Summer weekends along the Connecticut and Rhode Island shoreline always seem to come with a soundtrack. This weekend is no exception, with everything from waterfront concerts and vineyard performances to blues legends, tribute bands, jazz masters, cultural festivals, and outdoor music series filling the calendar. Whether you’re looking to relax with a glass of wine, dance under the stars, or discover a new favorite band, there’s no shortage of live music to choose from.
This week’s guide highlights 14 of the best performances happening Friday through Sunday. Grab a lawn chair, find a patio, head to the beach, grab a bar stool, or settle into a theater—however you like your live music, you’ll find plenty of reasons to turn the volume up this weekend.
Summer Friday Music Series at the Mystic Seaport Museum
June 26 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Mystic Seaport Museum’s popular Summer Friday Music Series returns with free live music overlooking the Mystic River. Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets, enjoy free evening admission to the museum grounds, and relax as Ethan Cash performs an eclectic mix of favorites spanning multiple decades. The combination of waterfront views, historic surroundings, and a laid-back atmosphere has made this one of the shoreline’s signature Friday night traditions. Read More
Summer Concert Series at Stonington Vineyards: The Fake Experience
June 26 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Spend Friday evening surrounded by vineyard views, live music, and local wine as The Fake Experience takes the stage at Stonington Vineyards. Guests can spread out on the lawn with blankets and chairs, enjoy food truck fare, and settle in for a relaxing evening outdoors. Better yet, a portion of every ticket sold benefits a local charitable organization, making every concert part of a larger community effort. Read More
Summer on the Patio at Caf Bar + Venue with Luca Simeone
June 26 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Charlestown’s Caf Bar transforms its patio into one of South County’s favorite summer gathering spots with live music, oysters, cocktails, and fire pits, creating the perfect atmosphere for a casual evening. Luca Simeone provides the soundtrack while guests unwind with friends or enjoy a relaxed date night beneath the summer sky. Read More
City of Groton Concerts in the Park featuring Branded
June 26 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Washington Park comes alive Friday evening as Branded brings its energetic blend of country and rock to Groton’s free summer concert series. Pack a lawn chair or blanket, grab dinner from the food vendors, and enjoy a family-friendly night filled with live music, dancing, and one of Groton’s favorite summer traditions. Read More
Party on the Mohegan Sun Patio featuring Captain Fantastic
June 26 | 6:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Elton John’s greatest hits take center stage as Captain Fantastic headlines another free Party on the Patio at Mohegan Sun. Guests can enjoy food vendors, drinks, outdoor entertainment, and an evening under the stars while singing along to classics spanning one of pop music’s most celebrated careers. Read More
June 26 | 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Blues-rock fans won’t want to miss legendary guitarist Popa Chubby as he brings his powerhouse stage presence and blistering guitar work to The Kate in Old Saybrook. Known for combining electric blues, rock, and soul into unforgettable live performances, he’s spent decades earning a reputation as one of the genre’s most exciting performers. Read More
Zac n’ Fried (Zac Brown Tribute) at the Charlestown Rathskeller
June 26 | 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Country favorites fill the air as Zac n’ Fried recreates the music of the Zac Brown Band during a lively summer evening at the Charlestown Rathskeller. Expect singalongs, Southern rock favorites, and a fun outdoor atmosphere complete with great food, cold drinks, and plenty of dancing. Read More
2026 Boriken Festival of Eastern Connecticut
June 27 | 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Celebrate Puerto Rican culture at Ocean Beach Park with an evening of live music, authentic food, dancing, cultural vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. As Connecticut’s first Puerto Rican festival of the summer, the Boriken Festival blends beachside fun with a vibrant celebration of community and heritage. Read More
Filo’s Summer Party with Branded
June 27 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Branded returns for a second weekend performance, bringing its signature “Country That Rocks” style to Filo’s in Waterford. With modern country hits, classic rock favorites, and a high-energy stage show, it’s an ideal way to keep your Saturday night rolling. Read More
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
June 27 | 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
One of the world’s finest jazz ensembles comes to southeastern Connecticut as Wynton Marsalis leads the acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Featuring fifteen extraordinary musicians, the evening promises world-class performances spanning jazz classics, contemporary works, and timeless American music. Read More
Another Tequila Sunrise (Eagles Tribute) at the Charlestown Rathskeller
June 27 | 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Relive the music of the Eagles as Another Tequila Sunrise performs classics like Hotel California, Take It Easy, and Desperado beneath the trees at the Charlestown Rathskeller. Rich harmonies, timeless songs, and a relaxed outdoor setting make this a perfect summer concert. Read More
The Social Rave at Social Bar + Kitchen
June 27 | 8:00 p.m. – June 28 | 2:00 a.m.
Downtown New London’s electronic music scene takes center stage with an evening of DJs, bass music, and underground sounds hosted by CT Rave, FoxOn Radio, and 2PRIMO. Whether you’re a longtime EDM fan or simply looking for something different, this late-night gathering offers an energetic alternative to the usual Saturday night. Read More
Jus-Tus at the Charlestown Rathskeller Art Festival
June 28 | 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Browse artwork from regional artists while Jus-Tus provides an easygoing soundtrack of classic rock and blues favorites during the Charlestown Rathskeller’s Annual Art Festival. It’s a relaxing Sunday afternoon that blends live music, local art, and one of Rhode Island’s favorite outdoor venues. Read More
Rolling Together Revue at Jonathan Edwards Winery
June 28 | 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Close out the weekend with an unforgettable evening at Jonathan Edwards Winery as Moon Taxi, Donovan Frankenreiter, and G. Love share the stage for a collaborative concert celebrating timeless songs and great musicianship. Set among the vines, it’s a memorable way to end a weekend filled with live music. Read More
Last modified: June 25, 2026
