As summer heats up and sunsets stretch closer to 10PM, the live music scene in Greater Lansing comes alive. From downtown plazas to scenic parks, you’ll find free live outdoor music and concerts in the park all summer long. Whether you're into rock, jazz, classical, or something in between, these outdoor performances are the perfect way to spend a summer night.
Sundays
Music and the Garden Series
Where: MSU Beal Botanical Gardens | 330 W. Circle Dr. (adjacent to the MSU Library), Michigan State University, East Lansing
When: Select Sundays, June 7–August 16, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate this unique summer series combining live music and nature in East Lansing. Hosted by the MSU College of Music, this summer series features themed performances, hands-on activities beginning at 1 p.m., and student ensemble concerts at 2 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an afternoon in the gardens. Rain location: MSU Music Building.
Rhythm in the Park Series
Where: Fish Ladder Music Park | 216 E. Grand River Ave., Old Town Lansing
When: Select Sundays, June 14–September 13, 2026 | 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy free live music along the riverfront at the new Fish Ladder Music Park in Old Town Lansing. This outdoor concert series brings a mix of gospel, jazz, R&B, and local talent to the iconic Brenke Fish Ladder near the Grand River. The park includes bench swings, a gas fireplace, an illuminated electric forest, and numerous accessibility features, creating a welcoming space to relax and enjoy the music. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and all ages are welcome.
Tuesdays
Delta Township Music in the Park Series
Where: Sharp Park | 1401 Elmwood Rd., Lansing
When: Select Tuesdays: May 19–August 18, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Enjoy free live music, food, and community fun at Sharp Park during the Delta Township Music in the Park Series. Food is available beginning at 6 p.m. before live performances kick off at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and spend the evening outdoors with family and friends in a relaxed park setting.
Summer Music Series at Eastwood Towne Center
Where: Eastwood Towne Center | 3003 Preyde Boulevard, Lansing
When: Tuesdays, June 16–August 12, 2026 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Spend your Tuesday evenings enjoying free outdoor concerts in Lansing at Eastwood Towne Center. Bring your friends, relax in the open-air setting, and enjoy live music surrounded by shopping and dining options.
Wednesdays
City of Lansing Concerts In The Park
Where: Various Locations in Greater Lansing, Michigan
When: Wednesdays, June 10–August 5, 2026 | 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Enjoy free weekly concerts in Lansing parks all summer long. This rotating series brings live music to neighborhoods across the city, making it easy to enjoy a laid-back evening outdoors with family and friends.
Mueller Carillon Series at Beaumont Tower
Where: Beaumont Tower | 375 W. Circle Dr. (near the MSU Museum), Michigan State University, East Lansing
When: Select Wednesdays, July 1–August 5, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Experience a truly unique outdoor music performance at Michigan State University’s iconic Beaumont Tower. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax on the lawn as the bells ring across campus. Picnics are welcome, and the tower is open for tours after each performance.
Merdian Summer Concert Series
Where: Marketplace on the Green | 1995 Central Park Dr, Okemos
When: Wednesdays, June 3–September 30, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Settle in for a relaxed evening of live music featuring local bands in an open-air setting. This summer concert series runs alongside the Meridian Township Farmers Market (3:00-7:00 pm, June through October), making it easy to shop local, grab a bite, and stay for the music.
St. Johns Concert in the Park Series
Where: St. Johns City Park | William E. Tennant Performance Shell | 804 W. Park St., St. Johns
When: Wednesdays, June 17–September 2, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Head to St. Johns for this free summer concert series in the park, featuring live music at the newly built performance shell. Food vendors are available, and concerts are held rain or shine.
Thursdays
Concerts at the Shell
Where: McCormick Park | 300 N. Putnam St., Williamston
When: Thursday, May 21–August 20, 2026 | 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Presented by the Williamston Area Beautification Fund, this free outdoor concert series near Lansing brings a mix of genres to McCormick Park all summer long. From rock to Celtic music, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy live music in a scenic park setting. Located within the Downtown Social District, you can grab a drink from a nearby restaurant and enjoy it outdoors during the show.
DeWitt Concerts in the Park
Where: Riverside Park | 315 S. Bridge St., DeWitt
When: Thursdays, July 16–August 6, 2026 | 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Enjoy a laid-back evening of live music at Riverside Park in downtown DeWitt, hosted by the DeWitt Chamber Foundation. Set along the Looking Glass River, this scenic park features picnic tables, walking trails, and multiple playgrounds, including a popular pirate-themed play area. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, let the kids play, and relax while enjoying the music.
Grand Concert Series
Where: Lansing Center | 333 E Michigan Ave. Lansing
When: Select Thursdays, June 18–August 27, 2026 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Experience summer evenings in downtown Lansing with the free, family-friendly Grand Concert Series. Featuring a variety of live music and a scenic sunset backdrop, this outdoor concert series offers a relaxed way to enjoy the season. A cash bar and light refreshments are available.
Grand Ledge Music in the Park
Where: Jaycee Park | 525 E. River St., Grand Ledge
When: Thursdays, June 18–August 13, 2026 | 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Enjoy free concerts in the park near Lansing at Jaycee Park in Grand Ledge. Hosted at the Rotary Club stage, this series features local talent, food concessions, and a fun, community-focused atmosphere.
Summer Concerts on the Square
Where: Courthouse Square | 100 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte
When: Thursdays, June 4–August 28, 2026 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Enjoy free live music in downtown Charlotte with this community concert series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax with friends and family while listening to local bands in an outdoor setting. Come early for the weekly cruise-in at 6:00 p.m. and check out classic cars before the music begins.
Fridays
East Lansing Summer Concert Series
Where: Ann Street Plaza | Corner of Albert & M.A.C. avenues, East Lansing
When: Every other Friday, May 22–August 21, 2026
Enjoy free live music in downtown East Lansing with this popular summer concert series at Ann Street Plaza. Grab dinner from a local restaurant, bring a chair, and settle in for an evening of outdoor music. Concerts are weather-dependent, so be sure to check the latest lineup before you go.
Sounds of Summer
Where: Lake Lansing Park South | Lake Lansing Band Shell | 1621 Pike St., Haslett
When: Fridays, May 29–August 21, 2026 | 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Enjoy free Friday night concerts at the Lake Lansing Park South band shell, hosted by the Friends of Ingham County Parks. Bring a lawn chair or picnic and relax by the lake while local bands perform. Families will love the tricycle track, bounce house, and giant inflatable slide for kids. Free admission and parking.
Even more live music!
BAD Vinyl Night
Bring your favorite records to BAD Brewing Co. and let DJ Rich spin your picks from 6–9PM! From classics to deep…
Music in the Park Series - Delta Township
Photo Credits: Aphtic (header image—Taylor Taylor at East Lansing Summer Concert Series), and our wonderful members and #lovelansing community—a special thanks for their awesome imagery and social media posts.