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

By Sofia Appolonio and 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. 

As Baltimore continues to embrace impressive headliners taking the stage at CFG Bank Arena—going strong in its second year with upcoming names like Usher (Aug. 23) and Sabrina Carpenter (Oct. 5)—it’s also mourned the loss of a few massive music festivals in the area. Firefly in Dover, DE won’t be returning for the second year in a row, and Moonrise Festival isn’t coming back to Pimlico Race Course this summer. 

Still, there are still plenty of sights and sounds to look forward to. From upbeat entertainers to country stars (plus returning local summer concert series), here’s an overview of some of the hottest shows to catch in the next few months.

Industry Icons

7/13: Janet Jackson
CFG Bank Arena
The queen of pop is coming to help you lose control to No. 1 hits like “Escapade,” “When I Think of You,” and “That’s the Way Love Goes.” You can also look forward to hits like “Hot in Here” and “Air Force Ones” by special guest, Nelly.

8/6: Fantasia
Pier Six Pavillion
The Grammy and American Idol-winning songstress is bringing her sparkling vocals to Pier Six Pavilion on the heels of her starring role in last year’s The Color Purple movie musical and an extraordinary tribute to Tina Turner at this year’s awards for the recording academy.

8/1: Missy Elliott
CFG Bank Arena
Make sure to drop it, flip it and reverse it when you see one of hip- hop’s most dynamic performers for an out-of-this-world show—featuring her legendary peers Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and Timbaland. 

8/16: New Kids On The Block
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Eighties and ’90s nostalgics are going to flood the Merriweather grounds for this one. Following the release of their Still Kids album—their first LP in nearly 11 years—the forever boyband is bringing their charismatic blend of synthpop and hip-hop on the “Magic Summer” tour with special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

8/23: Usher
CFG Bank Arena
Still can’t get enough of Usher after his incredible Super Bowl halftime performance? Or just obsessed with TikToks of him serenading women in Vegas? You’re in luck. The R&B icon is coming to CFG Bank Arena toward the tail-end of summer to have us all falling in love again with his discography of hits and killer dance moves.

Pop Performers 

7/26: Countess Luann
Rams Head Live
Money might not buy you class, but it can buy you an unforgettable cabaret experience with Luann “The Countess” de Lesseps. The Real Housewives of New York star arrives in Charm City fresh off performing at festivals across Europe, ready to share her infinite etiquette wisdom from her “Marry F Kill” tour.

7/27: Two Door Cinema Club
Pier Six Pavillion
You might not be familiar with the group’s name, but you’ve undoubtedly heard the addictive guitar riffs on viral tracks like “Undercover Martyn” and “What You Know”—which blur the lines of funk, electronic, and indie rock. The Northern Ireland-based group will have you dancing with classics from their album Tourist History all the way to their new single “Happy Customers.”

7/28: Justice
The Anthem
Known best for their genre-blending electronica, the festival favorite French duo is set to have The Anthem jumping all night with the fresh psychedelic influences from their latest album Hyperdrama, alongside their classic brand of experimental funk and rock house music.

8/14: Joshua Bassett
Pier Six Pavillion
An instantly recognizable Gen-Z icon for his role in High School Musical The Musical: The Series, Joshua Bassett’s romantic soft pop sound will have you swooning all night long as he tours for his debut album, The Golden Years.

8/17: Glass Animals
Merriweather Post Pavilion
The chart topping alternative pop group—known for their smash hit “Heat Waves”—will have you on your feet all night with their radio candy melodies. Get there on time to catch an opening set from eclectic rapper and singer Kevin Abstract, formerly of the group BROCKHAMPTON.

Reliable Rockers

7/14: Gideon
Baltimore Soundstage
Through searing metalcore and angry, punctuating delivery, Gideon’s brand of distinct hardcore sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. Join the crowd at Soundstage to experience a “giddy” state of disorientation at the show.

7/19: G. Love & Special Sauce
Rams Head Live
Get in the groovy summer spirit as G. Love & Special Sauce looks back on 30 years since the release of their laid-back, blues-infused debut album.

7/19: Third Eye Blind with Yellowcard and Arizona
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, we can almost guarantee you’ve had Third Eye Blind’s catchy “Semi-Charmed Life” stuck in your head at one point or another. Embrace the summer spirit with the alternative rockers, who will be joined by pop-punk legends Yellowcard (“Ocean Avenue”) and electropop band Arizona.

8/3: Hootie and the Blowfish
Merriweather Post Pavilion
They only want to be with you, Baltimore. After releasing a new single “For What It’s Worth,” the band is stopping by Merriweather to play their hit-making blend of rock, blues, and country.

8/6: Black Flag
Ottobar
Seven studio albums and almost 50 years later, Black Flag’s rebellious sentiment within their classic punk sound still hits just as hard today. Dust off your leather jacket and break out those buried chains for a punk-filled night at the Ottobar.

