Music has a way of making a great summer weekend even better. Whether it’s an intimate acoustic set overlooking the water, a free concert in the park, a tribute to one of your favorite artists, or a nationally known performer taking the stage, the first weekend of August is packed with opportunities to get out and enjoy live music across southeastern Connecticut and southwestern Rhode Island.
This roundup features a curated list of live music events happening this weekend except performances at local wineries. If sipping award-winning wine while enjoying live music is more your style, be sure to check out our companion guide to the region’s best winery concerts. Otherwise, grab a lawn chair, your dancing shoes, or a few friends and discover your soundtrack for the weekend. Looking for winery concerts instead? Read our guide to the weekend’s top winery music events.
Tish Rabe and Friends at Mystic Seaport Museum
Friday, July 31 | 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Few places can match the atmosphere of a summer evening on the Mystic waterfront. Tish Rabe and Friends bring a lively blend of jazz, contemporary country, and rock favorites to the lawn at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern, where guests can spread out blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy live music overlooking the Mystic River. Better yet, admission to Mystic Seaport Museum is free beginning at 5 p.m., making this weekly concert series one of the shoreline’s best summer traditions for families, couples, and anyone looking to unwind by the water. See Full Details
Mick Louis Band at East Lyme Summer Concert Series
Friday, July 31 | 6:00 p.m.
Spend a summer evening by the shoreline as the Mick Louis Band brings its Southern rock and country sound to the East Lyme Summer Concert Series at McCook Point Park. Led by Connecticut singer-songwriter Mick Louis, the band is known for high-energy performances featuring original music along with the best of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, and other Southern rock favorites. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, settle in at the bandshell, and enjoy one of southeastern Connecticut’s favorite free summer concert traditions overlooking Niantic Bay. See Full Details
Ted Sorlien, Family & Friends at the CAF Bar
Friday, July 31 | 6:00 p.m.
There’s no better way to end the workweek than with live music overlooking the Thames River. Ted Sorlien, Family & Friends bring an evening of acoustic favorites, rich harmonies, and relaxed summer vibes to the patio at the CAF Bar at Mitchell College. The Summer on the Patio series combines waterfront views, food and drinks, and local musicians in one of New London’s hidden gems, making it an ideal spot to unwind as the sun sets over the harbor. See Full Details
Diva and the Playboys at City of Groton Concerts in the Park
Friday, July 31 | 6:30 p.m.
Bring a lawn chair and get ready to dance as Diva and the Playboys headline this week’s City of Groton Concerts in the Park. The Connecticut-based five-piece band is known for its high-energy, interactive performances, covering everything from classic hits of the 1960s to today’s biggest pop favorites with a repertoire of more than 300 songs. Set against the backdrop of Washington Park, this free summer concert is designed for all ages, making it a fun evening for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy live music under the open sky. See Full Details
Thurston Howell Band: Yacht Rock Tribute at the Sun Patio
Friday, July 31 | Doors 6:30 p.m. | Concert 8:00 p.m.
Trade the ordinary Friday night for smooth sailing with Thurston Howell Band, one of the country’s premier yacht rock tribute acts. Expect polished performances of soft rock favorites from the late 1970s and early 1980s, celebrating artists like Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, and more. The free Party on the Sun Patio concert series transforms Mohegan Sun into one of Connecticut’s biggest outdoor summer parties, complete with food trucks, drink specials, dancing, and an energetic crowd under the stars. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. See Full Details
Branded at Ocean Beach Park
Friday, July 31 | 7:00 p.m.
If your perfect summer night includes country music by the beach, Branded delivers exactly that. Known as “Country That Rocks,” the high-energy band blends modern country hits with classic rock favorites to keep the boardwalk crowd dancing all evening. Set against the backdrop of Long Island Sound, Ocean Beach Park offers one of the region’s most unique concert settings, where you can spend the day on the sand before enjoying live music as the sun goes down over New London’s iconic shoreline. See Full Details
Melaena Band at Tuskers
Friday, July 31 | 8:00 p.m.
Cap off your Friday with live music and waterfront dining as the Melaena Band takes the stage at Tuskers in downtown New London. Known for its lively atmosphere and harbor views, Tuskers has become a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy great food, cold drinks, and live entertainment just steps from the city’s waterfront. Whether you’re meeting friends for dinner or staying late for the music, it’s an easy way to experience one of New London’s most popular nightlife spots. See Full Details
Sugar at the Charlestown Rathskeller Tavern
Friday, July 31 | 8:00 p.m.
If you’re looking to end the week on the dance floor, Sugar delivers one of New England’s premier live party shows. Featuring powerhouse vocalists, a dynamic horn section, percussion, and an expansive playlist of timeless hits and current favorites, the band has spent more than two decades packing dance floors across the region. The legendary Charlestown Rathskeller provides the perfect backdrop with its rustic woodland setting, expansive outdoor patio, great food, and lively atmosphere, making it one of Rhode Island’s favorite destinations for summer live music. See Full Details
A Former Friend & Goodmorning Valentine at Oasis Pub
Friday, July 31 | 9:00 p.m.
