Summer in Georgia means humidity, fireflies, and, naturally, a whole lot of free live music.
In a state where complaining about summer heat is a universal pastime, we tend to welcome the relief of an evening breeze with outdoor celebrations punctuated with the smooth sounds of local talent. Whether you’re in the Blue Ridge foothills or south of the airport, you’re bound to find a free show within a reasonable drive of wherever you are. And with school out for summer, you don’t have to worry (as much) about traffic.
We’ve rounded up more than 30 free concert series happening across the state this summer, organized by region so you can find what’s closest to home.
Atlanta proper
Atlantic Station: Friday Night Live Concert Series
When: Every third Friday, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Atlantic Green, 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta
Finding free things to do inside the city limits feels like a small victory, and Atlantic Station’s Friday Night Live hits the jackpot every third Friday of the month all summer long. Arrive early to grab a parking spot (there’s a paid garage on-site) and a pre-show burger and beer at Atlantic Grill.
Colony Square: Groovin’ on the Square
When: Last Friday of the month, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Colony Square, 1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta
Colony Square in Midtown brings the party outside with Groovin’ on the Square, a free outdoor concert series right next to one of Atlanta’s favorite food halls. Build your own picnic from the array of options inside, then spread out on The Plaza to enjoy the music and energetic Midtown vibe.
Inside the perimeter
Sandy Springs: City Green Live and Concerts by the Springs
When: Doors at 4 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m. (City Green Live); Doors at 5 p.m., music at 7 p.m. (Concerts by the Springs)
Where: Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs pulls double duty when it comes to free summer music. City Green Live brings nationally touring acts—Sister Hazel, Starship, Boyce Avenue—to City Green Park on select Fridays, with pop-up bars and food trucks. Concerts by the Springs is the Sunday evening counterpart: a more relaxed monthly show at Heritage Amphitheater where picnics are encouraged. Free parking at both.
Chamblee: Summer Concert Series
When: First Friday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Chamblee City Hall, 3518 Broad Street, Chamblee
The Chamblee Summer Concert Series brings free live music to one of metro Atlanta’s most diverse and fast-growing communities. Things kick off Jun. 12 with a Juneteenth Beyoncé tribute, sparks fly on July 4 with fireworks and a Robin Thicke concert, while Aug. 12 throws it back with Boy Band Review. Parking is limited; plan to take MARTA or rideshare.
Northwest Georgia
Glover Park Concert Series
When: Last Friday of the month, April through Sept., 8 p.m.
Where: Marietta Square, 99 S Park Square NE, Marietta
Celebrating 40 years of live music in 2026, Glover Park in Marietta still hosts outdoor performances on select Friday evenings throughout the summer. Shows run on the downtown square and draw a mix of tribute acts and regional favorites. Bring a blanket to hold your spot and plan to ride-share—parking is limited.
Avenue Live at Avenue East Cobb
When: Friday evenings, 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Plaza at Avenue East Cobb, 4475 Roswell Rd, Marietta
Avenue Live transforms the outdoor common areas of Avenue East Cobb into a free concert venue every Friday during the summer, featuring local acts like 77Zeros and The Epics. Free parking and to-go dining options from surrounding restaurants like Peach State Pizza and the newly opened Tenku Sushi make this a stress-free family outing.
Woodstock Summer Concert Series
When: Second Saturdays, May through Sept., 7:30-10 p.m.
Where: Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater
You don’t have to head ITP for a great show. The Woodstock Summer Concert Series brings a mix of original artists (Grammy and CMA Award-winning country artist Carly Pearce on Jun. 13) and energetic tribute acts (The Pop 2000 tour with Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC on Aug. 8) to the suburbs every second Saturday through the summer. Parking is available nearby, and free shuttles run to the venue from three locations.
Kennesaw Concert Series
When: Select dates, 7 p.m.
Where: United Bankshares Amphitheater at Depot Park, 2828 Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw
Named for the 1908 Train Depot on its grounds, Depot Park plays host to The Kennesaw Concert Series each summer in a setting that combines historic charm with modern concert magic, thanks to a newly built amphitheater. Up next on Aug. 22, Rumors ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute. Public parking is not available, so be prepared to walk.
Canton: River Rock
When: Third Saturday of each month, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Etowah River Park, 500 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton
River breezes keep nights cool in Etowah River Park, where River Rock provides free live music to downtown Canton on select Saturdays. This summer, expect an Aerosmith tribute band and award-winning country acts like Mark Wills and Ricky Skaggs. Food trucks and beverage vendors make it an easy summer date night.
