June 5 – 7, 2026
Summer concert season has arrived in earnest throughout southeastern Connecticut and southwestern Rhode Island. This weekend brings Grammy Award-winning artists, national touring bands, fan favorite tribute acts, community music festivals, waterfront concerts and more than a few bands that defy category. Looking for big names? Longing for a singalong? Wanting to camp out under the stars and enjoy some tunes? No problem.
At The CT Beacon, we typically reserve features for national touring acts, tribute bands, regular-season music events with regional draw, and artists with particularly robust local followings. Local and regional talent not featured here also helps fill southeastern CT’s stages, and you can find them in our weekly Local Music Roundup.
Summer Friday Music Series at Mystic Seaport Museum
Friday, June 5 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
One of the most picturesque weekly concerts on the shoreline returns to Mystic Seaport Museum. On Friday evenings at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern, music fans can enjoy live tunes, summer sunsets, and vistas of the Mystic River. Free and family-friendly, guests can relax with lawn chairs and blankets as they listen to a variety of local and regional artists throughout the season.
2nd Annual Killingworth Motown Extravaganza
Friday, June 5 | 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Victor G. Washington and The Sweet Soul Revue will be featured at this free outdoor community concert at Parmelee Farm. In addition to Motown music there will be food trucks, raffles and fundraising items for Youth and Family Services of Haddam- Killingworth. Over 1500 people attended last year.
Jason Mraz
Friday, June 5 | 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter John Mayer. The artist known for hits like “I’m Yours,” “Lucky,” and “I Won’t Give Up” is bringing his Still Yours Tour to the area with special guest Gregory Page. Combining influences of folk, pop, soft rock, and good vibes, Mraz is one of the most popular singer-songwriters of the last 20 years.
Fuel
Friday, June 5 | 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Rock fans who grew up listening to alternative radio back in the late ’90s and early 2000s will relive the glory days when Fuel hits the stage. Performances of fan favorites such as Shimmer, Bad Day, and Hemorrhage (In My Hands) will remind you why Fuel was one of the most prominent rock bands during the post-grunge movement.
Little Lies (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
Friday, June 5 | 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Harmony-heavy classics and timeless songs from Fleetwood Mac await you at the Charlestown Rathskeller. Little Lies performs mega-hits and fan-favorite album cuts for a night of recognizable sing-alongs and staple rock tunes.
The Beatles Candlelight Experience by Lumos
Saturday, June 6 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
An evening of Beatles favorites reimagined with strings, piano, and operatic vocals. A candlelit concert performed in the unique atmosphere of our historic church interiors. Songs include Yesterday, Let It Be, Blackbird, and Hey Jude.
Bluebird at the UNITED
Saturday, June 6 | 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Modeled after the famous Nashville institution, the Bluebird Cafe, this songwriter-driven concert showcases lyrics, storytelling, and acoustic musicianship. Sponsored by UNITED Theatre as part of their Nashville North series, this music event brings fans closer to the songs and the stories they tell.
Super Diamond
Saturday, June 6 | 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Considered by many to be the finest Neil Diamond tribute in the country, Super Diamond has been performing the hits of this great American icon for over 30 years. Plenty of songs you know and will enjoy singing along to.
I Petty The Fool
Saturday, June 6 | 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Region’s top Tom Petty tribute band headlines Milestone Mystic. Come celebrate with us on the waterfront with all your favorite songs like Free Fallin’, American Girl, Refugee, Learning to Fly.
Something Wonderful Tonight
Saturday, June 6 | 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Eric Clapton/George Harrison Tribute featuring eight musicians who pay tribute to two of rock’s most influential musicians. From blues, rock, and classic songwriting, these two legendary artists will shine through.
North County Band
Saturday, June 6 | 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Featuring original tunes and cover favorites, New England-based country/Americana upstarts North County Band take the stage at the Wolf Den. Known for high-energy performances and a loyal local following, NCB is quickly becoming one of the Northeast’s best country acts.
After Hours Stomp with Arthur Migliazza & Carole J. Bufford
Sunday, June 7 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Classic American tunes, Jazz-age tales, boogie-woogie piano stylings, blues, and cabaret magic combine when vocalist Carole J. Bufford joins forces with award-winning pianist Arthur Migliazza from Italy. Expect equal measures of musicianship and retro-style cocktail lounge entertainment.
Though summer just kicked off, there’s plenty of entertainment on the local music schedule. Between venues on the water and stages in historic theaters, neighborhood festivals and tribute bands, this is just a taste of what’s on tap this weekend for live music in SE Connecticut.
Last modified: June 4, 2026
