June 12 – 14, 2026
Summer is finally upon us in SE Connecticut and SW Rhode Island, and the lineup of live music happening this week is proof. Between waterfront performances, beach festivals, rock legends, tribute bands, indie favorites, and outdoor dance parties, there’s something happening on a stage near you Friday afternoon through Sunday night.
Looking for a spot to chill out by the Mystic River with a lawn chair and friends? Feeling more like revisiting your MTV glory days or singing along to Taylor Swift? Dance to some funk and soul or lose track of time discovering one of indie rock’s brightest stars? We’ve got you covered.
1. Summer Friday Music Series at Mystic Seaport Museum
Friday, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Live music along the Mystic River might be as Connecticut as it gets. Head to the Mystic Seaport Museum this Friday for an afternoon/evening of epic waterfront views, lawn chairs, and free live music on the museum grounds.
2. Summer on the Patio at Caf Bar + Venue
Friday, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fire pits, tasty drinks, and laid-back vibes bring people together for Summer on the Patio at Charlestown favorite Caf Bar + Venue. John Santini is this week’s featured musical guest.
3. Shakey Graves at The UNITED Theatre
Friday, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Americana, folk, blues, indie rock? If you’re guessing Shakey Graves is a jack-of-all-trades musician, you’re right. Texas native Alejandro Rose-Garcia will make his United Theatre debut with a solo set.
4. Wicked Betty & The Bad Habits at the Charlestown Rathskeller
Friday, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Dance. Dance. Dance. You’ve been warned. Wicked Betty & The Bad Habits bring their party-starting blend of funk, soul, R&B, and blues to South County, complete with a horn section, high-energy vocals, and all the groove you can handle.
5. Forever Summer Beach Fest
Saturday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Misquamicut Beach hosts DJs, food trucks, giveaways, beach games, and all the oceanfront energy you can soak up this Saturday for Forever Summer Beach Fest. No playlist necessary when you have waves crashing and music floating through the sand.
6. 2 Step Affair at The Treehouse
Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Put your dancing shoes on and head down to Mystic’s waterfront for this sunset party complete with DJs, cocktails, tastings, and of course stunning harbor views. Part music festival and part social event, the 2 Step Affair is one of the weekend’s coolest nightlife outings.
7. Are You Ready For It? A Musical Tribute to Taylor Swift (Wedding Version)
Saturday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Say what you will about Taylor Swift, but there’s something to be said about crafting the ultimate wedding-themed tribute show. Live music inspired by Swift’s catalog, friendship bracelet making, themed cocktails, photo ops, food trucks, and singalongs are all on the agenda.
8. John Waite at the Wolf Den
Saturday, 8 p.m.
John Waite is at the Wolf Den this Saturday night, and you don’t want to miss it. The gravelly-voiced crooner behind “Missing You” is heading back to Connecticut with a show full of 1980s hits, Baby’s classics, and Bad English favorites.
9. DEVO
Saturday, 8 p.m.
How do you define genre-bending? Ask DEVO, who fused rock music with a New Wave sensibility and created something totally new. Hits like “Whip It” are just the beginning. Catch DEVO live and see for yourself why they remain so influential to this day.
10. Northern Fried at the Charlestown Rathskeller
Saturday, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Southern rock, blues, funk, reggae and everything in between comes together during Northern Fried’s infectious live show. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along to songs you never knew you knew.
11. Red Light at the Comix Roadhouse
Saturday, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Red Light will keep Mohegan Sun’s dance floor packed all night long with its high-energy country rock and party anthems. You know the songs. Favorites from all your favorite classic rock bands will be woven into the band’s dynamic set.
12. Sun Soul Fest at the Sun Patio
Sunday, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Spending your Sundays swimming at the beach? Cool down with some easy-listening soul and R&B courtesy of Sun Soul Fest at the Sun Patio. Highlighting local acts Janice Smith and Frank Colmenares, this outdoor festival has talent for days.
13. 60’s Explosion at the Charlestown Rathskeller
Sunday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
British rock, Motown, psychedelic? If you guessed that 1960s Explosion is bringing back the sounds of the 1960s, you’re spot on. Put on your best bell-bottoms and tie-dyes, and get ready to dance.
14. Wet Leg at Mohegan Sun Arena
Sunday, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hailing from the Isle of Wight off the coast of England, Wet Leg has made major waves Stateside with their clever lyrics, catchy songwriting, and eclectic sound.
Whether you’re searching for nostalgia, a new favorite band, waterside dancing or just a reason to drink past your bedtime, this weekend’s lineup will show you there’s plenty of live music to be had.
Turn it up.
Last modified: June 11, 2026
