What’s better than hanging out in a lawn chair or on a blanket in a park in San Diego County during the summer? Doing that same exact thing, but there’s a free concert to enjoy.
From Escondido to Coronado and many places in between, locals can take along snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks to listen to live music at lakes, beaches and parks from June into the early fall months. These events are hosted by various volunteer, nonprofit, cities or community organizations and some are still seeking donations to the concerts.
The range of genres and performers is wide, including local groups, military musicians and cover bands.
Check online schedules for bands and specific times and dates, as well as instructions on parking, prohibited items and other details. Many programs have an adjusted schedule for the week of July 4 and others haven not yet announced their summer schedules.
Allied Gardens
AG First Fridays Summer Concerts in the Park
On the first Friday of the month, from June to October, meet at Allied Gardens Park. The scheduled bands include a jazz sextet and a 70s and 80s rock band.
First Fridays June 7 to Oct. 4. Allied Gardens Community Park, 5155 Greenbrier Ave., San Diego. 6 to 8 p.m. agfirstfridays.com
Carlsbad
TGIF Concerts in the Parks
This series rotates through several parks in Carlsbad throughout the summer. The events will also have a family-friendly pop-up art area.
4 to 8 p.m. Fridays June 20 to Aug. 22. Stagecoach Community Park, Calavara Hills Community Park, Alga Norte Community Park. carlsbadca.gov/departments/cultural-arts/performing-arts/tgif-concerts-in-the-parks
Coronado
Coronado Promenade Concerts
This will be the 55th season of Coronado’s summer concerts. The performances are localized at the promenade at Spreckels Park. The season kicks off with a double feature on May 25 starting at 4:30 p.m.
5 or 6 p.m. Sundays from May 25 to Aug. 31. Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave., Coronado. coronadoconcert.com/coronado-concert-schedule
Del Mar
Summer Twilight Concerts
Del Mar residents have been able to attend this concert series for over four decades. The Del Mar Foundation will host this series on four dates this summer.
6 p.m. opening act, 7 p.m. headliner. June 24, July 8, July 29 and Aug. 12. Powerhouse Park, 1658 Coast Blvd., Del Mar. delmarfoundation.org/programs/twilight
El Cajon
Music on Main
This series occurs in the heart of downtown El Cajon, surrounded by local businesses and restaurants. This series will also feature a few food vendors booths.
6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. May 22 to July 31. Prescott Promenade, 200 E. Main St., El Cajon. downtownelcajon.com
Escondido
Hidden City Sounds
This series brings in local musicians and seeks to bring the community together to build connection. Hear everything from Irish folk to country music. Some concerts will include a pre-show dance class.
Various Fridays now through Oct. 10. Lyric Court at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. artcenter.org/hidden-city-sounds-free-concert-summer-series
La Mesa
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Find this series in the courtyard near the fountains at Grossmont Center. These concerts are open to all ages and friendly pets are also invited.
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Every second and fourth Saturday, June 14 to Sept. 27. grossmontcenter.com/summer-concerts
Sundays at Six Summer Concert Series
The amphitheater in Harry Griffen Park will host a Beatles Concert Band, the San Diego Concert band and other acts on six occasions this summer.
6 p.m. Sundays. June 22 to July 27. Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St., La Mesa. lamesaparks.org
Lemon Grove
The City of Lemon Grove’s summer concerts begin with a special karaoke night on June 26. Locals can bring picnics or purchase food at the events.
6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. June 26 to Aug. 7. Berry Street Park, 7071 Mount Vernon, Lemon Grove. lemongrove.ca.gov/parks-events
Poway
City of Poway Summer Concert Series
In Poway, summer concerts rotate between Lake Poway and Old Poway Park. At the lake, concertgoers can order food from The Lookout. Concertgoers who are not Poway residents must by $10 to park at Lake Poway.
5:30 to 7 p.m. Sundays. June 22 to Aug. 3. Lake Poway, 14644 Lake Poway Road; Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. poway.org
San Diego
La Jolla Kiwanis Concerts by the Sea
On Sunday afternoons, these concerts take place by the ocean with varying musical genres and plenty of room for dancing.
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. July 13, July 20, July 27, Aug. 3. Scripps Cove Park, 1100 Coast Blvd., La Jolla. kiwanisclublajolla.org/concerts-by-the-sea/
Point Loma Summer ConcertsFor 25 years, music lovers have been able to go to outdoor summer concerts in Point Loma. The ongoing series also raises funds for music programs. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
5:30 p.m. for junior entertainment, 6:30 p.m. for headliners. Point Loma Park, 1049 Catalina Blvd., San Diego. pointlomasummerconcerts.org
Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Symphony in the Park will take place once a month on Sundays this summer.
6 p.m. June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14. Hoyt Park, 10711 Canyon Lake Drive, San Diego. symphonyinthepark.org
University City Summer Concerts
On Sunday evenings, find various tribute bands for acts such as Grateful Dead, Aerosmith and Carlos Santana performing at Standley Park. Chairs, blankets, picnics and umbrellas are encouraged.
5 to 7 p.m. Sundays. July 13 to Aug. 24. Standley Middle School Pavilion Stage, 6298 Radcliffe Drive, San Diego. universitycitynews.org/wp-content/s/2025/04/Summer-Concerts-2025-1.pdf
Sunset Sunday Concerts
On one Sunday each month this summer, Civita Park will be the scene for a concert series. Beach chairs, blankets and picnics are acceptable and concertgoers can also shop from food trucks or the nearby Poke Bowl.
6 to 7:30 p.m. June 22, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 7. Civita Park, Civita Boulevard and Russell Park Way in Mission Valley. civitalife.com
Tierrasanta Concerts in the Park
Find food trucks and a free kids zone in addition to live music at this concert series.
6 to 9 p.m. Saturdays. June 14 through July 26 (except July 5), Tierrasanta Recreation Center, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. tierrasantafoundation.org/events
Twilight in the Park Concert
For 40 years, free concerts have been produced under the stars at Balboa Park’s organ pavilion. Food is welcome but alcohol and smoking are not permitted.
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. June 17 to Aug. 28. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. balboapark.org/twilight-concerts
Santee
Music fans can purchase food from local vendors at this weekly series, which will feature groups such as Stoney B Blues Band and Jimmy’s Buffet.
6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday evenings June 12 to Aug. 14 (except July 3). Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive, Santee.
Solana Beach
Concerts at the Cove
The City of Solana Beach partners with the Belly Up for this summer series. Chairs with low backs, blankets and picnics are encouraged.
6 to 7:45 p.m. Thursday nights. June 19 to Aug. 7. Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave., Solana Beach. cityofsolanabeach.org/en/events/concerts-cove-10
Concert organizers who want their events added to this article online can [email protected].
A previous version of this article says there was no concert in Coronado on June 1. That information has been removed.