8/10: Taking Back Sunday
Rams Head Live
Over two decades into their career, one of the most memorable ’00s alternative/pop-punk groups is headed out on tour to celebrate their eighth studio album, 152. If you’re a fan, you better make damn sure you grab tickets.

Country Stars

7/12: Conner Smith
Power Plant Live!
At only 23 years old, the rising star from Nashville is embarking on his first national tour, celebrating his debut album Smoky Mountains.

7/31: Whitey Morgan & the 78s
Baltimore Soundstage
Old-school outlaw country is the vibe from this Michigan-based band, which brings frontman Whitey Morgan’s smokey vocals and acclaimed songwriting to the forefront.

8/3: Niko Moon
Power Plant Live!
Best known for his work with the platinum-selling Zac Brown Band, musician Niko Moon continued blazing his own trail of positivity as a solo artist with his hit 2021 song Good Time. Now, he’s headed to Power Plant Live to promote his sophomore album Better Days.

8/8: Dierks Bently
Merriweather Post Pavilion
After “Drunk on a Plane” took the country scene by storm in 2014, Dierks Bently has been on a steady rise to superstardom and platinum recording artist status. Now, he’s planning to set Charm City ablaze during his Gravel and Gold Tour.

8/23: Brett Young
The Hall at Live!
Close out the season with one last country summer night headlined by Brett Young, whose unique West Coast take on modern country makes the tour for his new album Across the Sheets a must-see.

Festivals

7/20: Sonar Fest 2024
Fish Head Cantina
The Halethorpe bar will become a metal lovers paradise with headbanging headliners Revenge Beast and Marc Rizzo of the groups Ill niño and Soulfly.

8/2-8/4 Artscape
Station North
America’s largest free outdoor arts festival is celebrating its 40th year with an epic live music lineup. Aside from the array of Baltimore musicians performing throughout the weekend, the fest will welcome 10-time Grammy Award-winning queen of funk Chaka Khan on Friday night, renowned drummer Sheila. E on Saturday, and reggae stars The Original Wailers on Sunday.

8/9: Sad Summer Festival
The Chrysalis at Merriweather
Get your fill of summertime sadness when the national pop-punk/emo festival returns this year to The Chrysalis at Merriweather—featuring Mayday Parade, The Wonder Years, Knuckle Punch, and Daisy Grenade, to name a few.

8/10: Hot August Music Festival
Oregon Ridge Park
Celebrating its 31st year, this Baltimore County staple is once again bringing the heat. See headliners Snarky Puppy and Grace Potter, joined by the feel-good funk acts Neal Fracis, Eggy, and more. Kids under 12 get in free.

Local Concert Series

8/10, 9/7, 10/5: Baltimore by Baltimore
Inner Harbor Amphitheatre
This monthly concert series is a celebration of the diverse musical communities that call Baltimore home, with themes for each all-day lineup including Bmore Club and acoustic roots. The gatherings also highlight local makers, with an array of locally sourced vendors and food trucks.

6/2-8/18: Bel Air Sunday 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 rock and roll-inspired Sagamore Band, and the Seth Kibel Quintet—which is known to fuse the styles of jazz, swing, and klezmer. 

6/7-8/2: Feet On the Street
Allegheny Avenue, Towson
This First-Friday block party in Towson brings in a new band from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., as well as a bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails. This summer, catch local cover groups That’s What She Said, Crushing Day, and Weird Science. 

6/21-8/30: 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 The Soul Magnets, Foreplay, and The Rescue Party spanning genres from rock to funk to soul, life will certainly be great in 21228 this summer. 

6/9-8/18 Patterson Park Summer Concert Series
Patterson Park
Spread out a blanket on select Sundays this summer to hear the stylings of Joe Falero Band, the Haitian Festival Concert, and reggae rockers Strykers Posse.

7/19, 8/23, 9/13: Summer Sounds at the Square
One Friday per month, Belvedere Square transforms into an open-air concert featuring local musicians, food from market purveyors, and shopping from art vendors. Acts like ’80s tribute band The New Romance and the specialty curated mixes of DJ Chris Luciano are on deck this year. 

6/11-8/27 Summer Sunday Concert Series at Harborplace
Inner Harbor Amphitheater
Every Sunday until the end of August, bring the family to the Inner Harbor for everything from local ska to authentic German performers. 

7/6-9/7: WTMD’s First Thursdays
Canton Waterfront Park
As usual, WTMD is pulling out all the stops for its annual First Thursdays free fest. The four small festivals are going to host visiting performers like DEHD from Chicago and Phosphorescent from Alabama, but also some big Baltimore names, as well. 

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. 

9/01 Mitski
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Mitski has slowly rocked the indie scene with her experimental and poignant lyricism. Dive right into sad girl fall with the Land is inhospitable…and so are we tour, featuring Sierra Ferrell as the opener.

