4 Free Summer Concert Events

When the numbers on the thermometer rise outside so does the number of free summertime concert series available to go to in the Valley. Various bands can be found in different venues such as malls, parks, and pubs on most weekends.

Summer Concerts at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park 

Every Sunday until July 2, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale holds a free concert on Sunday evening. On Sunday June 25, Smashed will be playing. Smashed, an Arizona based band that is all about high-energy top 40 pop, dance, and hip-hop hits from ranging from the 90s to today. 


The band lined up for the final concert for this summer scheduled on July 2 is Mogollon. Mogollon, a Phoenix based country-rock group that provides High Energy Country and play about anything including their own original music.

Carolyn Moyle, assistant coordinator at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park said, “Crowd size ranges from 2,000 people to 4,500 people. It’s definitely fun for the whole family.” 

Moyle says people start to arrive around 6 p.m. to find a spot on the grass for either their blanket or folding chair. However the concerts don’t start until 7:30 p.m.

Concessions are available and are set up at one of the ramadas. Items available to purchase there include hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, chips, frozen fruit bar, bottled water, canned soda, and tea.

Additionally, the parks own Hartley’s General Store stays open until 9 p.m. selling different snack items including beverages and ice cream.

The park’s rides, such as the train and Charros Carousel, are open throughout the concert. All rides are $2 for those ages 3 and up and free for those under 3.

Also overflow parking is available.

Details: 7:30-9 p.m. Sunday, June 25 (and every Sunday through July 2). McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale. Free. therailroadpark.com

Cosmic Shindig at Westgate Entertainment District

The weekends this summer are full of free live music at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. This Friday evening, June 23, the featured band is Peppermint James.

Peppermint James started in Phoenix in 2004 and is influenced by traditional jazz and blues artists as well as bands such as The Beatles and The Wailers. They have energetic live performances and have released their sophomore album.

Every Friday and Saturday, Westgate hosts live music every Friday and Saturday in Fountain Park throughout the year.

Other bands performing at Westgate during June include a Queens tribute band performing on Friday, June 23 and on Friday, June 30th a rockabilly-blues band will take the stage.

Live performances will continue to take place in July with a full line-up of performances on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Details: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, June 23 (Fridays and Saturdays year-round). Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale. Free. westgateaz.com/events/full-calendar/.

Tempe Marketplace Concerts

Shoppers throughout the summer will be enticed with great live music at Tempe Marketplace’s free concert series. On both Friday and Saturday nights throughout June and July talented musicians will take to the District Stage.

Dreamers, an alternative rock band with roots in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, will take the stage this Friday, June 23. The band proclaims themselves as a cosmic rock trio challenging music boundaries by blending the sounds of alternative pop beats, classic rock guitar riffs, and psychedelic undertones together.

The band has performed across the country with their fresh sound and has performed at Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Meadows Music and Arts Festival in New York.

The free concert is a part of the Rock It Up concert series and features a beer garden sponsored by Bud Light and Four Peaks Brewing. 

Details: 7-10 p.m. Friday, June 23 (Friday and Saturday evenings through July). Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Free. tempemarketplace.com/events/live-music/

Static at Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen

What if you want to have a night out to hear live music performances during the week instead of the weekend? Then a trip to Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen in Phoenix is just the place for you to visit.

This Friday evening, singer songwriter Shawn Johnson and cover band The Walkens will be entertaining the crowd. 

Other musicians who will be playing the venue throughout the month of June include Coach Taylor playing reggae, hip-hop and folk; The Instant Classics who provide an interactive experience for the audience ;  rock band Radiofix; Taide performing a reggae acoustic set; Rock Lobster playing 1980s retro music and soul; and The Rich Berra Band providing an electric party pop experience.

Copper Blues has an elevated pub menu and features over 50 beers on tap.

Details: 5 p.m. (for Shawn Johnson); 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 23. Copper Blues (live music daily year-round), 50 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Free. copperbluesphoenix.laughstub.com/shows.cfm