From national tours that’ll pack the seats to laid-back series featuring favorite local acts, here are the best outdoor shows of the season 
by Luca Muehlbauer

Love live music? Love summer? We do, too — especially because Raleigh’s strong live music scene gets an extra boost during the warmest months. From the big-name national tours that’ll bring thousands to our amphitheaters to the homegrown acts playing at breweries, parks and festivals, it’s time to get some shows on the calendar. Use this guide to take advantage of all the best outdoors shows happening in the Triangle between now and September.

TOURING ARTISTS 

NE-YO and AKON at Coastal Credit Union Music Park

NE-YO and AKON’s global tour, “Nights Like This,” will make its first U.S. stop in Raleigh. These two Grammy winners defined the 2000s — NE-YO, with his smooth vocals and R&B stylings and AKON with his blend of hip-hop and R&B grooves. Be prepared for some throwback favorites like “So Sick” and “Miss Independent” by NE-YO, along with “Smack That” and “Lonely” by AKON. 
July 10 | 8 p.m.; From $35, 3801 Rock Quarry Road; coastalcreditunionmusicpark.com

Paul Simon at Coast Credit Union Music Park

Rising to global prominence in the 1960s and now enjoying his “A Quiet Celebration” tour, legendary songwriter Paul Simon will perform two unique sets during each concert. Simon will perform a full run of his Seven Psalms album, and then his 11-piece band will join him for a set of greatest hits.
July 11 | 8 p.m.; From $35, 3801 Rock Quarry Road; coastalcreditunionmusicpark.com

Ella Langley at Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Promoting her recent No.1 studio album on the Billboard 200, Dandelion, country musician Ella Langley is set to make a stop at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Langley broke into the scene when her song “If You Have To” went viral on TikTok and went on to win the 2026 ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year. While we’d personally choose N.C., we can’t wait to sing along to her recent hit, “Choosin’ Texas.”
July 24 | 7 p.m.; Sold out, 8003 Regency Parkway, boothamphitheatre.com

Noah Kahan at Carter Finley Stadium

Americana sensation Noah Kahan will make a stop at Carter-Finley Stadium on his first-ever stadium tour, which includes stops across the United States, Europe and Australia to promote his latest album, The Great Divide. Kahan went viral on TikTok in 2022 for his acoustic hit “Stick Season,” inspired by his Vermont upbringing.
July 25 | 6:30 p.m.; Sold out; 4600 Trinity Road; gopack.com

O.A.R. at Red Hat Amphitheater 

It’s been 30 years since O.A.R. started playing their signature rock, reggae and jam band tune. Their “Three Decades Tour” will stop at Red Hat, featuring Gavin DeGraw and Lisa Loeb as openers. 
July 29 | 6 p.m.; From $40; 500 S McDowell Street; redhatamphitheater.com

Jack Johnson at Coastal Credit Union Music Park

With Jack Johnson’s recent release of Surfilmusic, which is both an album and a documentary, he is embarking on his first tour since 2022. Popular for his hits like “Upside Down” and “Blueberry Pancakes,” Johnson will be joined in Raleigh by Lake Street Dive. Expect lots of feel-good energy from his hits and jams.
August 22 | 7:30 p.m.; From $67.20, 3801 Rock Quarry Road; coastalcreditunionmusicpark.com

Chance the Rapper at Red Hat Amphitheater

Grammy winning artist Chance the Rapper is celebrating 10 years since his album The Coloring Book, which established him as a leading hip hop artist outside the traditional major-label path. His sharp lyricism mixed with influences of gospel and jazz make for energetic, spiritual concerts. 
Aug. 29 | 8 p.m.; From $48; 500 S. McDowell Street: redhatamphitheater.com

Block Party Style Shows

Live After 5

Downtown Raleigh Alliance hosts this family-friendly, block-party-style event with fantastic live music and fun local pop-ups. Enjoy a wide variety of styles of music, including jazz, R&B, indie rock, country and alternative. The lineup includes AZUL (June 18), River Shook (July 16), Elora Dash (July 23), Fancy Gap (July 30) and Harvey Street (Aug. 13). These concerts are held in various locations, including Union Station, Moore Square and Seaboard Station. 
Various dates | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Free; various locations; downtownraleigh.org

Midtown Beach Music

Enjoy some great music at North Hills’ Midtown Beach Music Series, which is back for its 17th season! Running every Thursday until July 23, this outdoor concert series transforms Midtown Park into a lively hub where locals and visitors can enjoy music, cold beverages and food. This year’s event includes performances from Band of Oz (June 4), The Embers ft. Craig Woolard (June 25) and Too Much Sylvia (July 16). 
Thursdays through July 23 | 5 – 9 p.m.; From $8.73; 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street; visitnorthhills.com

Saturdays in Saxapahaw

Every Saturday, enjoy local music, food trucks and a farmers market at this family-friendly, free-to-the-public event in the country. There are plenty of activities for the kids, including water games, bubbles and hula hoops. A few of the bands coming to Saxapahaw this summer: include Amelia Day (June 13), Alamance Jazz Band (July 4), Django Haskins (July 11) and All Y’all Country All Stars (Aug. 15).
Saturdays through Aug. 29 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.; 1711 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road | hawriverballroom.com

Laid Back Shows and Concert Series

PineCone Open Bluegrass Jam

A chill monthly circle jam for bluegrass enthusiasts, this jam tends to bring a big crowd of experienced musicians (though all are welcome). If you’re interested in playing, bring your instrument — if not, no worries! You can grab a drink and a bite to listen to the musicians improvise and feed off of each other’s sound while enjoying the weather at the Transfer Food Co. patio.
June 29 | 7 – 9 p.m.; Free: 500 E Davie St; pinecone.org

