Here are some of the hottest shows hitting area venues this summer.

By Molly Szymanski

Opening photo courtesy of Pier Six Pavilion

The classic Baltimore heat and humidity are starting to settle in, so you know what that means: it’s time to get outside to dance (and sweat) to some great live music. 

The Charm City area is chock full of superb concert venues—from the waterfront Pier Six to the spacious grounds of Merriweather—and there are lots of acts both big and small stopping by throughout the summer. 

Also of note for this season: a new stage has entered the scene. CFG Bank Arena debuted with its new name and look in February and hosted its first concert—a Bruce Springsteen show, no less—in April. It’s been off to a great start, and is set to host equally grand shows within the next few months. 

Unfortunately, it’s not all good news this summer. The annual Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware is on hiatus this year (organizers were vague about the announcement, stating that they would be taking a year to “recharge” and plan to return in 2024) and the ever-anticipated Baltimore Paramount is still under construction. But even still, there are still plenty of shows and sounds to get you through the summer. 

From upbeat entertainers to country stars (plus returning local concert series), here’s an overview of some of the hottest shows to catch in the next few months.

Upbeat Acts

7/8: T-Pain
The Anthem
Get low at the Wharf in Washington, D.C. and revert back to your early-2000s self with T-Pain, who just released his first album of new songs since 2019, On Top of the Covers, in March. Sit back, relax, get yourself a drank (see what we did there?) and let the throwbacks wash over you. 

7/19: Le Tigre
Baltimore Soundstage
Unleash your inner punk with the danceable sounds of Le Tigre. Their famous track “Deceptacon” has made a resurgence this year, so maybe we will finally figure out who took the bomp from the bompalompalomp…

8/13: JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown
Rams Head Live!
Celebrating the release of their joint album, SCARING THE HOES, in March, alternative hip-hop artists Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA are setting off on tour this summer to play their new hits like “Lean Beef Patty” and “Steppa Pig.” Of course, JPEGMAFIA is a Baltimore native, and his last tour with fellow local greats Turnstile and Snail Mail (surprisingly) didn’t have a stop in Charm City, so we can only expect for this hometown show will be twice as lively. 

8/19: Lionel Richie
CFG Bank Arena
From the pit to the nosebleeds, this Earth, Wind, and Fire sing-a-long show will have the entire crowd grooving all night long. Each ticket purchase also comes with a digital commemorative keepsake, so you’ll always remember this night—even if it’s not the 21st of September.

8/25: Steve Aoki at Coors Light Block Party
Power Plant Live
Whether you’re searching for your next rave or just want to plan a fun night out, this all-out summer block party DJ’d by Steve Aoki will definitely get you up and on your feet. Fair warning, he is known to throw a whole cake into the crowd at his shows, so dress appropriately.

Fans enjoy a show at the brand new CFG Bank Arena. —Courtesy of CFG Bank Arena via Facebook

Pop Performers 

6/29: YUNGBLUD
Pier Six Pavilion
After claiming fame for his 2020 album, weird!, and 2022 self-titled release, the English pop star stopped in Mexico City, Paris, Berlin, and London before getting to the U.S. on his first ever world tour. He will be joined at the pier by indie pop dreamgirls The Regrettes and fellow Brit, Caspr.

7/14: Big Time Rush
Merriweather Post Pavilion
The former Nickelodeon stars are back on tour after nearly a ten-year hiatus. Their show will likely feature their iconic 2010s anthems, as well as some tracks from their newest album, Another Life, which was released just a few weeks ago. 

7/21: Dominic Fike
Pier Six Pavilion
Having just released a single for the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack and planning to drop his second full-length album on July 7, this chill-pop songwriter has enough on his plate without the North American Tour. Even still, he’s stopping at Pier Six to play a setlist of vibey songs, including the No.1 Billboard Alternative chart-hitting “3 Nights.”

7/22: Louis Tomlinson
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Crossing the pond to celebrate the release of his album Faith in the Future, this One Direction alum has made a strong solo repertoire with tracks like “Back to You” with Bebe Rexha and “Just Hold On” with Steve Aoki. 

Reliable Rockers

6/20: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
The 8×10
This young blues master is coming to the ever-intimate 8×10 in Federal Hill this week. Ingram has been nominated for two Grammys and won one for his sophomore album, 662. His music, complete with jazzy licks and bold sound, make even the smallest venues seem like booming concert halls.

