It’s that time of year when the outdoor amphitheaters amp up their concerts and the family-friendly series return.
by Addie Ladner and Lily Kane
Spring is here! And with it comes the opportunity to see amazing music outside — from touring headliners at our bigger venues to locally-grown groups in our city’s green spaces. From free, casual picnic-style concerts perfect for families or laid-back group hangs to ticketed block party vibes with onsite food and beverage options, whatever your preferred listening experience is, there is something for you on the docket this season with a host of talent from all genres are gracing this season’s lineup.
Big Outdoor Shows in Spring 2026
Alabama Shakes at Red Hat Ampitheater on April 25
Southern funk-meets-rock quartet Alabama Shakes is making a stop in Raleigh at Red Hat Amphitheater. The group, made up of Brittany Howard on vocals and guitar, Zac Cockrel on bass and Heath Fogg on guitar, entered the music sphere in 2009 but became wildly popular in 2011 with their hit songs “Hold On” and “I Don’t Wanna Fight.” Expect those popular tracks along with other tunes from their canon, as well as an opening set from Afro-Appalachian singer Mon Rovia.
7 p.m.; 500 S. McDowell Street; redhatamphitheater.com
Willie Nelson and Family at Koka Booth Amphitheatre on April 27
Country music legend Willie Nelson is coming back to Raleigh this April. Attendees can expect a celebration of Nelson’s more than seven decades of writing, singing and performing — as well as his work as an author and an activist — featuring longtime classics and fresh songs released just in the last few years. Buzzy singer-songwriter Dayton Farley, who just released his new full-length album, A Heavy Duty Heart, will open.
7 p.m.; 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary; boothamphitheatre.com
Disclosure at Red Hat Amphitheater on April 30
Since releasing their first single more than 15 years ago, English electronic music duo Disclosure has toured the world, established a record label and released four albums. Now the group, made up of brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence, is bringing their energizing dance music to Red Hat Amphitheater.
7 p.m.; 500 S, McDowell Street; redhatamphitheater.com
Pitbull and Lil John at Coastal Credit Union Amphitheater on May 19
What better way to kick off summer than with the high-energy thrum of a Pitbull concert? The artist is returning to Coastal Credit Union Music Park for the first time since 2022, bringing a show that promises fun and funk. Joining Pitbull is longtime fellow musical collaborator Lil John.
8 p.m.; 3801 Rock Quarry Road; from $58; coastalcreditunionmusicpark.com
Old Crow Medicine Show at Koka Booth Amphitheatre on May 28
We can’t think of a better spot to see the band that coined the state’s unofficial anthem, “Wagon Wheel” (co-written with Bob Dylan and then covered and re-released by Darius Rucker and his spin) than “in the land the pines” literally in Cary’s wooded Koka Booth Amphitheatre. The long-time bluegrass Americana GRAMMY winning band (that actually originated in Virginia) always attract a fun passionate crowd to their Carolina shows.
7 p.m.; 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary; boothamphitheatre.com
Outdoor Music Series in the Triangle
Music at the Market at Dix Park
At the patio of the House of Many Porches at Dix Park, enjoy this fun afternoon tune session hosted in partnership with Oak City Soul, whose resident DJs will take turns spinning vinyls for folks hanging out on the 3rd Saturday of the month from April 18 and May 16. Hit the market inside to get beer, wine, sandwiches or sweets to enjoy while you listen to their fun, up-tempo mixes.
Free; 701 Palmer Drive; dorotheadixpark.org
Midtown Beach Music
Get ready to groove at this high-energy block party-style music series in North Hills. Running every Thursday from April 16 to June 23, the outdoor concert series transforms Midtown Park into a lively hub where locals and visitors vibe out to jam bands while they enjoy cold beverages, food trucks and warm weather. There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, too! You’ll recognize several favorite party bands on the lineup, including The Tonez on April 23, The Chairman of the Board on May 21 and The Embers on June 15.
$9 a ticket of $90 for a bundle; 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street; visitnorthhills.com
LIVE @ Lake Raleigh
One of Raleigh’s best-kept spring secrets is this family-friendly concert series on the shores of Lake Raleigh at NC State’s Centennial Campus. On select Thursdays in April and May, enjoy food trucks and musicians of various genres performing outside with enough space to bring the kids or friends and spread out a blanket. Kicking off the series in April is Duck on April 9 and Kaira Ba and Jennifer Curtis on April 23. Food trucks gear up at 5 pm and music starts at 6 pm! Next month, look forward to Latin-fusion artist Laura Gonzqui on May 7 and folk-trio Palmyra on May 21.
Free; at the corner of Main Campus Drive & Campus Shore Drive; live.arts.ncsu.edu
City of Raleigh Summer’s Concert Series
At our city’s picturesque Fred Fletcher and Pullen Parks, enjoy this free, relaxing summer concert series on most Sundays through August. First up: SWAG at Fred Fletcher Park on May 31. Expect to hear lots of local jazz and acoustic groups including Aug. 23 – Carpe Diem Saxophone Quartet on August 23 at Fred Fletcher Park and
Free; 6 – 8 p.m; raleighnc.gov
NC Symphony Summerfest @ Koka Booth
The North Carolina Symphony is bringing its Summerfest series back to Koka Booth Amphitheatre this year with a series of 10 performances that include a Billy Joel tribute, an evening of selections from Swan Lake and a night of Star Wars music. The series kicks off May 10 with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Come enjoy a summer evening and music for all ages — kids under 12 can get in for free on the lawn.
Various dates; 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary; ncsymphony.org
This article was originally published on March 30, 2026 on waltermagazine.com
