Summer Friday Music Series at the Mystic Seaport Museum

Summer Friday Music Series at Mystic Seaport Museum returns May 22 through September 11, bringing free live music and waterfront summer atmosphere to Mystic Seaport Museum every Friday evening throughout the season, excluding July 3. Held outdoors at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern, the series invites visitors to spread out blankets and lawn chairs across the museum grounds while enjoying live performances overlooking the Mystic River. Free museum entry begins at 5 p.m. through the North Entrance, turning the event into one of the shoreline’s most relaxed and scenic recurring summer gatherings.

The Summer Friday Music Series features a rotating lineup of local and regional musicians spanning multiple genres and styles throughout the summer. Performances range from acoustic covers and classic rock-inspired sets to country, pop, folk, reggae, and other crowd-friendly live music designed to complement the laid-back waterfront setting. The opening week features Southeastern Connecticut musician Ethan Cash, known for performing songs across multiple decades and genres while interacting closely with audiences throughout his performances.

Set against the historic backdrop of Mystic Seaport Museum’s waterfront campus, the weekly series combines live music, summer sunsets, and shoreline energy into a recurring Friday night tradition for both residents and visitors. With limited seating available on the lawn, attendees are encouraged to arrive early, settle in near the water, and enjoy an evening atmosphere that feels distinctly tied to summer in Mystic and the Connecticut shoreline.

Event Details

Series Dates: Fridays, May 22 – September 11, 2026 (No concert July 3)

Performance Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Free Museum Admission: Begins at 5:00 p.m. through the North Entrance

Location:
Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern Lawn
Mystic Seaport Museum
75 Greenmanville Avenue
Mystic, CT 06355

Admission: Free

2026 Performance Schedule

July 24 – Act III
An eclectic group performing a lively mix of jazz, R&B, and blues.

July 31 – Tish Rabe and Friends
A popular quartet featuring jazz, contemporary country, and rock favorites.

August 7 – James Harris
A Berklee College of Music graduate and accomplished guitarist and vocalist performing acoustic classic rock, modern rock, jazz, and popular favorites.

August 14 – Anna May
Alternative Americana with thoughtful songwriting, poetic lyrics, and folk-inspired storytelling.

August 21 – Nick Bosse
A Southeastern Connecticut singer-songwriter blending country, southern rock, and bluegrass with a modern Nashville sound.

August 28 – Andre and Eddie
A crowd-pleasing duo performing soul, Motown, classic rock, blues, and other timeless favorites.

September 4 – James Harris
Returning for a second performance featuring acoustic rock, jazz, classical guitar, and popular music.

September 11 – Kenn Morr Band
Closing the series with original Americana and roots rock from their latest album, Still Shining.

What to Bring

• Lawn chairs or blankets
• Picnic dinner or enjoy food available at the museum
• Friends and family for a relaxing evening by the water
• A light jacket for cooler evenings along the Mystic River

Good to Know

• Free admission begins at 5:00 p.m. through the Museum’s North Entrance.
• Seating on the lawn is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to claim a spot overlooking the Mystic River.
• Concerts are held outdoors and are weather dependent.
• Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern will be open with food and beverages available for purchase.

Event Highlights

• Weekly live music overlooking the Mystic River
• Free Friday evening admission to Mystic Seaport Museum
• Outdoor lawn seating in a historic waterfront setting
• Rotating lineup of local and regional musicians
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Food and drinks available from Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern
• One of Mystic’s signature summer Friday night traditions