Can you believe this year marks the 50th anniversary of Woodstock? The music and art festival filled the air at a Bethel, New York dairy farm with the sounds of rock music legends such as Joan Baez, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Who from August 15 – 18, 1969. Planned for three days, the event spilled over into a fourth day.
Five decades ago, Woodstock tickets were $6 a day or $18 for all three days. When more than 400,000 people showed up at the original, Woodstock became the granddaddy of free music shows.
Maybe you’ve left your tie-dyed shirts and love beads behind, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy free music under the stars (or in the sun) this summer. Here’s a list of no-cost concerts sure to please every taste, from Bach to rock and everything in between. Check websites for details.
Grab your chairs, blankets, picnic baskets and favorite folks for these outdoor concerts — headbands optional.
ONE-DAY EVENTS
PUT-IN-BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 8, noon – 7:00 p.m.
putinbay.com
Six bands will perform throughout the day on the expansive grounds of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island.
STAR SPANGLED SPECTACULAR
Mall B in Downtown Cleveland, July TBA
clevelandorchestra.com/news-and-updates
This annual free concert features the Cleveland Orchestra and fireworks. A highlight is the 1812 Overture accompanied by cannons. The date will be announced soon.
THE FEST
Sunday, August 4, noon – 10 p.m.
thefest.us
28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe
“Generations of Faith and Family” is the theme for this family event. Several Christian bands will provide music and inflatables, crafts, children’s’ activities, a Moms’ Relaxation Station, Man Cave and food add to the fun. The day concludes with a Mass and fireworks display.
COMMUNITY CONCERTS
(Don’t see your city? Check its website.)
EDGEWATER LIVE/EUCLID BEACH LIVE
Thursdays (Edgewater) and Fridays (Euclid Beach). Late May – August, 6- 9 p.m. Schedules available soon at clevelandmetroparks.com.
This 10-week series at Edgewater’s Centennial Plaza Beach House, and the site of the iconic former amusement park, is a true Cleveland beach party. Come early (gates open at 4:30 p.m. for food, fun and great views).
STINCHCOMB SUMMER CONCERTS
Wednesdays, July 3 – 31, 6-8 p.m.
clevelandmetroparks.com
Come to the Stinchcomb/Groth Memorial Scenic Overlook in the Metroparks’ Rocky River Reservation for ice cream, great views and free tunes.
WOW! WADE OVAL WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays, June 12 – August 21 (skip July 3), 6-8 p.m.
universitycircle.org
10820 East Boulevard, Cleveland
Grab some treats from food trucks or bring your own to this eclectic concert series.
HESSLER STREET FAIR
Saturday – Sunday, June 1 – 2, music from noon to dusk.
hesslerstreetfair.org
Set in the University Circle neighborhood, this two-day fest attracts thousands to enjoy food, vendors, street performances and music from rock to classical, jazz and blues. On tap this year are local favorites Austin Walkin’ Cane (Saturday), Colin Dussault and The Swing Time Big Band (Sunday).
LAKEWOOD FRONT PORCH CONCERTS
Fridays, June 28 – August 30, 7 p.m.
LakewoodAlive.org/FrontPorchConcerts
Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Ave.
For the ninth year, you can bring your favorite people, snacks, blankets and chairs to the front steps of the Lakewood Public Library for a mix of sounds throughout the summer.
BAYarts SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Sundays, June 16 – August 18, 7 p.m.
.bayarts.net/events/concerts
28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village
WESTLAKE SUMMER CONCERTS
Sundays, June 16 – August 11, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
cityofwestlake.org
Recreation Center Pavillion, 28955 Hilliard Blvd.
New this year will be the 2019 Westlake Music Festival. This two-day event will kick off on Saturday, August 10 at the Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd., 2 – 7 p.m. with music, entertainment and food. On Sunday, August 11, stop by the recreation center for more tunes, inflatables, balloons and face painting.
MUSIC IN THE PARK AT CROCKER PARK
Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer, 6-8:30 p.m.
crockerpark.com
189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake
Free, live music throughout the summer at the Roche Wealth Management of Raymond James Theater near the Cheesecake Factory.
LEGACY LIVE AT LEGACY VILLAGE
Fridays and Saturdays, May 24 – August 31, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
legacy-village.com
25001 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst
A total of 34 concerts will keep any music lover happy. Concerts are on the lawn between the California Pizza Kitchen and Bar Louie.
ROCKY RIVER SUNSET CONCERTS
Sundays, Memorial Day Weekend through August
rrcity.com
City Hall Park, 21012 Hilliard Blvd./Rocky River Park, 20250 Beachcliff Blvd.
Highlights include an appearance by Beatles cover band Revolution Pie, with free pie served up by city officials, and Dog Days’ free hot dogs. Your four-legged friends are welcome, too.
MENTOR ROCKS
Tuesdays, June 4 – August 27, 7- 9 p.m.
mentorrocks.info
Mentor Civic Amphitheater, 8600 Munson Rd.
CHARDON CONCERT IN THE PARK
Fridays, June 7 – September 13, 7- 9 p.m., .chardonevents.com
Chardon Square
Enjoy tunes from a variety of bands, from rock to jazz.
BEREA LIVE AT THE LAKE
Fridays, June 28 – August 2, 8–10 p.m., cityofberea.org/226/Live-at-the-lake
Coe Lake Park
BEACHWOOD INSIDE – OUTSIDE CONCERTS
Outside – Tuesdays, June 13 – July 25, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
visitbeachwoodohio.com
Family Aquatic Center, 25125 Fairmount Blvd.
Inside – Thursdays, June 15- July 27, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd.
Summer Concerts Opera sidebar for LAURA
Fresh Air Arias
Want to introduce the kids or yourself to opera? The Cleveland Opera Theater offers a free, family-friendly way to discover the art of opera. Pack a picnic try some opera tailgating.
* Uptown Park in Medina, Saturday, June 15 – 7 p.m.
* The Grove Amphitheater in Mayfield 425 North Commons Blvd., in July
* BAYarts in Cleveland Metroparks Huntington Reservation, 28795 Lake Rd., Sunday, August 11, 7 p.m.
* Little Italy Feast of the Assumption, on the steps of Holy Rosary Church, Friday, August 16, 7 p.m.
*Dunham Tavern in mid-town Cleveland, Sunday, August 25, 6:30 p.m.
Go to clevelandoperatheater.org/summer for updated schedules and information.
Sue Botos is a freelance writer from Rocky River who is known to sing along at various musical venues.