Northeast Georgia
Cumming City Center Summer Concerts
When: Select Friday nights, 8-10 p.m.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater, 450 Vision Dr., Cumming
Cumming City Center brings free live music to the Lou Sobh Amphitheater in Forsyth County most summer Friday evenings. The tribute-heavy lineup includes acts covering Beastie Boys, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, and ‘80s rock, with admission and parking both free.
No coolers or outside food or alcohol are permitted, so plan to grab something from one of the on-site restaurants before the show.
Gainesville: First Friday Concerts
When: First Friday of each month, doors at 4 p.m., music at 7 p.m.
Where: Gainesville Square, 112 Bradford St NE, Gainesville
Gainesville’s First Friday Concerts transform the historic downtown square into a live music hub on the first Friday of each month, complete with food trucks and a kids’ activity area. The 2026 summer lineup runs from funk to country, with a bonus fireworks show over Fourth of July weekend. Coolers welcome, water is provided, and parking is free.
Athens: Athfest
When: Jun. 26-28
Where: Downtown Athens
This one is worth staying overnight for. Athens is arguably Georgia’s most storied music city, and AthFest is its signature celebration. The three-day festival features outdoor stages with free performances followed by an after-hours club crawl through some of the Classic City’s top underground music venues.
North Fulton/Alpharetta corridor
Alpharetta: Home by Dark Concert Series
When: Select Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Brooke Street Park, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta
If you’re tired of tribute acts, Home by Dark has the antidote. This year’s Songwriters at Sundown series brings original artists to Brooke Street Park behind Alpharetta City Hall on select Saturdays, with a 2026 summer lineup that includes Sarah Darling, Phil Barton, and Nathan Angelo. Blankets and picnics are encouraged.
Roswell: Sundays in the Park
When: Select Sundays, 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: Roswell Town Square, 610 Atlanta St, Roswell
The 40-member Roswell New Horizons Pops Band takes over Roswell’s historic Town Square during Sundays in the Park for an evening of big band, Dixieland, and brass that feels like a step back in time. Food and drinks are welcome, or you can head to Canton Street for a post-show bite.
Johns Creek Summer Concert Series
When: Select Friday and Saturday nights, doors at 6 p.m., music at 7 p.m.
Where: Locations vary, check website for details
Johns Creek’s Summer Concert Series packs free outdoor shows into the calendar from spring through fall, reaching a fever pitch with the July 3 Independence Day Celebration at the Boardwalk at Town Center. Food trucks are on-site, beer and wine are available, and blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged.
Alpharetta: Avalon Nights Live
When: Friday nights, 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Plaza at Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta
Every Friday from April through October, Avalon Nights Live turns the Plaza at Avalon into an open-air living room. Live music is accompanied by string lights, a beverage bar, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Arrive around 5 p.m. to set up your chairs and blankets.
Gwinnett County
Peachtree Corners Summer Concert Series
When: Select Saturdays starting at 7 p.m.
Where: Peachtree Corners Town Green, 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners
The Peachtree Corners Summer Concert Series draws between 3,000 and 4,500 people per show to the Town Green, which tells you everything you need to know. Openers hit at 7 p.m., headliners around 8:15, and the 2026 season runs May through October. Grab dinner from one of the nearby restaurants first; no pets or glass containers.
Norcross Summer Concert Series and Jazz in the Alley
When: Various dates, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Thrasher Park, 93 Park Dr., Norcross
Historic Downtown Norcross runs two free concert series out of Thrasher Park all summer, and they couldn’t be more different. The Summer Concert Series (celebrating its 20th year) brings monthly shows May through September. Jazz in the Alley counters with original jazz spanning funk, soul, Afrobeat, and R&B. Food trucks are on-site at both events.
Duluth: Rock the Block: Live & Loud Fridays
When: Fridays, Jun. 5-Aug. 28, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Duluth Town Green, 3142 Hill St. NW, Duluth
Every Friday through August, Rock the Block takes over Duluth’s Town Green with live bands spanning rock, pop, funk, country, and blues, offering a different sound every week. Blankets and chairs are welcome, and on-site vendors make it easy to ease into the weekend, no planning required.
Rock the Park Lilburn
When: June 13 and September 12, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Lilburn City Park, 76 Main St NW, Lilburn
Lilburn’s Rock the Park is a semi-annual bookend to summer—one show in June, one in September—both free at Lilburn City Park. The Jun. 13 kickoff features local opener Happy Hour followed by Who’s Bad, a Michael Jackson tribute. Food trucks, beer, wine, and margaritas are on-site. Coolers are welcome; outside alcohol is not. A free shuttle is available from select parking lots.
Grayson: Concerts in the Park
When: June 21, July 19, and August 16, 7 p.m.
