Live music takes center stage across southeastern Connecticut and nearby Rhode Island this weekend with one of the strongest lineups of the summer. Country stars, funk legends, nationally touring artists, local favorites, and tribute bands are all hitting stages from Mystic and New London to Uncasville, Charlestown, and Westerly. Whether you’re looking for a free outdoor concert, an intimate club show, or a festival featuring multiple performers, there’s no shortage of great live music to help you make the most of the weekend.
Middle Aged Dad Jam Band
Friday @ 8:00 p.m.
UNITED Theater, Westerly
Middle Aged Dad Jam Band brings a fun mix of classic rock, comedy, and movie memories to The United on Friday night. Created by comedy stars Ken Marino and David Wain, the band performs favorite songs from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s while celebrating the 25th anniversary of Wet Hot American Summer. Expect a lively show filled with sing-along hits, movie clips, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of laughs. It’s a unique concert that combines great music with comedy for an unforgettable summer night. See Full Details
Billy Ray Cyrus
Friday @ 8:00 p.m.
Foxwoods, Mashantucket
Billy Ray Cyrus brings his signature blend of country music and Southern charm to the stage for an evening of timeless hits and fan favorites. While “Achy Breaky Heart” remains the song everyone loves to sing along with, his live show also features classic country storytelling, newer music, and highlights from a career that has spanned more than three decades. With a relaxed, crowd-friendly style and plenty of familiar songs, it’s a concert that appeals to longtime country fans and anyone looking for a fun summer night of live music. See Full Details
Hendrik Meurkens Quartet
Friday @ 8:00 p.m.
Side Door Jazz Club, Old Lyme
Internationally acclaimed jazz artist Hendrik Meurkens brings his quartet to The Side Door Jazz Club for an evening of world-class jazz. Known for his remarkable skill on both the chromatic harmonica and vibraphone, Meurkens blends traditional jazz with the rich sounds of Brazilian samba and bossa nova. Backed by an outstanding group of musicians in one of New England’s premier jazz venues, this intimate performance promises an unforgettable night for jazz lovers. See Full Details
Queen Flash – Queen Tribute
Friday @ 8:00 p.m.
Mohegan Sun Patio, Uncasville
Queen Flash brings the unforgettable music of Queen to Mohegan Sun’s Sun Patio for a free outdoor concert on Friday night. Expect a high-energy performance featuring many of the band’s biggest hits, along with the powerful vocals, guitar solos, and stage presence that made Queen one of rock’s greatest bands. With food trucks, drink specials, and a lively summer atmosphere, it’s a fun way to enjoy an evening of classic rock under the stars. See Full Details
Red Solo Cup: A Toby Keith Tribute
Friday @ 8:00 p.m.
Rathskeller, Charlestown
Celebrate the music of country superstar Toby Keith with Red Solo Cup, a high-energy tribute band performing at The Charlestown Rathskeller. The show features many of Keith’s biggest hits, from party favorites to patriotic anthems, giving fans plenty of chances to sing along and dance. Pair the music with dinner, drinks, and the Rathskeller’s popular outdoor setting for a fun summer night of live country music. See Full Details
I Petty the Fool
Friday @ 8:00 p.m.
Sneekers Cafe, Groton
CT Beacon Spotlight Artist I Petty the Fool brings the music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to Sneekers Cafe for a night of classic rock favorites. The Connecticut tribute band captures the sound and spirit of Petty’s legendary songs, performing hits like “Free Fallin’,” “American Girl,” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply love timeless rock music, this energetic show is a great way to spend a Friday night with live music, good food, and friends. See Full Details
Dirt: Alice In Chains Album Tribute Night
Friday @ 8:30 p.m.
Strange Brew Pub, Norwich
Experience one of grunge’s greatest albums performed live from start to finish as Connecticut musicians pay tribute to Alice In Chains’ landmark 1992 release, Dirt. The evening features every song from the influential album, including favorites like “Rooster,” “Down in a Hole,” “Would?,” and “Them Bones.” For fans of heavy guitars, powerful harmonies, and the unforgettable sound of ’90s grunge, this one-night-only performance is a must-see. See Full Details
Indigo Folly with Mitch Kramer & All In All Out
Friday @ 9:00 p.m.
Oasis Pub, New London
Three Connecticut bands take over Oasis Pub for a night of original indie rock, punk, and alternative music. Headliner Indigo Folly brings psychedelic grunge and groove-heavy rock, while Mitch Kramer delivers fast-paced punk inspired by classic bands. Opening the show is New London’s own All In All Out, blending melodic punk, alternative rock, and emo. If you love discovering original local music instead of tribute bands, this is one of the weekend’s standout shows. See Full Details
Mitchfest 18
Saturday @ 3:00 p.m.
