Best free live music events in the Raleigh-Durham
Here are some of the Triangle’s best free music festivals.
No matter the season, these top live-music festivals offer good times for the whole family. Pack up some lawn chairs and your favorite beverage and explore the sounds and music culture of North Carolina.
Freight Train Blues
This music series highlights blues and roots music, celebrating the life and legacy of Piedmont blues legend, Elizabeth ‘Libba’ Cotten, born in 1893 in Carrboro. Cotten’s style was unique and highly regarded by many musicians. Unique blues and roots music is what this festival is all about.
Freight Train Blues Concert Series
When: Fridays from May to June
Location: Carrboro Town Commons
301 West Main Street, Carrboro
Southern Village’s Sunday Night Live
This event celebrates live music on Sunday evenings. This free music series showcases local artists, while providing a family-friendly event.
Sunday Night Live
When: Sundays, starting in April. The series typically takes place through the whole summer.Location: Southern Village, 600 Market Street, Chapel Hill
Fridays on the Front Porch
Hosted by the Carolina Inn, this is one of Chapel Hill’s favorite gatherings. Sip on crafted cocktails and North Carolina beers, enjoy live music and nibble on cuisine from their weekly food truck lineup. It’s fun for all ages.
Fridays on the Front Porch
When: Fridays from April to October
Location: Carolina Inn, 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill
Last Fridays Makers Market
Live music is featured at this free town-wide celebration of art & community, hosted by the Hillsborough Arts Council.
Last Fridays Makers Market
When: May to October, last Fridays.
Location: Old Courthouse Lawn in Hillsborough, 104 E King Street, Hillsborough
(Part of the maker's market featuring an outdoor concert).
PLAYlist
Each evening starts with dinner and drinks open and then DJ Travis Gales spins his Friday Night Mix live at the park. Then the band takes the stage. All the music is simulcast live through WNCU 90.7 FM. Then, after the show, DJ Travis will close the night out with a Dance Party in the Park. Bring your own chair or blanket. Leashed dogs are welcome.
PLAYlist Concert Series
When: May to October, last Fridays.
Location: 501 Foster Street, Durham
Rock the Park
No matter what your musical preference is or your favorite movie genre, there is something for everyone. Sit back, relax and enjoy family and friends while grooving to music or watching a movie on a big screen. Attendees may bring their own food or purchase food from a rotating line-up of local on-site vendors curated by Durham Parks and Recreation.
Durham Parks and Recreation’s Rock the Park
When: Concerts on select Saturdays in June, July and August
Location: Various parks around Durham
Streets at Southpoint
The Music on Main Concert Series continues on the Cinema Circle Stage with select dates. Each Saturday from 6-9 p.m. the audience can enjoy great live music and a family friendly vibe all summer long.
Music on Main
When: Saturdays from April to September
Location: Streets at Southpoint
6910 Fayetteville Road, Durham
Live After 5
Travel back in time to the 80s and 90s! This music block party features nostalgic musical acts, vintage clothing vendors and more. A music event going back 20+ years.
Live After 5
When: April to July, third Wednesdays
Location: City Plaza
443 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
Midtown Beach Music Series
Midtown Beach Music Series features all the feel good music we love: beach music, Motown, oldies, R&B, and more.
Midtown Beach Music Series
When: Thursdays from April to June
Location: Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park, 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street, Raleigh
$5 (age 13 and under free).
Raleigh Summer Concert Series
Free Summer Concert Series for the whole family. Bring your own chair or blanket. No food is available at Fred Fletcher Park.
Raleigh Summer Concert Series
When: Summer concerts on select Sundays from June to September
Location: Fletcher Park, 820 Clay Street, Raleigh
Pullen Park, 520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh
Wind Down Wednesday
This is Chapel Hill’s mid-week social, complete with mingling, sipping, and vibing. Each week, La Vita Dolce invites all ages to enjoy live music, wine specials, and beautiful NC weather on their patio. Wine Down Wednesday is 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with live music on the patio (weather permitting). They do not take reservations — any available table is yours and the earlier you arrive, the more likely there will be a table available. Wine Down Wednesday is kid-friendly and dog-friendly, so bring the whole crew. Small plates, gelato, and sorbetto are available for order in addition to wine and beer.
Wind Down Wednesday
When: from April to October
Location: La Vita Dolce at Southern Village
610 Market Street, Chapel Hill
Bands, Bites and Boats
One Friday a month, the Bond Park Boathouse hosts musicians, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals. Spend your Friday evening floating on Bond Lake in the setting sun while you listen to great music and enjoy delicious food. Prefer to stay on land? Bring a lawn chair, friends, and family. All events are free.
Bands, Bites and Boats
When: First Friday of month from April to October
Location: Bond Park Boathouse
801 High House Road, Cary
Summer Concert Series at Waverly Place
Waverly Place, presents a Summer Concert Series the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from May to August. The concerts feature fun, high-energy bands, and take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. Coolers and outside alcohol are not permitted.
Summer Concert Series at Waverly Place
When: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from May to August
Location:Waverly Place, 575 New Waverly Place, Cary
Josh Cellars Jazz Series
This popular low-cost Wednesday night Josh Cellars Jazz Series is at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, promising a refreshing mid-week break.
Josh Cellars Jazz Series
When: Wednesdays from April to May.
Location: 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary,
$5 for lawn tickets (kids 12 and under do not need tickets for the lawn).
Cary Live
A free, family-friendly concert series at Cary’s old library site. Food and drinks are available for purchase from local vendors.
Cary Live
Various dates
Cary’s old library site, 310 South Academy Street, Cary
Park After Dark
A free outdoor concert series, on select Wednesdays in the summer and fall, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Park After Dark
Various dates
Cary’s old library site, 310 South Academy Street, Cary