Where: Grayson City Park, 475 Grayson Pkwy., Grayson
Don’t discount Gwinnett’s smaller cities when it comes to free summer music. Grayson’s Concerts in the Park is a prime example: Free monthly shows hit the Grayson Green through August, with The Ray Howard Band, Andrew Dixon, and The Original Splitz Band all on deck. Bring your lawn chairs and get comfortable.
East Metro
Stone Mountain: Tunes by the Tracks
When: Fridays, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Stone Mountain Village, East Mountain, and 2nd Street, Stone Mountain
Downtown Stone Mountain Village has a great Friday night habit: Tunes by the Tracks brings free live music to the corner of East Mountain and 2nd Street, steps from Outrun Brewery. The 2026 lineup runs through late June, featuring Blues Cartel, Natti Love Joys, Trina Meade & Co., and more. Wear your dancing shoes.
Loganville: Groovin’ on the Green
When: Third Friday of the month, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Loganville Town Green, 235 Main Street, Loganville
Five Fridays, five free shows, one Town Green. Loganville’s Groovin’ on the Green runs the third Friday of each month from May through September, with a 2026 lineup that spans funk, soul, rock, and R&B—Bumpin the Mango, After School Special, Departure, and R&B Inc. are all on the bill. Picnics and BYOB welcome; beer and wine only.
Conyers Concert Series
When: June 13 and July 3, 6 p.m.
Where: Railroad Street
Olde Town Conyers flies under the radar with one of Rockdale County’s best free nights out. The Conyers Concert Series lands on Railroad Street on select Saturdays through summer, with a 2026 bill running from Eagles and Bruno Mars tributes to a July 3 Red White & Boom blowout with a soundtrack by Bogey & the Viceroy. Food trucks and free parking keep things easy.
South Metro
First Friday at The Avenue Peachtree City
When: First Friday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: 239 City Circle, Ste. 1050, Peachtree City
The new Trader Joe’s isn’t the only thing popping off at The Avenue Peachtree City this summer. The first Friday of every month through October brings the parking lot to life with concerts from the likes of Souls Hill and Mostly ‘80s band. Arrive early to grab dinner and a to-go beverage to sip on during the show.
Newnan: Summer NewnaNights
When: Second Thursday of June, July, and August, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Newnan
You don’t have to wait for the weekend to have a good time in Newnan. On the second Thursday of June, July, and August, Summer NewnaNights takes over the downtown square with live music and family-friendly entertainment. Local businesses get in on the action with sales and food and drink specials during these celebratory nights.
West Metro
Villa Rica: Summer Concert Series at The MILL Amphitheater
When: Various dates, 7-10 p.m.
Where: The MILL Amphitheater, 106 Temple St, Villa Rica
The MILL Amphitheater gives Villa Rica a summer music scene that’s worth the drive. The free summer concert series runs monthly from June through August with toe-tapping rock, pop, and country acts. Do as the locals do and arrive early to grab dinner downtown first.
LaGrange: Saturday Night Alive at Wild Leap Brewery
When: Last Saturday of the month, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Wild Leap Brewery, 308 Main St., LaGrange
Free music and quality craft beer in a converted service station. What more could you want from a Southern summer night? LaGrange’s Saturday Night Alive at Wild Leap Brewery keeps the acts under wraps until the week of the show, while a kid- and dog-friendly patio plus Midnyt smashburgers all but guarantee a great time.
Savannah & Coastal Georgia
Savannah: Eastern Wharf Free Concert Series
When: Various dates, 7-10 p.m.
Where: The Park at Eastern Wharf, 101 Port St., Savannah
The Savannah Stopover Music Festival and Eastern Wharf have teamed up for a monthly free concert series on the riverfront at The Park at Eastern Wharf. Summer nights on the water feature a soundtrack from local acts like Damon and The Shitkickers, along with food trucks and to-go beverages. Metered street parking and a dedicated garage are both available.
Darien Waterfront Concert Series
When: Second Saturday of each month, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Darien Waterfront Park, 1 Screven St., Darien
The Darien Waterfront Concert Series runs on the second Saturday of each month, June through October, at Darien Waterfront Park. The 2026 lineup includes Eric Culbertson (Jun. 13), Your Mom’s Favorite Band (Jul. 11), and South of Athens (Aug. 8). Bring a chair, bring a cooler, and—if you’re able—bring a canned food donation for the Darien Lions Club hunger initiative.
Brunswick: Silver Bluffs Music Series
When: Various Fridays and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Silver Bluff Brewing Co., 1325 Newcastle St., Brunswick
Silver Bluff Brewing Co. in Historic Downtown Brunswick runs live music most Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer, pairing local and regional acts with an open-air beer garden in the heart of the Golden Isles. The rotating lineup has featured everything from brass bands to Americana, with food trucks on-site most nights of the week. Check the brewery’s events calendar before heading out for the current schedule.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