Steep Canyon Rangers at Bowstring

Formed at UNC-Chapel Hill, the Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers play a blend of traditional bluegrass instrumentation with original songwriting that often crosses into folk and roots music. The concert will be set up in Bowstring’s backyard with tents around the back near the stage. While you listen, enjoy pizza and local beer from Bowstring. 
August 29 | 6 p.m.;  From $35; 1930 Wake Forest Road; raleigh.bowstringbrewyard.com

Tank and the Bangas Host a Juneteenth Celebration at Cat’s Cradle Back Yard

Grammy-winning band Tank, featuring lead singer Tarriona “Tank” Ball and multi-instrumentalist Norman Spence II, is coming to Cat’s Cradle to host a celebration for Juneteenth day. Their recently-released album The Last Balloon explores different themes such as frustration and resilience with a funky R&B style music style. Cat’s Cradle will help host two other shows that day at other venues including Squirrel Nut Zippers at Haw River Ballroom (1711 Saxapahaw-Bethleme Church Road, Saxapahaw) and Of Montreal at Cat’s Cradle’s main stage. 
June 20 | 4 p.m.; From $38; 300 E. Main Street; catscradle.com

NC Symphony at Koka Booth for Summerfest

The North Carolina Symphony’s popular Summerfest series brings an array of performances to Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Classical music fans will be able to enjoy timeless pieces like Mozart by Moonlight (June 20) or Classics Under the Stars (June 26). For those interested in more mainstream music, consider Under the Sea (June 13) or The Music of Billy Joel with Tony DeSare (June 27). Along with that, for our country’s 250th birthday, they’re offering Patriotic Pops (June 12) and an Independence Day performance (July 4). To close out Summerfest, Sidecar Social (July 10) will be performing their energetic sets of numerous genres including soulful R&B and Jazz. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket, pack a picnic and set up flameless candles, which is a new addition, to add to the ambiance.
Various dates | 8 p.m; From $50 for adults (kids free on the lawn); 8003 Regency Parkway; ncsymphony.org

City of Raleigh’s Summer Concert Series

Enjoy the City of Raleigh’s concert series at two of its lovely parks on Sundays this summer. At Fred Fletcher Park, find mostly jazz bands, while the featured bands at Pullen Park will be a mix of rock, jazz, folk and cover bands. A few to check out: Triangle Taiko (June 28), the Holly Springs Community Band (Aug. 2) and Bull City Trio (Aug. 16). Bring your blanket or law chair, plus food and beverages, to enjoy this family-friendly series.
Select Sundays through Aug. 16 | 6 p.m.; Free, 805 Washington Street and 520 Ashe Avenue; raleighnc.gov

Music at the Market at Dix Park

Visit the patio of the House of Many Porches at Dorothea Dix Park to find an afternoon session full of music. This event is hosted in partnership with Oak City Soul, whose resident DJs will be making their tunes and spinning their records for people hanging out. The shows happen every third Saturday of the month from June 20 to August 15. Inside the market, purchase beer, wine, sandwiches and sweets to enjoy while you listen to the funky and up tempo mixes. 
June 20, July 18, August 15 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.;  Free; 701 Palmer Drive;dorotheadixpark.org

Bands, Bites and Boats

On first Fridays this summer, Cary’s Bond Park Boathouse is hosting this exuberant outdoor event with music, food and after-hours boat rentals. Check out one of their pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, rowboats or sunfish sailboats before or after listening to music and enjoying local food and drink. Some of the performers for the summer will be Garland Mason (July 10), who performs blues rock, and Adam Pitts (Aug. 7) who plays classic rock. Local brewing companies will be selling their drinks, while different restaurants will also be providing food for purchase. Enjoy the setting sun while floating around in Bond Lake. 
July 10 & August 7 | 6 – 8 p.m.;  Free, 197 Bond Park Drive;carync.gov

Beer, Bourbon, BBQ Festival

Spend the weekend in Cary’s pine-filled Koka Booth Amphitheatre for the traveling Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival, a weekend celebration of the South’s favorite food and beverages. There will be live music on the main stage; it’ll be a mix of rock, blues, and bluegrass music. General admission gets you a Souvenir Glass for all the sips you want — choose from more than 20 kinds of beer and 30 kinds of bourbon — and access to all live entertainment, including live rock and bluegrass tunes on the Main Stage. A VIP ticket gets you all that, plus a BBQ dinner plate to pile high with ribs, pulled pork, brisket and more. Also explore the Tasting Theater, a slew of on-theme vendors and the famous Shrive of Shrine, a whole-hog cooking demo by top pitmasters. Don’t miss the Cochon Carnival for some healthy competition over games like cornhole and giant Jenga. 
July 31 – Aug. 1 | Various times; From $55; 8003 Regency Parkway; boothamphitheatre.com

CaryLive! Concert Series

Downtown Cary Park is hosting a free concert series featuring rising artists in genres including blues, rock, soul, R&B and Americana. A few to check out: Abraham Alexander (June 27), The Suitcase Junket (July 25), and Delta Rae (Aug. 22). Bring your blanket or lawn chair to get comfortable and enjoy a great show in the beautiful summer weather.
June 25, July 27, August 22 | 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.; Free; 327 S. Academy Street; downtowncarypark.com

This article was originally published on June 11, 2026 on waltermagazine.com