9/14 ​​Love Groove Music Festival
Robert C. Marshall Park
Grab GA tickets for Love Groove’s eighth year, featuring an extensive lineup of genres and visual artists alongside the opportunity to learn more about the fest’s mission to nurture the next creative generation with its academy.

9/19-9/22 High Zero Music Festival
The Red Room Room at Normals Books and Records
Fortunately for the experimental fan, the High Zero festival will be returning in the fall to highlight the extraordinary and improvised work of local musicians exploring the possibilities of their medium—from drums to strings to vocals. 

9/27-29: Ocean’s Calling Festival
Ocean City Boardwalk
Keep your eyes on Stubhub and local Facebook groups to score tickets to the second iteration of this end-of-summer beach fest, which sold out within days. Headliners providing the sunset soundtrack throughout the three days include Blink 182, The Killers, Dave Matthews Band, The Beach Boys, Rebelution, and Maryland’s own O.A.R. 

Having a family doesn’t have to mean kissing your love of live music goodbye—at least not during Baltimore’s sunny seasons. Concert-hopping can totally be tougher with kids in tow, but this time of year the city is packed with outdoor, kid-friendly events parents can actually relax and enjoy. An atmosphere that puts parents at ease while catering to young ones means concert fun for all. This year, there’s plenty to choose from and few reasons to stay home.  

WTMD First Thursdays
The much-loved First Thursday concerts are back at Canton Waterfront Park starting May 3. Two stages, food vendors, drinks by The Brewer’s Art, and even a kid’s zone are sure to keep the whole family entertained. Artists like Jessica Lea Mayfield and Lake Street Drive will bring big crowds, so come early and post-up until those little yawns set in.

Summer Concerts at Oregon Ridge
This local park is known for its nature center and beautiful trails. But Oregon Ridge has music-lover appeal, too. From KarmaFest to Music in the Woods, and the always eagerly anticipated Hot August Music, the venue holds several day-long events perfect for every age. Kids can take listen to tunes, head over to the playground, and maybe snag a hug from the Oriole Bird, too (who tends to make an appearance at Hot August.

Belvedere Square Summer Sounds
If you’re in the market (Belvedere Market, that is) for a laid-back, post-work-week hang, Summer Sounds is just what the family ordered. Every Friday evening from May 25 until September 7, the square comes alive with music by local artists, and plenty of family dancing. Delicious food and slurpable drinks are available from Grand Cru and the market shops. Kids come for the face-painting, kid-zone games, and general running amuck with neighborhood friends. Parents stay for the music and sweet sangria. Equally sweet is the adult interaction and relaxed vibes the concerts never fails to bring.

MECU Pavilion (formerly Pier Six)
Not all concert venues are family-friendly, but MECU has a few perks that make bringing the kids a sinch. With lots of lawn space to roam, you won’t have to worry about tots getting lost in the shuffle or those little ear drums, either. Kids of all ages are welcome and those under two get in free. A few of this summer’s shows include Primus, LSD (Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and Dwight Yoakam), and The Barenaked Ladies. And if you’re really in it for the kids, don’t miss KidzBop Live on August 10.

Summer Socials on the Waterfront
Waterfront Partnership makes West Shore Park another great spot to gather and get down. Every second Friday from May through August, food trucks line the streets while Dooby’s provides drinks for thirsty concert-goers. This year, performers like Kelly Bell Band, The New Romance, What’s Next, and The Loose Ties take the stage. Kids surely aren’t forgotten at this summer standby either, with creative kid-zone fun, like giant building blocks.

Shop and Eat to the Beat on the Avenue
Live music begins at White Marsh on May 25 and continues every Friday and Saturday through Labor Day. The first band of the year is Nelly’s Echo. Other performers include the Cajun and zydeco sounds of The Crawdaddies and reggae from Jah Works. Food can be purchased from any of the avenues eateries and beer, wine, and crushes are available in the event area. With plenty of retail stores to hit up nearby, there are tons of reasons to check out the family-centric weekly events.

Feet on the Street in Towson
Bands, bouncy castles, face-painting, and more make this Towson mainstay an event local families look forward to every year. On Friday evenings from May 18 through September 28, local bands like Jury, Crushing Day, and Kitty Black will perform. Families can relax, eat, drink, and get their feet moving over on Allegheny Avenue.

Summer Concerts at Merriweather Post Pavilion
While you might not want to take your kids to the Vans Warped Tour on Sunday, July 27 just yet (though the event is all ages—and they might just enjoy the mohawks and crowd-surfing!), Merriweather has plenty of day-long events that are perfect for the whole family. From the Capital Jazz Festival on Sunday, June 3 to the Summer Spirit Festival on August 4 and 5, there are more than a few concerts to choose from. The kid-friendly site has a spacious lawn with plenty of room for the kids to wiggle, cruise the vendors or just rock out.