For more than two decades, Oasis Pub has been one of southeastern Connecticut’s most important venues for original music, introducing audiences to emerging artists and touring independent bands in an intimate downtown New London setting. This Friday features a double bill with local Americana-Gothic favorites A Former Friend and Cleveland folk troubadour Goodmorning Valentine. Together, they deliver an evening of thoughtful songwriting, roots-inspired storytelling, and authentic independent music at one of the region’s premier listening rooms. See Full Details
La Casa de la Bachata: Bachata Night at The Blue Duck Bar & Kitchen
Friday, July 31 | 9:00 p.m.
Experience one of the fastest-growing Latin dance nights in the region as La Casa de la Bachata transforms The Blue Duck Bar & Kitchen into a lively social dance party. Whether you’re an experienced bachata dancer or simply looking for a fun night out, the evening features traditional Dominican bachata, salsa, dembow, and reggaeton spun by DJ Bently LMP, with dancing indoors and on the open-air deck overlooking the Thames River. No partner is required, making it an inviting way to experience the music, culture, and energy that have made La Casa de la Bachata’s East Coast events so popular. See Full Details
Pat Farrell: A Billy Joel Tribute at Ocean Beach Park
Saturday, August 1 | 7:00 p.m.
Billy Joel fans won’t want to miss Pat Farrell and the Cold Spring Harbor Band as they recreate the music of one of rock’s greatest singer-songwriters. From chart-topping hits like “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Only the Good Die Young” to beloved deep cuts, the band delivers an authentic tribute that has entertained audiences throughout the Northeast for years. Set against the backdrop of Long Island Sound, Ocean Beach Park offers one of Connecticut’s most scenic concert venues, making it easy to spend the day at the beach before singing along under the summer sky. See Full Details
The Name Droppers at the Wolf Den
Saturday, August 1 | 8:00 p.m.
Award-winning blues, rock, and soul band The Name Droppers bring decades of musical experience to the Wolf Den stage at Mohegan Sun. Featuring former members of Johnny Winter and Charlie Karp’s band, the Connecticut-based group has earned critical acclaim for its original music, including chart-topping blues rock albums and a reputation for powerful live performances that blend blues, classic rock, R&B, and soul. The Wolf Den’s intimate, first-come, first-served setting makes it one of the best places in the region to catch nationally touring and acclaimed regional acts up close—and admission is free. See Full Details
Strega Dada with Acidhenge at Oasis Pub
Saturday, August 1 | 9:00 p.m.
For more than two decades, Oasis Pub has been one of southeastern Connecticut’s most important venues for original music, giving local and touring independent artists a stage in the heart of downtown New London. Saturday night’s bill features psychedelic rockers Strega Dada alongside Acidhenge for an evening of fuzzed-out guitars, hypnotic rhythms, and experimental sounds. If you’re looking to discover new music beyond the cover-band circuit, Oasis remains one of the region’s best places to experience Connecticut’s thriving original music scene. See Full Details
Shakedown Sunday with Mystic Dead at The Social
Sunday, August 2 | 4:20 p.m.
If you’re a Grateful Dead fan, this monthly residency belongs on your calendar. Mystic Dead captures the improvisational spirit, extended jams, and adventurous musicianship that made the Dead legendary, creating performances that are never quite the same twice. Held on the first Sunday of every month at The Social in downtown New London, Shakedown Sunday has become a gathering place for Deadheads and jam-band fans alike. With great food, craft drinks, and an intimate venue that puts you close to the music, it’s one of the region’s most distinctive live music experiences. See Full Details
Nightshift at the Wolf Den
Sunday, August 2 | 7:00 p.m.
Close out the weekend with a high-energy performance from Nightshift at the Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun’s legendary free live music venue. Known for its crowd-pleasing mix of classic rock, pop, dance, and party favorites, Nightshift keeps audiences on their feet with a setlist spanning multiple decades. The Wolf Den has long been one of Connecticut’s best places to catch live music up close, offering an intimate concert experience in the heart of the casino. Seating is first come, first served, so arriving early is recommended for one of the region’s most popular free concert series. See Full Details
Mýa at Mohegan Sun Arena
Sunday, August 2 | 7:30 p.m.
Grammy Award-winning R&B and pop superstar Mýa brings more than 25 years of hits to Mohegan Sun Arena for a career-spanning performance. Fans can expect favorites like “Case of the Ex,” “My Love Is Like…Wo,” “It’s All About Me,” and her Grammy-winning collaboration on “Lady Marmalade,” along with songs from her new album, RETROSPECT. Known for her powerful vocals, dynamic choreography, and polished stage presence, Mýa delivers the kind of arena show that has made her one of the most enduring performers of her generation. See Full Details
