The Fourth of July weekend brings one of the biggest live music lineups of the summer to southeastern Connecticut and southwestern Rhode Island. Whether you’re into classic rock, country, jam bands, waterfront concerts, or beach festivals, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your holiday weekend with great music.
From free concerts in the park to nationally known acts and local favorites, we’ve rounded up some of the best performances happening from Friday through Sunday. Grab a lawn chair, gather some friends, and enjoy the soundtrack to the holiday weekend.
Shoreline Live Music Celebration at The Stumble Inn
Friday, July 3 @ 3:00 PM
Kick off the holiday weekend with an afternoon and evening of live music, great food, and cold drinks at one of Old Lyme’s favorite gathering spots. It’s the perfect place to relax before the Fourth of July festivities begin. Read More
Summer Friday Music Series at Mystic Seaport Museum
Friday, July 3 @ 4:30 PM
Local favorite Ethan Cash brings his crowd-pleasing mix of songs from across the decades to the Mystic River waterfront. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy one of the shoreline’s most relaxing free concerts. Read More
Summer Concert Series at Stonington Vineyards
Friday, July 3 @ 6:00 PM
Pirates for Peace fills the vineyard with island-inspired music while guests enjoy local wine, food, and beautiful sunset views. It’s a laid-back Friday night tradition that’s hard to beat. Read More
Summer on the Patio at the Caf Bar + Venue
Friday, July 3 @ 6:00 PM
Christian Ceronne takes the patio stage for an evening of live music, fresh oysters, and summer cocktails in Charlestown. Settle in with friends and enjoy one of Rhode Island’s favorite outdoor music spots. Read More
City of Groton Concerts in the Park|
Friday, July 3 @ 6:30 PM
Wild Nights brings an energetic mix of today’s hits and classic favorites to Washington Park. Bring a chair, grab dinner from the food trucks, and enjoy a free night of music under the summer sky. Read More
An Evening with Third Eye Blind at Mohegan Sun Arena
Friday, July 3 @ 8:00 PM
Third Eye Blind returns with the songs that made them one of the biggest rock bands of the late ’90s, including “Semi-Charmed Life” and “Jumper.” It’s one of the holiday weekend’s biggest concerts. Read More
East Coast Combs (Luke Combs Tribute) at the Charlestown Rathskeller
Friday, July 3 @ 8:00 PM
Country fans can sing along to Luke Combs favorites as East Coast Combs brings a high-energy tribute show to the Rathskeller. Great music, good food, and an outdoor setting make this an easy holiday weekend pick. Read More
Beach Haus Festival 2026 in Misquamicut
Friday, July 3-Sunday, July 5 @ 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Daily
Three days of live bands, DJs, silent discos, food vendors, and beachside entertainment turn Misquamicut into one of the region’s biggest music festivals. Whether you’re stopping by for a few hours or spending the whole weekend, there’s always something happening. Read More
Dance Saturday at THE MISFIT CLUB|
Saturday, July 4 @ 7:30 PM
Keep the Fourth of July celebration going with DJs, dancing, and late-night energy in downtown Mystic. It’s one of the shoreline’s few true nightclub experiences. Read More
The Rascals at Wolf Den
Saturday, July 4 @ 8:00 PM
Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Rascals perform timeless classics like “Good Lovin'” and “Groovin'” during a special Independence Day weekend concert. It’s a chance to hear music that helped define the 1960s. Read More
Mystic Dead (Grateful Dead Tribute) at the Charlestown Rathskeller
Saturday, July 4 @ 8:00 PM
Mystic Dead keeps the Grateful Dead spirit alive with improvisation, extended jams, and familiar favorites that change from show to show. Spend your Fourth of July evening dancing beneath the trees at one of Rhode Island’s favorite outdoor venues. Read More
Take It To The Bridge at the Charlestown Rathskeller
Sunday, July 5 @ 4:00 PM
Award-winning Take It To The Bridge delivers a fun mix of funk, soul, pop, and rock backed by a powerhouse horn section. Their energetic performances make it hard to stay in your seat. Read More
The Cartells at Wolf Den
Sunday, July 5 @ 7:00 PM
The Cartells bring jazz, Motown, rock, swing, and crowd favorites together for a high-energy show at Wolf Den. Their wide-ranging song list has made them one of Connecticut’s favorite live bands. Read More
Dogbite & Ken Atkins and The HTK at The Kate
Sunday, July 5 @ 7:00 PM
Dogbite joins Ken Atkins and The Honky Tonk Kind for an evening of classic country, Americana, and honky-tonk favorites in Old Saybrook. It’s a great way to wrap up the holiday weekend if country music is your style. Read More
Last modified: July 2, 2026
