In a society that’s built around screens, streams and virtual music scenes, we often lose sight of the energy and dedication that goes into creating a killer beat or catchy melody. While virtual works in a pinch, there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the bass and the buzz of live music. Fortunately, our local music scene offers an abundance of opportunities when it comes to enjoying fantastic live music, especially during the summer months. Whether you’re in the mood to set up your beach chair and kick back at a free concert on the beach or soak up the smooth sounds of jazz and bluegrass along the river, you’re sure to enjoy one or all of these live outdoor concerts happening throughout the community in the months ahead.
BANDS ON THE BEACH
Each year, from April through October, you can enjoy free outdoor concerts on Pensacola Beach. This highly anticipated summer concert series promises a musical extravaganza spanning from rock and country, to pop and funk and everything in between. Hosted by the Santa Rosa Island Authority and set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach, Bands on the Beach offers free weekly concerts every Tuesday night from 7 to 9 pm. Grab some friends, pack the cooler and lawn-chairs and head out to the beach for one or all of these free beachside concerts. Pets and glassware are not permitted. Check out the full lineup of scheduled performances at visitpensacolabeach.com.
Upcoming Performances:
• June 11: 2Eleven
• June 18: Float Like a Buffalo
• June 25: Vinyl Revival
• July 2: Johnny Earthquake & the Moondogs
• July 9: Still Standing, a Tribute to Elton John
• July 16: On the Rox
• July 23: Stormfolk
• July 30: Tyler Mac
BANDS ON THE BAYOU
Brought to you by the East Hill Neighborhood Association in partnership with the City of Pensacola, Bands on the Bayou is a community-centric concert series that gives back to our local community. This neighborhood concert series features local and regional talent representing a variety of music genres. Concerts are held on the bank of Bayou Texar at Bayview Park located in the East Hill neighborhood of Pensacola at 2001 E. Lloyd St. Members of the community are invited to bring chairs and blankets to set up on the lawn outside of the Bayview Community Center during concerts. Boat access is also available and guests are welcome to take in the tunes from their own watercraft. Local food trucks will also be onsite to dish up tasty snacks and foods for concert-goers. Through contributions from local sponsors, this concert series is free and open to the public. Proceeds from the event directly benefit local non-profit organizations throughout our community. Food vendors begin serving at 4:30 pm and bands start at 6:30 pm. Check out the full calendar of upcoming concerts and more at bandsonthebayou.com.
July 27: Cowboy Park
Event proceeds will benefit local nonprofit organization Upwards Intuition, whose mission is to inspire and empower the next generations. Proceeds will help Upward Intuition construct a new skatepark in East Hill. Show your support by visiting their tent and making a donation at the July Concert.
October 5: Bay Bridge Band
Event proceeds will benefit local nonprofits, Rally Gulf Coast and SurvivorLed Solutions. Proceeds will directly support Rally’s mission to fund research for childhood cancer and to sponsor survivors of sexual exploitation for an all-inclusive LeadHer Retreat through Survivor-Led Solutions. Show your support by visiting their tents and making a donation at the October Concert.
BANDS ON THE BLACKWATER
Held each spring from April to June along the west bank of the Blackwater River in Milton, the Bands on the Blackwater Concert Series features live outdoor music in a family-friendly environment. Concerts are held on Friday nights from 7 to 9 pm at Jernigan’s Landing located at 5158 South Willing St. in Milton. The line-up offers a variety of music from local favorites to national touring bands performing Bluegrass, country, blues and rock and roll. Blankets, chairs and coolers are welcome, and dancing is highly encouraged. Fans are also welcome to come by boat, or anchor up in the river. Local food vendors will also be on-site dishing up delicious eats for attendees to enjoy. Check out @BandsOnTheBlackwater on Facebook for updates and the complete lineup of scheduled performances for 2024.
Upcoming Performances:
• June 7: Hired Guns
• June 14: The Modern Eldorados
• August 30: TBA
• September 6, 13, 20 & 27: TBA
• October 4, 11, 18 & 25: TBA
OPERA AL FRESCO
Join Pensacola Opera for an evening of beautiful music—al fresco! Pensacola Opera will present another installment of its popular pop-up concert series, Opera al Fresco, on June 18 at the Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheatre. Featuring some of the Opera’s most talented artists, Opera al Fresco brings live music to parks and green spaces throughout the community for all to enjoy. The evening will include a lovely concert of fan-favorite opera, musical theatre and popular tunes. Pensacola Opera has partnered with West Florida Libraries and the Southwest Branch Library to provide free entrance to the park for the concert. Simply present your library card at the gate for free admittance into the park for Opera al Fresco on June 18. The concert will be held from 6 to 7 pm. There is no cost to attend and RSVPs are not required. Big Lagoon State Park is located at 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy. Visit pensacolaopera.com for more information.