If craft beer is the taste of summer, warm sunshine is the feeling of summer, and freshly cut grass is the smell of summer, then live music certainly is the sound of summer here in Northern Colorado.
Just about every day of the week from May through September, you can find live music from both local and national acts playing throughout the region. And where there’s live music, there’s usually food trucks, beer gardens, and other activities. The best part? Every single one of these summer concert series in Northern Colorado is completely free to attend. All you need to bring is a blanket or some chairs!
Friday Nights 6:30–9:30 p.m. | May 5–September 15, 2023
9th Street Plaza, Greeley
During the summer on Friday nights, Friday Fest is the place to be for Greeley residents and those living elsewhere throughout Northern Colorado. Enjoy live music from about 6:30–9:30 p.m. every evening at the 9th Street Plaza, plus additional family fun along 8th Street. This event has remained free every summer thanks to a number of generous sponsors. Click here for more details about this much-anticipated annual event, including the music lineup.
Sundays 1–4:30 p.m. | May 14–June 25, 2023
The Mishawaka, Bellvue
Photo Courtesy of Dave DeCrescente via Mishawaka Amphitheatre
Head to The Mishawaka each Sunday afternoon through the end of June for their free concert series on the outdoor stage! No reservation required — simply show up, lay down your chairs and blankets, and order some food from the outdoor grill and a drink from the bar. Enjoy picturesque Poudre Canyon views while you listen to music from local artists! Take a look at the lineup here.
Tuesday Nights 5:30 p.m.–Dusk | May 16–September 19, 2023 (Not on July 4)
City Park, Fort Collins
Extending from May 16 through September 19, this summer-long event is all about local food and live music. The FoCo Food Truck Rally takes over City Park each Tuesday night from 5:30 p.m. to dusk with more than 15 food trucks and free live music! Bring your own chairs and/or picnic blankets, grab a bite to eat and a drink, and listen to music from talented musicians covering a wide range of genres. The entire family is welcome — including your dog, as long as they are on a leash! Check out the FoCo Food Truck Rally music and food truck lineup here.
Thursday Nights 6:30–8:30 p.m. | June 1–August 17, 2023
Boardwalk Park, Windsor
Photo Courtesy of Town of Windsor Parks, Recreation & Culture
On Thursday nights, Windsor’s Boardwalk Park is buzzing with activity! Enjoy live music and food from a variety of local food truck vendors. Bring your own lawn chairs and blanket and lounge on the grass for the ultimate summer experience. Check out the music lineup for the Windsor Summer Concert Series here.
Thursday Nights 7–9 p.m. | June 1–September 7, 2023
Old Town Square, Fort Collins
Bohemian Nights presents Thursday Night Live, a weekly concert series in the heart of Fort Collins. The event is designed to showcase a diverse lineup of music from Colorado and beyond, including both emerging and established artists. Gather around the outdoor stage in Old Town Square to listen to music of varying genres and styles. Take a look at the lineup here!
Fridays 5:30–7:30 p.m. | June 2–July 28, 2023
The OBC Wine Project, Fort Collins
Photo Courtesy of The OBC Wine Project
After 30 years of brewing award-winning craft beer, Odell Brewing recently began trying their hand at winemaking — and the result is just as good as we could have anticipated from this talented team. The OBC Wine Project is dedicated to the exploration of unique flavor profiles in the world of wine — and you can taste it at their urban winery with an amazing outdoor patio. And on Friday nights, the patio is buzzing with activity at their free Winery Patio Concerts series!
Wednesday Nights 6:30–8:30 p.m. | June 14–July 26, 2023
Colorado State University Lagoon, Fort Collins
For more than 25 years, the Lagoon Summer Concert Series has been a beloved tradition amongst Northern Colorado residents. The event is back under the trees of the Colorado State University Lagoon, providing an idyllic setting for enjoying live music and the sense of community this event provides. Take a look at the amazing lineup covering a variety of genres, from classic funk and rock & roll to pop and country. Visit the FAQ page for all the details about this much-anticipated event, and follow the team on Instagram and Facebook for up-to-date information about bands, food and weather!
Friday Nights 7–9 p.m. | June 16–September 1, 2023
Foothills Mall, Fort Collins
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head to Foothills Mall to hear free live music on the lawn from 7–9 p.m. on Friday nights from mid-June through August. Entry is free and registration is not required, but it does sign you up for updates on all things Foothills Mall!
Thursdays at 10 a.m. | June 15–July 13, 2023
The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins
The Lincoln Center Children’s Summer Series has moved to Thursday mornings for the 2023 season! This series of hour-long presentations of comedy, music, culture and fun is a must for little ones. These whimsical performances will entertain both young and old alike — and are completely free thanks to the support of the City of Fort Collins Fort Fund! Blankets and sunscreen are encouraged.
Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. | July 5–August 30, 2023
The Foundry Plaza, Loveland
Photo Courtesy of Tori Jaworski via Loveland Downtown District
The Loveland Downtown District is hosting their Wednesday Concert Series as a part of the One Sweet Summer event series. From July 5 through August 30, hear live music while enjoying a variety of other activities, including kids’ art projects, food vendors, craft breweries, and local art. All events in the series are free and open to the public, with free parking available throughout downtown Loveland and in The Foundry parking garage. Beer and food are served at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 6:30! Check out the lineup here.
Loveland Summer Concerts
Thursday Nights at 7 p.m. | July 6–27, 2023
Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, Loveland
For Loveland residents, Thursday nights in July are reserved for one thing only: Loveland Summer Concerts. Start the evening with kids’ activities at the Mobile Recreation Trailer, food trucks, a beer garden, and the Plaza Market, which has an array of organic and fresh offerings. Then grab a seat to hear live music from regional and national touring artists starting at 7! You may arrive early to put a blanket and chairs to hold your spot for the show. See the full Loveland Summer Concerts lineup here!
Tuesday Nights at 8 p.m. | July 11–August 1, 2023
UNC Garden Theatre, Greeley
Photo Courtesy of University of Northern Colorado
UNC’s beloved Concert Under the Stars concert series welcomes a diverse lineup of musicians to their Garden Theatre on Tuesday nights. This year’s lineup includes the Colorado Jazz Orchestra on July 11, Mariachi los Mensajeros on July 18, Sala Forte on July 25, and The Burroughs on August 1. This free community event is sponsored in part by the Weld Community Foundation, which is dedicated to “assisting and supporting those who are passionate about making our community stronger.”
Listen Up!
No matter what concert series you attend, we hope you have a wonderful summer in Northern Colorado!
