There’s nothing quite like live music, is there? The exciting sounds of people coming together for one shared purpose, to enjoy passionate, creative, knee-shakin’ tunes. All across the Merrimack Valley, especially in Lowell, Massachusetts, you can find live events, festivals, and music superstar concerts.
Continue reading to see what acts are coming to the Merrimack Valley area this summer and how you can attend.
The Lowell Summer Music Series
About The Summer Music Series
The Lowell Summer Music Series enters its 33rd year this summer. The music series isn’t just a great way to spend your summer evenings, it’s also a fantastic celebration of Lowell, MA itself presented by the Lowell Festival Foundation.
The music series features national recording artists performing their biggest hits at Boarding House Park within the beautiful Lowell National Historical Park near the historic textile mill. The outdoor setting is also perfect for those looking to explore downtown Lowell before or after the show. There are various cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops within walking distance of the stage.
Performance Schedule
The Lowell Summer Music Series invites artists from around the world to bring their unique sounds and culture to the stage. Below, you will find the lineup of upcoming shows and concerts.
- 6/17 – Leonid & Friends: The Music of Chicago
- 6/23 – Keb’ Mo’
- 7/15 – Dawes
- 7/16 – Andy Grammer
- 7/28-30 – Lowell Folk Festival
- 8/3 – Lyle Lovett & His Large Band
- 8/4 – Melissa Etheridge
- 8/6 – Pink Martini Featuring China Forbes
- 8/12 – Matt Nathanson
- 8/18 – Classic Albums Live: Creedence Clearwater Revival
- 8/19 – Led Zepplin 2
- 8/27 – Angkor Dance Troupe
- 8/31 – The Robert Cray Band
- 9/1 – Moe.
Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch the shows from lawn seating. Premium seating is also available closer to the stage. All shows start at 7:30 pm unless otherwise noted.
Free Fun For Kids
Free Fun For Kids is back this year for the Lowell Summer Music Series. This free kid-friendly concert series is a great way to spend a few days of your summer vacation. The shows happen on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from July through August. The typical show and activities schedule is as follows:
- 10 AM • Free Arts & Crafts by Lowell National Historical Park
- 10 AM • Free Children’s Books from Project LEARN
- 10 AM • Free Healthy Snacks from our natural foods sponsors
- 11 AM • Free Stage Performance
The upcoming acts (at this time) are:
- 7/12 – Hot Tamale Brass Band
- 7/13 – Yo-Yo People
- 7/19 – Trend N Motion Animal Kingdom
- 7/19 – Ben Rudnick & Friends: family-friendly acoustic music
- 7/20 – Curious Creatures
- 8/2 – Airborne Comedians
- 8/9 – Koliba Afropop
- 8/10 – Ben Rudnick & Friends
- 8/16 – Steve Kidding Magic
- 8/17 – Magic By George
Tickets & Season Passes
Be sure to visit the Lowell Summer Music Series website to learn more about each live performance and to purchase your tickets. The website also offers a season pass if you’d like to attend all or most live events.
Upcoming Summer Events At The Lowell Memorial Auditorium
The Lowell Memorial Auditorium on 50 East Merrimack Street in Lowell presents its own share of incredible live performances, from concerts to boxing matches. The auditorium is near many restaurants and places to stay overnight. If you wish to purchase tickets, please visit the Lowell Memorial Auditorium website.
Below, you’ll find a few of their upcoming shows this summer.
Ben Folds
Date: June 14, 2023
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Ben Folds brings his acerbic, genre-bending take on piano pop and alternative rock to Lowell, with his masterful new collection, What Matters Most. The stories told in Folds’ newest songs are sometimes bittersweet, sometimes hilarious, and often laced with a sense of longing and dread, but overall designed to be an open hand reaching out to those hurt and confused by a chaotic world.
Christopher Cross & Justin Hayward
Date: June 16, 2023
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Two of music’s most iconic voices come to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium stage to perform together. Christopher Cross has won Grammys for songs like “Sailing” and his music has won five Grammys, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy Nomination. Meanwhile, Justin Hayward is known as the vocalist, lead guitarist, and composer for the Moody Blues (“Nights in White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon”) and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Happy Together Tour
Date: June 18, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
2023 will mark the 14th year of the highly successful, hit-filled summer package, The Happy Together Tour. The touring sensation that has crossed the nation for over a decade, delighting audiences in cities and towns all over, returns this summer with a show full of chart-topping hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Down & Dirty Boxing
Date: June 24, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Reyes Boxing and Fire Fist Promotions proudly present the latest installment of Down and Dirty. See favorite local boxers like Gabby “The Menace” Morales, Harry “The Hitman” Gigliotti, Khiry Todd, Luke Iannuccilli, and Raheem Davis. Plus, out-of-town stars like Joe James, Chris Thompson, Rayton Okwiri (2016 Olympian), Robert Sabbagh, and on his quest back to a world championship William “Baby Face” Silva.
America
Date: August 19, 2023
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
2023 marks the 53rd Anniversary of perennial classic-rock favorite, America. First known for their signature song “A Horse With No Name,” America became a global household name and put out an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Forty plus years later, they’re still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound.
