There’s nothing better than live music in the summers. That’s especially true in the Triangle, where the summers are hot, but residents love taking to the streets to gather with friends and enjoy incredible food and an undeniably relaxing vibe.
If you’re looking for great music this summer, check out the following spots that can’t be missed. Put them on your list to explore before summer passes you by.
Carrboro
The Town of Carrboro hosts its annual Freight Train Blues event each summer, a free series featuring American roots music. Held in the Carrboro Town Commons, food and beverage trucks are available while enjoying this live music.
Cary
Owned by the Town of Cary, Koka Booth Amphitheatre is an intimate outdoor venue that seats 7,000 and draws in acts from across the United States. This beautiful location is nestled between massive hardwoods and pine trees, and it hosts numerous concerts and community festivals and celebrations throughout the summer and fall.
Chapel Hill
The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill hosts its free Fridays on the Front Porch gathering from 5 to 8 p.m. each Friday in the summers. Enjoy live music and local food trucks through the end of October.
Chapel Hill’s Southern Village hosts Sunday Night Live Music, a free weekly event that takes place on the village green. Shows start at 7 p.m. and music rotates each week.
Durham
Durham Central Park and WNCU 90.7FM host PLAYlist on the first Friday of the month through October at Durham Central Park in downtown Durham. Local food trucks and vendors are on-site during this free outdoor music series, which opens with a DJ and is followed up with a musical artist.
Durham Parks and Recreation holds a free Rock the Park summer concert and music series throughout Durham’s parks each summer. Enjoy a variety of music while exploring different Durham parks throughout the summer.
Raleigh
City Plaza’s Live After 5 music series is a free downtown Raleigh concert series that has been a Raleigh must-visit for over 20 years. Food trucks and on-site activities are available during the shows and guests can stroll through designated areas with beverages while enjoying the evening.
Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park is an outdoor destination with a stage that offers numerous events throughout the summers. From Midtown Beach Music Series at North Hills, which brings in beach music, oldies, and Motown, to kid-specific programming like Kidchella, it’s the hot place to be in the summer.
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts acts as a stunning backdrop for summertime entertainment in downtown Raleigh. This location features five venues within the center, which allow you to grab a seat to see the North Carolina Symphony, a blues festival, pop music, and everything in-between.
PNC Arena is a 20,000-seat indoor venue that hosts some of the biggest names in music. Located in the heart of Raleigh, it also hosts numerous sporting events including the Carolina Hurricanes and North Carolina State men’s basketball.
Red Hat Amphitheatre is found in the heart of downtown Raleigh, and just moments from the excitement of the city. This outdoor amphitheater, set against the backdrop of the city, is a 6,000-seat venue that hosts major acts from across the nation as well as music festivals and regular performances from the North Carolina Symphony.
Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, or known officially as Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, is a 20,000-person outdoor venue that has had well-known global acts grace its stage during its more than 30-year history.
The Takeaway
No matter where you go across the Triangle, there’s something great for you to enjoy across the entire Raleigh-Durham area. Did we miss a music hot spot we should share? Drop your favorite summertime music destination in the comments below.
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