6/23: Weezer
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Weezer has been churning out hits since the ‘90s, so they’ve got countless bangers to choose when curating the setlist for their Indie Rock Roadtrip tour with punk rockers Joyce Manor and our own hometown heroes Future Islands. With recognizable tracks like “Beverly Hills” and “Buddy Holly,” even just listening on the lawn would make for a memorable night.

7/2 and 7/5: Barenaked Ladies
The Atlantis, The Anthem
I.M.P’s brand new venue The Atlantis—an intimate, 450-person club—debuted in Washington, D.C. just last month. Despite the tiny space, the venue’s inaugural summer lineup is full of big-name acts, including the Barenaked Ladies. Tickets are going fast for the small show, so if you can’t find a spot at the Atlantis, the band will return to D.C. on July 5 to play sister-venue The Anthem with Five for Fighting and Del Amitri.

8/9: Queens of the Stone Age
The Anthem
“Go With the Flow” until you find yourself in Washington, D.C. to see this timeless rock band play The Anthem. Even though it’s been 25 years since their first album came out, they’re still churning out jammable songs, their most recent being “Emotion Sickness” and “Carnavoyeur,” off their newest album In Times New Roman.

9/2: Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top
Merriweather Post Pavilion
What better place to kick off your shoes and listen to all nine painstaking minutes of “Free Bird” than the lawn at Merriweather? The stylings of Lynyrd Skynyrd will be joined by the equally iconic ZZ Top and country rocker Uncle Kracker; talk about a trifecta!

9/6: The Mission (UK)
Baltimore Soundstage
This British new wave band is bringing its groovy, synth-pop sound to Charm City. Since its founding in 1985, the band has fostered an underground following among goths, oldheads, and plain old lovers of synth.

9/10: Beck and Phoenix with Weyes Blood and Sir Chloe
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Two alt-rocking headliners with two indie supporting acts combine the best of both worlds to wind down the summer in Columbia. From the elements of folk in Beck’s music to Weyes Blood’s swaying rhythms, this all-star cast of artists will have you enthralled all night.

The lawn at Merriweather Post Pavilion. —Maryland GovPics via Flickr Creative Commons

Jam Bands

7/22: White Ford Bronco
Ottobar
Indulge in some nineties nostalgia with this fan-favorite cover band. From Alanis Morissette to Nirvana to Vanilla Ice, White Ford Bronco’s setlist is full of hits that are sure to take you back. It’s rare that this weekender band leaves the D.C. area, so see them in Baltimore while you can. 

8/18: Sublime w/Rome
Merriweather Post Pavilion
It doesn’t get much jammier than Sublime. The original band’s reincarnation, Sublime with Rome, has been carrying the torch into the 21st century with bouncy, reggae-inspired tracks like “Take It Or Leave It.” They’ll be joined by Slightly Stoopid, Atmosphere, and The Movement.

9/15: Electric Love Machine
The 8×10
This four-piece, local space disco band started out just making improvised electronic music. They’ve since made a name for themselves in Baltimore and beyond by touring around the Mid-Atlantic. This will not be their first rodeo at the 8×10, and likely not their last, but you still won’t want to miss their funky tunes.

Country Stars

7/15: Chris Stapleton
CPG Bank Arena
He sang the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl and now he’s coming to the shiny, new CFG Bank Arena to wow his audience with some of the biggest songs in the outlaw country genre since Johnny Cash. Opening for him are two contemporary crooners, Margo Price and Allen Stone.

7/16: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
The 8×10
Starting out busking and playing country songs outside of John Mayer and Phish concerts, this interstellar cowboy and Nashville native has worked his way up in the music world—and he’s hitting The 8×10 on his U.S. tour. He combines oozing synth and reverb with classic country sound to create something modern and perfect for those stiff summer months.

8/11: Morgan Wade
Rams Head Live!
This country pop star garnered attention with the confident anthems off her 2021 album Reckless, and has caused yet another uproar with her newest single “Psychopath,” which will double as the title for her next album, set to drop Aug. 25. We suspect she’ll play some unreleased songs at this show.

—Courtesy of Hot August Music Festival

Festivals

6/23-25: Reggae Rise Up Maryland
West Covington Park
Bounce and groove to the beat of reggae tunes on the Baltimore Peninsula. Acts like Method Man and Redman, Citizen Cope, and son of the reggae legend himself, Damian Marley, are sure to keep you feeling alright, even in sticky summer heat.

