There’s something undeniably joyous about outdoor live music near the beach—the sound of guitars and drums drifting on the breeze, the sun setting behind the stage, and bare feet tapping in warm sand. Whether it’s acoustic tunes or a lively band getting everyone dancing under the stars, the music becomes part of the landscape. Gather on blankets, sway in rhythm, and toast to golden summer evenings at one of the many free South County outdoor concerts for Summer memories.
Each Monday evening the Westerly Town Beach comes alive with Monday Night Jams. From 6 to 8 p.m., free live music fills the air at the beach pavilion, inviting locals and visitors to settle into the soft sand, bring a picnic, or lean into the rhythm with family and friends. Dance in the surf or soak in the cool ocean breeze for a perfect soundtrack to a laid-back summer night by the sea.
The Wakefield Concert Band, a cherished community ensemble since 1894, brings delightful open‑air performances to South Kingstown each summer with its “Summer Concerts by the Sea” series. Held on Monday evenings at picturesque locations like Marina Park, Matunuck Beach, Ninigret Park, and the South Kingstown Town Beach pavilion, these free concerts showcase a lively mix of marches, patriotic tunes, Broadway classics, jazz, rock, and pop — perfect for toe-tapping. With its blend of history, high‑spirits, and seaside ambiance, the Wakefield Concert Band’s outdoor performances are a summer must for South County.
The Narragansett Town Beach comes alive with Monday Night Concerts on the Beach, a free, family-friendly musical series running through August from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. These beachside shows invite you to enjoy live music on the sand in front of the North Beach Clubhouse. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and your sense of summer fun—Narragansett's outdoor concerts are a South County treasure.
Watch Hill is home to the Sunset Concert Series on the Village Green. Held every other Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. through mid‑August, these free outdoor concerts showcase a wide range of musical styles—everything from reggae and blues to jazz and folk—performed against a backdrop of the sun setting on the cove. Whether you’re captivated by Caribbean‑flavored or soulful swing, Watch Hill’s outdoor concert series offers a magical summer evening by the sea.
North Kingstown Town Beach is rocking with the North Kingstown Arts Council’s Tuesday Summer Concert Series, held at 6:30 p.m. through late August. Free to attend with a suggested cash donation, the concerts feature a rotating roster of talented local and regional acts—ranging from classic rock and reggae to blues, country, and big‑band swing—while food trucks line the beach to keep the picnic vibes going. Bring along a chair or blanket, soak in the serene bay views, and enjoy the joyous summer air in South County.
On Wednesday evenings throughout the summer the Westerly Town Beach becomes a soulful seaside stage for Blues on the Beach, a free concert series celebrating classic blues and boogie‑woogie under the open sky. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the beach pavilion comes alive with local and regional talent—past headliners include Al Copley’s jazz‑blues ensemble and the legendary Roomful of Blues. Lounge on the sand, bring blankets, and gather with friends for midweek magic on the South County shoreline.
Every Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., Academy Field in East Greenwich comes alive with free outdoor concerts hosted by the Town’s Parks & Recreation Department. Set against the historic charm of downtown, these events are perfect for all ages and are completely free to attend. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic dinners. Or grab a bite from the food truck and enjoy an easygoing night of live music under the summer sky—just leave pets at home. The music lineup is diverse, featuring everything from Motown and surf rock to reggae, Americana, and jazz. Thursday nights in South County offer a relaxed, feel-good way to celebrate summer.
Friday evenings Narragansett’s seaside gazebo is home to a vibrant open-air concert where local bands and regional acts play lively tunes. Performances kick off at 6 p.m. through August, bring your beach chair or blankets and enjoy a mix of genres—from classic rock and jazz to upbeat covers and original compositions—all set against the view of the Pier and ocean waters. This free weekly series is designed to entertain all ages.
Weekends in South County live outdoor music can be heard at breweries, wineries, and restaurants with large outdoor areas and stages. Each destination offers a different setting and a different vibe, yet all with great live music.
Each summer, the Rhode Island Philharmonic brings its celebrated Summer Pops series to Narragansett Town Beach, offering a family-friendly orchestra experience under the stars. This year’s theme—“Don’t Touch That Dial: TV Classics!”—features beloved television theme tunes alongside other pops favorites, with the performance set for Friday, July 11 at 8 p.m.. Conductor Troy Quinn leads a lively program of nostalgia and musical flair accompanied by the soothing backdrop rolling waves. It’s the perfect mid‑summer outing to enjoy an unforgettable evening of orchestral music by the sea, free to all.
The General Stanton Inn in Charlestown hosts the General Stanton Bluegrass Fest, a vibrant outdoor music event. The festival brings together national and talented regional bluegrass acts—including Rockhearts, Four Bridges, Hosmer Mountain Boys, and the South County Rounders—for an afternoon of toe‑tapping tunes. Festival goers can enjoy delicious food and a full bar, and families are welcome to picnic, dance, or simply soak in the friendly, festive atmosphere. Whether you're a bluegrass aficionado or new to the genre, this community‑centered celebration of string‑band music is a soulful highlight of South County’s summer calendar.
The General Stanton Inn brings country flair to South County with its General Stanton Country Fest. This lively event features regional and national country bands for an afternoon of live music, dancing, delicious food, local vendors, and full bar service—perfect for donning cowboy boots and hats and embracing that country spirit.
Tilted Barn Brewery has a great schedule of outdoor live music. Set in a rustic New England–style barn, the farm brewery sets the stage for free concerts every Thursday and Sunday, along with musical acts featured during its Wednesday Summer Market from 4 to 7 p.m. Sip house-brewed ales, explore rotating food trucks, and enjoy the farm setting as musicians perform on the outdoor lawn. Sing along to a relaxed acoustic set, or a more upbeat band. Live music at the Tilted Barn is perfect for a midweek pick-me-up or weekend outing in the heart of South County.
Gooseneck Vineyards invites visitors to unwind amid rolling vineyard views this summer with its lineup of outdoor live music events. Every weekend—and selected weekdays—local acoustic acts and energetic duos, set the tone for relaxed gatherings. Live music paired with farm-style food trucks, curated charcuterie boxes, and a refreshing glass of Gooseneck’s award-winning wines enjoyed on the patio. With a friendly, leashed‑pet environment and a magnificently preserved 19th-century barn setting, these evenings offer good music under the South County open sky.
Langworthy Farm Winery, on the historic grounds of a 19th‑century farm, hosts an outdoor music series. Every weekend this summer—and on select weekdays—the winery showcases local talents from early afternoon into the evening. Try a glass of their award‑winning wines on the patio or beneath the shade of Norway maples while you enjoy small bites or food truck fare on the lawn. With spacious outdoor seating, ample parking, and a mile from the beach, these musical afternoons top off a perfect summer day in South County.
The Rathskeller “Down Back” is an enchanted outdoor summer venue, tucked away in a wooded, park-like setting just beyond the restaurant’s patio. Running from May through October, it combines two fully stocked bars, a roaring bonfire, bocce and cornhole courts, and a casual burger shack—perfect for a full evening of entertainment and incredible live music every weekend.
So pack a picnic, grab a chair or blanket, and head to the shoreline or vineyard this weekend—because in South County, the soundtrack of summer is playing live, and the best moments are the ones you dance your way into.
