July 17 – 19, 2026
Live music is everywhere this weekend, from casino stages and intimate jazz clubs to waterfront patios, neighborhood pubs, and some of the region’s favorite outdoor venues. Whether you’re looking for arena rock, reggae, blues, country, Americana, jazz, or classic heavy metal, there’s a performance waiting for you somewhere in southeastern Connecticut or southwestern Rhode Island.
This week’s roundup features 12 standout concerts, including national touring acts, award-winning jazz musicians, crowd-pleasing tribute bands, and some of the best regional artists around. So grab a friend, order something cold, and discover the soundtrack to your weekend.
B Street Band (Bruce Springsteen Tribute)
Friday, July 17 @ 6:30 p.m.
For nearly 40 years, New Jersey’s B Street Band has been recreating the energy, sound, and excitement of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, earning a reputation as one of the nation’s premier tribute acts. Their remarkable career includes performances before Springsteen concerts at major arenas, appearances at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Springsteen exhibition, and an award-winning documentary, Almost Boss. Catch this free outdoor concert at Mohegan Sun’s Sun Patio while enjoying food trucks, drink specials, and a summer night filled with the timeless hits of The Boss.
Shinedown
Friday, July 17 @ 7:00 p.m.
Shinedown brings its chart-topping blend of hard rock and heartfelt anthems to the stage, powered by Brent Smith’s commanding vocals and an electrifying live show. Joining them are progressive rock favorites Coheed and Cambria, whose soaring melodies, intricate musicianship, and sci-fi-inspired storytelling have earned a devoted following, while DJ Rockfeed keeps the energy high throughout the evening. If you’re looking for one of the biggest rock concerts of the summer, this is the show to see.
Mark Zaleski Quintet
Friday, July 17 @ 8:00 p.m.
Internationally acclaimed saxophonist and composer Mark Zaleski brings his quintet to Side Door Jazz Club for an evening of contemporary jazz infused with rock, soul, funk, and fearless improvisation. A former Dave Brubeck Institute Fellow and faculty member at both Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory, Zaleski has performed with artists ranging from Dave Brubeck and Christian McBride to Lake Street Dive and Connie Francis. Set inside the intimate Side Door Jazz Club at the historic Old Lyme Inn, this promises to be one of the weekend’s standout performances for jazz lovers.
Redneck Castaways Band (Kenny Chesney Tribute)
Friday, July 17 @ 8:00 p.m.
Redneck Castaways captures the laid-back energy of a Kenny Chesney concert with a set packed full of country favorites, beach anthems, and singalong hits inspired by No Shoes Nation. The band recreates Chesney’s signature blend of country, rock, and island vibes, making it easy to dance, sing along, and celebrate summer. Set beneath the trees at the legendary Charlestown Rathskeller, it’s the perfect soundtrack for a warm July evening.
Joe McCarthy Afro Bop Alliance Sextet
Saturday, July 18 @ 8:00 p.m.
Latin Grammy Award-winning drummer Joe McCarthy leads the Afro Bop Alliance Sextet through an evening of vibrant Afro-Latin jazz, blending bebop with Afro-Caribbean, Brazilian, and African musical traditions. Backed by an all-star lineup of internationally acclaimed musicians, the ensemble delivers the spontaneity and energy of a classic jazz combo with world-class musicianship. If you’re a jazz fan, Side Door Jazz Club is one of New England’s finest listening rooms and the perfect setting to experience this remarkable group.
Joe Samba
Saturday, July 18 @ 8:00 p.m.
Joe Samba has quickly become one of reggae rock’s fastest-rising stars, blending reggae, rock, punk, hip hop, and soul into an energetic, feel-good sound that’s entirely his own. After topping Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart with The Wrong Impression and touring with acts including Dirty Heads, Ziggy Marley, and Sublime with Rome, he’s built a reputation for high-energy performances and heartfelt songwriting. Best of all, this concert at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den is free, making it one of the weekend’s best live music values.
Blizzard of Ozz (Ozzy Osbourne Tribute)
Saturday, July 18 @ 8:00 p.m.
Blizzard of Ozz pays tribute to the Prince of Darkness with a powerhouse set featuring Ozzy Osbourne’s biggest solo hits and classic Black Sabbath anthems. Named after Ozzy’s iconic 1980 debut solo album, the band recreates the sound, energy, and spectacle that helped define heavy metal for generations of fans. If you’re ready to raise your horns and rock out under the summer sky, the Charlestown Rathskeller is the place to be Saturday night.
The Hoolios
Saturday, July 18 @ 8:00 p.m.
The Hoolios have been getting southeastern Connecticut audiences on their feet for years with an irresistible blend of Americana, reggae, Latin, zydeco, and roots rock. Led by songwriter Jim Carpenter, the band has released five albums of original music and recently returned to the stage with sold-out comeback performances. If you’re looking for an upbeat night of dancing, great food, and craft beer in downtown New London, The Social Bar + Kitchen is the place to be.
Sons of Legion
Saturday, July 18 @ 8:00 p.m.
Sons of Legion blends powerful rock, blues, and soul into an emotionally charged sound that has earned more than 55 million streams and placements on ESPN, Netflix, NBC, and national advertising campaigns. Known for energetic live performances and anthems like Brand New Day, Power, and Firestarter, the band has quickly built a growing national following. Catch them under the stars at Mohegan Sun’s Sun Patio while enjoying food trucks, drinks, and one of the casino’s best outdoor concert experiences.
Wild Sun with Muddy Ruckus
Saturday, July 18 @ 9:00 p.m.
Westerly’s Wild Sun headlines this double bill with its signature blend of alternative and psychedelic rock, delivering soaring melodies, driving guitar riffs, and one of southern New England’s most energetic live shows. Portland, Maine duo Muddy Ruckus opens with a gritty mix of Americana, Delta blues, punk, and swamp rock, creating an impressively full sound using only guitar and a custom suitcase drum kit. If you’re looking for original music instead of cover bands, Oasis Pub is the place to be Saturday night.
Howlin’ Rhodes
Sunday, July 19 @ 4:00 p.m.
Howlin’ Rhodes brings a soulful mix of blues, classic rock, and roots music to the Charlestown Rathskeller, delivering expressive guitar work and the easygoing grooves that make summer afternoons even better. Known for energetic performances and strong musicianship, the band creates the perfect backdrop for great food, cold drinks, and time with friends. If you’re looking to wind down the weekend outdoors, this free show is hard to beat.
Cathedral: Van Halen Experience Featuring Tyler Morris
Sunday, July 19 @ 7:00 p.m.
Cathedral recreates the full Van Halen concert experience with career-spanning hits, replica instruments, authentic stage production, and the arena-sized energy that made the band legendary. Guitarist Tyler Morris, who has performed with Sammy Hagar and earned praise from Wolfgang Van Halen, brings exceptional musicianship to this tribute. Whether you’re a fan of the David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar era, this Sunday night show at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den is built to satisfy Van Halen fans of every generation.
There are many more musical events this weekend, too many to list here. Check out our complete Musical Events calendar and find something you’ll like.