7/12: Sad Summer Fest
Pier Six Pavilion
Wallow in your emotions and indulge in some pop-punk on the pier with headliner Taking Back Sunday. Joining them is Hot Mulligan, Mom Jeans, The Maine, and more—making for perhaps one of the most emo Maryland lineups since Merriweather’s Warped Tour stop.

7/28: Outlaw Music Festival
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Get out your overalls and flip flops and be prepared to listen to some good old-fashioned country music from past to present. The lineup this year boasts Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Whiskey Myers, and other greats.

8/12-13: Moonrise Festival
Pimlico Race Course
This annual EDM extravaganza is best known for its late-night raves and out-of-this-world outfits from festival goers. Bonnie X Clyde, Big Gigantic, San Holo, and other artists big and small will be spinning sets. 

8/19: Hot August Music Festival
Oregon Ridge Park
Celebrating its 30th year, this Baltimore County staple is bringing the heat to Hot August. With funk and country-inspired band Little Feat headlining, it’s sure to be full of easy listening summer sounds. Others on the lineup include alt-pop quartet Ripe, Los Angeles-based folk-punk musician Sunny War, and our own Americana superstar Cris Jacobs.  Also of note: kids under 12 get in for free.

—Courtesy of All Things Go via Facebook

Local Concert Series

6/16-8/25: Frederick Road Fridays
15 Mellor Ave, Catonsville
After a long workweek, get out in the street and jam to local bands in Catonsville. With local acts like Radio Free Baltimore, The Soul Magnets, and Mia Samone spanning genres from rock to funk to soul, life will certainly be great in 21228 this summer. 

6/18-8/20: Bel Air Concert Series
Shamrock Park
The Town of Bel Air is hosting a handful of community ensembles every Sunday from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at Shamrock Park, which provide fun for the whole family. Weekly acts playing jazz, bluegrass, and big band music will make the listening—and the relaxing—very, very easy. Acts on deck include the Bel Air Jazz Ensemble, the ’30s and ’40s-inspired Aint Misbehavin’ Big Band, and the Seth Kibel Quintet—which is known to fuse the styles of jazz, swing, and klezmer. 

6/23-8/25: Feet On the Street
Allegheny Avenue, Towson
This weekly block party in Towson brings in a new band every Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., as well as a bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails. Local cover bands That’s What She Said, The Jury, and Chesapeake Sons frequently perform, but other acts are sourced regularly. 

7/1-11/4: Baltimore by Baltimore
Inner Harbor Amphitheatre
This monthly concert series is a celebration of the diverse communities that call Baltimore home, with themes for each all-day festival such as The Black Baltimore Renaissance, Latin Heritage, and Baltimore Jazz. The festival also highlights Baltimore’s makers, with an array of locally sourced vendors and food trucks.

7/6-9/7: WTMD’s First Thursdays
Canton Waterfront Park
The beloved Baltimore alternative radio station is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, and, as usual, they are pulling out all the stops for their annual First Thursdays free fest. Their four small festivals are going to host big names like Deer Tick and Michigander, as well as a slew of semi-known artists like Modern Nomad, Sweet Leda, and Abraham Alexander. You can say you knew them before they were cool.

 

Fall Watchlist

Keep hanging onto summer, even as it gets chillier. Even though these events aren’t happening until the fall, tickets are going fast and you won’t want to miss them. 

9/29-10/1: Ocean’s Calling Festival
Ocean City Boardwalk
After the inaugural fest was cancelled due to severe weather last summer, locals are looking forward to take two. The jam-packed lineup of famous acts will include The Lumineers, John Mayer, Alanis Morissette, and Jack Johnson. Other groups taking the beach-front stages will run the gamut of genres from indie to rock to country.

9/30-10/1: All Things Go Festival
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Imagine every manic pixie dream girl and heartthrob indie band you can think of. Now, put all of them on stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion. With Lana Del Rey, boygenius, Maggie Rogers, and more on the ticket, All Things Go is not for the faint of heart—it will make you laugh, cry, and probably spend a lot of money on merch. 

10/4-5: Queen and Adam Lambert
CFG Bank Arena
Really, need we say more? The timeless stylings of Queen played by the original active members and sung by one of the most prolific pop singers of our generation, Adam Lambert will make for a once-in-a-lifetime show.

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