Hygienic Art Amphitheater, New London
Mitchfest returns to downtown New London for its 18th year, bringing together some of the region’s best blues, rock, soul, and funk musicians for one of the area’s signature summer music events. The annual festival honors the legacy of local drummer Mitch while celebrating the vibrant live music community that has long made New London a destination for music lovers. This year’s lineup features Bobby Christina’s Caravan, Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice, Roy Dunn MacLean, Ray Greene, and Innervisions, creating five hours of outstanding performances from accomplished musicians. Whether you’re a longtime Mitchfest fan or discovering it for the first time, this beloved outdoor festival offers an afternoon of great music, community spirit, and one of southeastern Connecticut’s best live music traditions. See Full Details
Sun Country Fest
Saturday @ 4:00 p.m.
Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville
Mohegan Sun launches its first-ever Sun Country Fest with an afternoon and evening of live music, food, games, and country fun, highlighted by a headlining performance from country star Lauren Alaina. After finishing as the runner-up on American Idol, Alaina built a successful career with hit songs like “Road Less Traveled,” “Getting Good,” and “Thicc as Thieves,” earning a reputation as one of country music’s most exciting live performers. Connecticut favorites American Honey and Nick Bosse and The Northern Roots open the festival before Alaina takes the stage to close out the night. Add barbecue, food trucks, fire pits, yard games, and a mechanical bull, and you’ve got one of the biggest country music events of the summer. See Full Details
We May Be Right: A Billy Joel Tribute
Saturday @ 8:00 p.m.
The Charlestown Rathskeller, Charlestown
Billy Joel’s timeless music comes to life as We May Be Right takes the stage at The Charlestown Rathskeller. The tribute band recreates the sound and excitement of one of America’s greatest singer-songwriters, performing favorites like “Piano Man,” “My Life,” “Uptown Girl,” “Only the Good Die Young,” and “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.” With outstanding musicianship, plenty of sing-along moments, and the Rathskeller’s popular outdoor setting, this concert is a great choice for fans of classic rock and unforgettable pop hits. See Full Details
Royal Oaks with Roosevelt Drive
Saturday @ 9:00 p.m.
Oasis Pub, New London
Two of Connecticut’s rising indie rock bands share the stage as Royal Oaks and Roosevelt Drive bring a night of original music to Oasis Pub. Royal Oaks blends emo, indie rock, and pop into energetic performances filled with catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, while New London’s Roosevelt Drive makes its Oasis debut with its own mix of rock and pop. If you’re looking to discover original local bands instead of another tribute act, Oasis continues to be one of the best places in southeastern Connecticut to experience the region’s thriving independent music scene. See Full Details
Carl Ricci & 706 Union Ave
Saturday @ 9:00 p.m.
Milestone Mystic, Mystic
Award-winning blues band Carl Ricci & 706 Union Ave brings its signature “Blue Collar Blues” sound to Milestone Mystic for a night of live music and dancing. Winners of the 2022 Connecticut Blues Society Challenge, the band combines original songs with classic blues and American roots music, creating energetic performances that have earned fans across the region. Enjoy great food, craft cocktails, and one of Connecticut’s top blues acts for an unforgettable Saturday night in downtown Mystic. See Full Details
Sunday Jam Sessions at Deans Mill Farm
Sunday @ 2:30 p.m.
Deans Mill Farm, Stonington
Spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon at Deans Mill Farm with free live music, food trucks, and a welcoming community atmosphere. This week’s performer, T. Ray Taylor, brings more than 40 years of live music experience, performing a mix of popular covers, heartfelt originals, and audience requests. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy something to eat and drink, and settle in for an easygoing afternoon at one of Stonington’s favorite weekly summer traditions. See Full Details
Take It To The Bridge Trio
Sunday @ 4:00 p.m.
The Charlestown Rathskeller, Charlestown
Three members of Rhode Island favorite Take It To The Bridge bring an afternoon of acoustic music to The Charlestown Rathskeller. Known for outstanding musicianship and versatile performances, the trio puts a fresh spin on classic favorites and modern hits, creating the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing summer afternoon. Pair the free concert with great food, cold drinks, and the Rathskeller’s popular outdoor setting for an easygoing way to close out the weekend. See Full Details
Darik & The Funbags
Sunday @ 7:00 p.m.
Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville
Darik & The Funbags bring their nonstop party to the Wolf Den for a free night of live music that spans rock, pop, country, rap, and dance favorites. For nearly 30 years, the New England band has been known for high-energy performances, audience participation, and a setlist that keeps the crowd singing and dancing from start to finish. If you’re looking to wrap up the weekend with great music and a fun atmosphere, this popular regional favorite always delivers an entertaining show. See Full Details
George Porter Jr. and The Runnin Pardners
Sunday @ 8:00 p.m.
Milestone Mystic, Mystic
Funk legend George Porter Jr., a founding member of the groundbreaking band The Meters, brings his acclaimed group The Runnin Pardners to Milestone Mystic for a rare local performance. As one of the musicians who helped shape the sound of modern funk, Porter has influenced generations of artists and performed with names like Paul McCartney, Jimmy Buffett, and David Byrne. Backed by his outstanding band, he’ll deliver an evening of New Orleans funk, soul, R&B, blues, and unforgettable grooves in the intimate setting of Milestone Mystic. It’s a rare chance to see a true music legend up close. See Full Details
For the rest of the live music going on this weekend, check out our complete CT Beacon Live Music Guide, and have a great weekend!
