Summer in Marin County means warm evenings, scenic backdrops, and the sweet sounds of live music filling the air. From community parks to downtown plazas, there's no shortage of free outdoor concerts to catch this month and all summer long. Here's our guide to the best shows coming up:
Jazz & Blues by the Bay - Sausalito
- Dates: Fridays, June 5 - September 25
- Time: 6:30 - 8:00pm
- Location: Gabrielsen Park, Sausalito
- Details: One of Marin's most scenic summer concert traditions returns with an expanded lineup for 2026 and two extra shows added this year. The series features the Beau Beau Band, Spike Sikes and His Awesome Hotcakes, Juke Joint, James Henry Hands on Fire, West Coast Blues Society, and more. Bring a low chair and enjoy the music right on the water.
Concerts on the Green - Novato
- Dates: Fridays, June 5 & 19, July 10 & 17, August 7 & 21
- Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm
- Location: Novato Civic Green, 901 Sherman Avenue
- Details: Novato's popular free summer concert series returns with a diverse lineup: Git With It (June 5), Sean Carscadden Trio (July 10), The Fell Swoop (July 17), Big Blu Soul Quartet (August 7), and Anthony Arya (August 21). Bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and your own snacks and drinks. Note: Dogs are not permitted.
Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music
- Dates: June 13-14
- Time: Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 11am-6pm
- Location: Downtown Novato
- Details: For more than four decades, this beloved festival has brought together live music, local art, wine, craft beer, and community spirit in the heart of Novato. The 2026 lineup features Crying Uncle, Pop Fiction, Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs, and more. Free admission!
- Dates: Sundays, June 14 - August 30
- Time: 5:00 - 6:30pm
- Location: Town Park (while Menke Park is under renovation) concerts return to Piccolo Pavilion in Menke Park in late July)
- Details: The Corte Madera Community Foundation continues its long-standing tradition of bringing live music to the community. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of free music all summer long. The 2026 lineup includes the Corte Madera Town Band, Boot Juice, Ruth Gerson, Miko Marks, and many more through August.
Stern Grove Festival - San Francisco
- Dates: Sundays, June 14 - August 16
- Time: 2:00pm
- Location: Sigmund Stern Grove, San Francisco
- Details: One of the Bay Area's most iconic summer traditions, now in its 89th year. Free admission, but advance reservations via lottery are required. The 2026 lineup features Japanese Breakfast, Violent Femmes, Public Enemy, Al Green, Major Lazer, and Patti LaBelle.
Creekside Fridays - Mill Valley
- Dates: Fridays starting June 19
- Time: 5:00 - 7:30pm
- Location: Tam Valley Community Center, 203 Marin Avenue, Mill Valley
- Details: Free concerts in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Bring a picnic and enjoy live performances by local bands
San Anselmo Live on the Avenue
- Dates: Fridays & Saturdays, June 20 - September 12
- Time: 6:00 - 8:30pm
- Location: Creek Park Amphitheater & Town Hall Plaza, Downtown San Anselmo
- Details: Live On The Avenue transforms downtown San Anselmo into a vibrant gathering space with free live entertainment, local dining, and relaxed summer evenings in the heart of town. The 2026 lineup includes the Traveling Wilburys Revue, Shana Morrison and Caledonia, Zydeco Flames, Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88s, local youth bands, and more.
Belvedere Concerts in the Park
- Dates: Sundays, June 21, July 12, August 9 & September 6
- Time: 4pm
- Location: Belvedere Park
- Details: Now in its 28th season, Belvedere's beloved free concert series returns with a strong 2026 lineup: Super Diamond (Neil Diamond tribute), Native Elements, and Foreverland (Michael Jackson tribute).
Music in the Park - San Rafael
- Dates: Fridays, June 26, July 10, August 7 & 21
- Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm
- Location: Marinwood Community Center
- Details: Live music, BBQ from Marinwood Market, and a bar for adults in a beautiful park setting. Featuring top Bay Area rock, bluegrass, and folk artists. Don't forget the picnic blanket.
Homestead Valley Music Festival - Mill Valley
- Date: Saturday, August 29
- Time: 11:30am - 6:00pm
- Location: Homestead Valley Community Center, 315 Montford Ave, Mill Valley
- Details: A free outdoor community festival featuring four local bands. Enjoy local beer, wine, food, baked goods, sno-cones, and activities for the kids. A great day out for the whole family.
- Date: Saturday, August 29
- Time: 4:00 - 7:00pm
- Location: Magnolia Avenue, Downtown Larkspur
- Details: A fun evening of wine tasting and food from local restaurants and vendors as you stroll through historic Downtown Larkspur. Now in its 14th year, this is a great night out whether you know your wines or just enjoy a good glass. Tickets required.
Sound Summit - Mount Tamalpais
- Date: Saturday, September 12
- Time: 11:30am - 7:00pm
- Location: Mountain Theater, Mount Tamalpais
- Details: A one-day music festival held at a 4,000-seat natural stone amphitheater with sweeping views of the Bay. The festival is put on by Roots & Branches Conservancy as an annual celebration of Mount Tam State Park, and has raised over $300,000 for the mountain to date, funding trail and bridge restorations, fire prevention, water conservation, and more. Go for the music, stay for the views, and know your ticket is doing some good. Print your tickets ahead of time - cell service is spotty on the mountain.