Free summer concerts in South Florida: Rock, reggae, country & more playing from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale

The Starlight Musicals in downtown Fort Lauderdale began 45 years ago with an idea that should never go out of style: Free city-sponsored concerts in the park on a stage, surrounded by locals on blankets held in place by picnic baskets and coolers filled with fellowship on ice.

It is a template you’ll find in place all over South Florida as free summer concert series get going, including the Starlight Musicals’ return on Friday, June 7. Here’s a look at some of the places to find a free concert near you. 

FORT LAUDERDALE

The city’s Starlight Musicals take place from 7 to 10 p.m. each Friday, from June 7 through Aug. 9, on the football field at Holiday Park, at East Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway. Lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers are encouraged, while food and beverages also will be available for purchase. Nonperishable food donations are accepted for The Pantry of Broward and LifeNet4Families. Pet food donations will benefit Abandoned Pet Rescue.

The music schedule is: June 7, Marijah & The Reggae All Stars; June 14, Valerie Tyson Band (R&B and pop); June 21, Start Me Up! (Rolling Stones tribute); June 28, Remix (Top 40); July 5, Caliente (Latin); July 12, Andrew Morris Band (country); July 19, Brass Evolution (classic rock); July 26, The Clique (Southern rock); Aug. 2, Marvels of Motown; Aug. 9, Shane Duncan Band (party rock).

Information: Parks.FortLauderdale.gov/starlight

WEST PALM BEACH

The city’s popular Clematis by Night concert series, a fixture in downtown West Palm Beach for more than 30 years, happens every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. The free concerts take place on the Palm Stage on the Great Lawn in Centennial Square at the West Palm Beach Waterfront. Through June 27, each concert will be accompanied by The Mini, an abridged version of the popular West Palm Beach GreenMarket.  

The summer schedule includes: June 6, Sweet Justice (reggae); June 13, Andrew Morris Band (country); June 20, Modern Day Divas (pop tributes); June 27, The Holidazed (funk/reggae); July 11, Mark Telesca (blues/Americana); July 18, East Harbor (alt-pop); July 25, Melinda Elena Band (R&B/rock); Aug. 1, Alive Beat Band (party pop); Aug. 8, Derek Mack Band (R&B/pop); Aug. 15, Poor Life Decisions (indie-rock covers); Aug. 22, On the Roxx (’80s and beyond); Aug. 29, The Caribbean Chillers (Jimmy Buffett tribute).

The other free concert series in downtown West Palm Beach is Sunday on the Waterfront, taking place from 4 to 7 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month at Meyer Amphitheatre, 104 Datura St. 

The current schedule includes: June 16, Motown and More; July 21, Stronger Than Me (Amy Winehouse tribute); Aug. 18, Quick Fix (rock/R&B).

Information: WPB.org

BOCA RATON

The city’s free Summer in the City concert series, cosponsored by American Social, will happen most Fridays at 8 p.m. (gates open at 7 p.m.) from June 14 to Aug. 9 at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real. Bring your own blankets and chairs, but chairs can be rented for $5. Food and beverages will be available to purchase inside the venue. Outside food, beverages and pets are not permitted. 

The schedule is: June 14, The Caribbean Chillers (Jimmy Buffet tribute); June 21, Rock of ABBA; June 28, China Grove (Doobie Brothers tribute); July 12, The Symphonia Boca Raton and Crazy Fingers (orchestra and local tribute band play the music of the Grateful Dead); July 19, Billy Buchanan and His Rock n’ Soul Revue; Aug. 9, annual Battle of the Bands Competition (8 p.m. concert). 

Information: MiznerAmp.com

WELLINGTON

The Village of Wellington will offer free concerts during its Food Truck & Music Series on Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. (music at 6:30 p.m.) and on certain Saturdays with 7:30 p.m. shows devoted to tribute bands. All concerts take place at the Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd. A variety of food trucks typically attend. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. 

The schedule so far includes: June 6, The Original Studio 54 Band (disco); June 8, The Linkin Park Tribute; June 13, The Viva Band (classic rock/R&B); June 20, Havoc 305 (classic rock/Top 40); June 27, Zendatta (Police covers); Aug. 15, On the Roxx (’80s and beyond).

Information: wellingtonfl.gov

DELRAY BEACH

The city’s free Sunset Concert series happens from 7 to 10 p.m. on the fourth Friday of the month at The Amphitheatre at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave. Concerts start at 8 p.m. Food and beverages are sold on-site, so no coolers or outside alcohol allowed.

The schedule so far includes: June 28, The Shaelyn Band (soul/blues); July 26, Mural Fest Reggae Celebration (begins at 4 p.m.).

Information: DelrayOldSchoolSquare.com/events 

BOYNTON BEACH

The city’s free First Friday @ 5 concert series happens from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of the month at Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 E. Ocean Ave. In addition to music, you’ll find food trucks, vendors and kids’ activities. 

The schedule so far includes: June 7, The Valerie Tyson Band (soul/pop); Aug. 2, The Samantha Russell Band (rock/country). 

Information: Boynton-Beach.org/Calendar

Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com. Follow on Instagram @BenCrandell and Twitter @BenCrandell.