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What could be more enjoyable than lounging in a lawn chair or on a blanket in a park in San Diego County during the summer? How about doing just that while attending a free concert?
From Escondido to Coronado and various locations in between, locals can bring snacks and (non-alcoholic) beverages to enjoy live music at lakes, beaches, and parks from June through early fall. These events are organized by a mix of volunteer, nonprofit, and community organizations, with some still in need of donations to sustain the concerts.
The variety of genres and performers is extensive, featuring local bands, military musicians, and cover groups.
Check online for schedules about bands, specific times and dates, as well as information on parking, prohibited items, and other details. Many programs will have adjusted schedules during the week of July 4, while others have yet to announce their summer lineups.
Allied Gardens
AG First Fridays Summer Concerts in the Park
On the first Friday of each month from June to October, gather at Allied Gardens Park. The lineup includes a jazz sextet and a rock band from the 70s and 80s.
First Fridays June 7 to Oct. 4. Allied Gardens Community Park, 5155 Greenbrier Ave., San Diego. 6 to 8 p.m. agfirstfridays.com
Carlsbad
TGIF Concerts in the Parks
This series rotates through several parks in Carlsbad during the summer and will feature a family-friendly pop-up art area as well.
4 to 8 p.m. Fridays June 20 to Aug. 22. Locations include Stagecoach Community Park, Calavara Hills Community Park, and Alga Norte Community Park. carlsbadca.gov/departments/cultural-arts/performing-arts/tgif-concerts-in-the-parks
Coronado
Coronado Promenade Concerts
This marks the 55th season of Coronado’s summer concerts, taking place at the promenade in Spreckels Park. The season begins with a double feature on May 25 at 4:30 p.m.
5 or 6 p.m. Sundays (excludes June 1) from May 25 to Aug. 31. Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave., Coronado. coronadoconcert.com/coronado-concert-schedule
Del Mar
Summer Twilight Concerts
Del Mar residents have enjoyed this concert series for over 40 years. The Del Mar Foundation hosts this series on four select dates this summer.
6 p.m. for opening acts, 7 p.m. for headliners. Dates include June 24, July 8, July 29, and Aug. 12. Powerhouse Park, 1658 Coast Blvd., Del Mar. delmarfoundation.org/programs/twilight
El Cajon
Music on Main
This series takes place in downtown El Cajon, surrounded by local businesses and eateries. It will also feature several food vendor booths.
6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. May 22 to July 31. Prescott Promenade, 200 E. Main St., El Cajon. downtownelcajon.com
Escondido
Hidden City Sounds
This series showcases local musicians and aims to foster community connections. Enjoy a mix of genres, including Irish folk and country music, with some concerts featuring a pre-show dance class.
Various Fridays now through Oct. 10. Lyric Court at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. artcenter.org/hidden-city-sounds-free-concert-summer-series
La Mesa
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Head to the courtyard near the fountains at Grossmont Center for this age-friendly series, which also welcomes pets.
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Every second and fourth Saturday, June 14 to Sept. 27. grossmontcenter.com/summer-concerts
Sundays at Six Summer Concert Series
The amphitheater at Harry Griffen Park will host a Beatles Tribute Band, the San Diego Concert Band, and other performances on six Sundays this summer.
6 p.m. Sundays. June 22 to July 27. Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St., La Mesa. lamesaparks.org
Lemon Grove
The City of Lemon Grove kicks off its summer concerts with a special karaoke night on June 26. Residents can bring their own picnics or purchase food on-site.
6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. June 26 to Aug. 7. Berry Street Park, 7071 Mount Vernon, Lemon Grove. lemongrove.ca.gov/parks-events
Poway
City of Poway Summer Concert Series
In Poway, the summer concerts alternate between Lake Poway and Old Poway Park. At the lake, concert-goers can order food from The Lookout. Non-residents must pay $10 to park at Lake Poway.
5:30 to 7 p.m. Sundays. June 22 to Aug. 3. Lake Poway, 14644 Lake Poway Road; Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. poway.org
San Diego
Point Loma Summer Concerts
For 25 years, music enthusiasts have attended outdoor summer concerts in Point Loma. This ongoing series also raises funds for music programs, with food and drinks available for purchase.
5:30 p.m. for junior acts, 6:30 p.m. for headliners. Point Loma Park, 1049 Catalina Blvd., San Diego. pointlomasummerconcerts.org
Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Symphony in the Park will be held once a month on Sundays this summer.
6 p.m. June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14. Hoyt Park, 10711 Canyon Lake Drive, San Diego. symphonyinthepark.org
University City Summer Concerts
On Sunday evenings, various tribute bands performing music from artists like Grateful Dead, Aerosmith, and Carlos Santana will take the stage at Standley Park. Bring your chairs, blankets, picnics, and umbrellas.
5 to 7 p.m. Sundays. July 13 to Aug. 24. Standley Middle School Pavilion Stage, 6298 Radcliffe Drive, San Diego. universitycitynews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Summer-Concerts-2025-1.pdf
Sunset Sunday Concerts
One Sunday each month this summer, Civita Park will host a concert series. Beach chairs, blankets, and picnics are allowed, and concert-goers can explore food trucks or nearby dining options.
6 to 7:30 p.m. June 22, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 7. Civita Park, Civita Boulevard and Russell Park Way in Mission Valley. civitalife.com
Tierrasanta Concerts in the Park
Enjoy live music along with food trucks and a free kids’ zone at this concert series.
6 to 9 p.m. Saturdays. June 14 through July 26 (except July 5), Tierrasanta Recreation Center, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. tierrasantafoundation.org/events
Twilight in the Park Concert
For four decades, free concerts have been held under the stars at Balboa Park’s organ pavilion. Guests are welcome to bring food, but alcohol and smoking are not allowed.
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. June 17 to Aug. 28. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. balboapark.org/twilight-concerts
Santee
Music fans can enjoy local food vendors at this weekly series, featuring bands like Stoney B Blues Band and Jimmy’s Buffet.
6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday evenings from June 12 to Aug. 14 (excluding July 3). Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive, Santee.
Solana Beach
Concerts at the Cove
The City of Solana Beach collaborates with the Belly Up for this summer concert series. Low-back chairs, blankets, and picnics are encouraged.
6 to 7:45 p.m. Thursday evenings. June 19 to Aug. 7. Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave., Solana Beach. cityofsolanabeach.org/en/events/concerts-cove-10
Concert organizers wishing to have their events featured in this article can reach out to abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com.
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