in the heart of downtown Danville. Bring a blanket or chairs, grab food nearby, and settle in for a summer night on the green.
5. San Ramon Summer Concerts in the Park
Where: Central Park Amphitheater, 12501 Alcosta Boulevard
When: July 4 and Sundays, July 12 through August 2
San Ramon’s free summer concerts are centered at the Central Park Amphitheater, one of the best outdoor concert setups in the area. The series begins with a July 4 Independence Day concert featuring The Cheeseballs, followed by Sunday evening concerts with Pride & Joy, Pop Rocks, The Purple Ones, and Take 2.
Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair. Food and drinks are available from vendors and food trucks, making this an easy evening outing without much planning.
6. Pleasanton Concert in the Park
Where: Lions Wayside Park, Pleasanton
When: Fridays, June 5 through August 28
Pleasanton’s Concert in the Park series is a classic downtown summer tradition, with Friday night performances at the bandstand in Lions Wayside Park. The setting is part of the draw: trees, downtown restaurants nearby, and a relaxed small-town feel.
The Pleasanton Downtown Association asks visitors to wait until the morning of the concert before putting out blankets and chairs, which tells you something about how popular these nights can get. Arrive early, grab dinner downtown, and make it a full Friday night.
7. Dublin Summer Concert Series
Where: Emerald Glen Park, Dublin
When: Thursdays, June 11 through August 6
Dublin combines its summer concerts with the Dublin Farmers’ Market, making this another easy option for families who want dinner, snacks, and music in one place. Concerts run Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
The 2026 lineup includes Tyler Gene Music, Best Intentions for the Juneteenth Celebration, Hella Doubtful, Amor Prohibido, Pop Fiction, The Unauthorized Rolling Stones, Take 2, and Tainted Love for Back to School Night. It is one of the broader lineups in the Tri-Valley, with enough variety to justify repeat visits.
8. Pleasant Hill Sunset by the Lake
Where: Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane
When: Every two weeks through August 30
Pleasant Hill’s Sunset by the Lake series brings free Sunday evening concerts to the lake area outside City Hall. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m., with a 2026 schedule that continues through August 30.
Upcoming performers include The Floorshakers, The Bell Brothers Band, Van Goat, Zydeco Flames, King Tritone, and The Big Jangle. Several concerts also include Family Fun Zones with activities like a bounce house, bubble station, face painting, and other kid-friendly options.
9. Brentwood Summer Concert Series
Where: City Park, Brentwood
When: Fridays, June 12 through August 21
Brentwood’s Starry Nights summer concert tradition brings free Friday night concerts to City Park from 7 to 9 p.m. The 2026 series runs June 12 through August 21, with no concerts on June 19 or July 3 because of other holiday programming.
The city describes the concerts as a longtime community tradition, and the format is simple: bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks, then settle in for a warm East County evening downtown. For families in Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, and Antioch, this may be one of the easiest recurring summer nights on the calendar.
10. Martinez Sesquicentennial Festival
Where: Martinez Marina / Waterfront Park
When: Saturday, August 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Martinez is marking a major milestone this summer with a free sesquicentennial festival at the waterfront. The August 29 event is planned as a community festival with live music, food, attractions, and family-friendly activities.
For anyone looking beyond the usual evening concert format, this is the list’s bigger daytime festival pick. It is also a good excuse to spend a late-summer Saturday near the Martinez waterfront, especially for families who want music and activities without paying an admission fee.
Before You Go
Most of these events are outdoors, so bring layers, water, sunscreen, and seating. For the bigger downtown concerts, arriving early can make a big difference, especially if you want a shaded spot or room for kids to spread out.
Also check the organizer’s page before heading out. Summer events can shift because of weather, air quality, construction, or lineup changes.
Enjoy the Summer!
