Outdoor Music Venues and Events In The Triangle Area

If you are a music lover and long for an outdoor experience with your loved ones, we’ve got you covered. Our learning to be a local series is jam-packed with resources to help you navigate the Triangle area. This week, we are serving up a list of some of the top outdoor music events you don’t want to miss! 

What better way to enjoy a summer evening than being outdoors and listening to live music? Below you can find some of the upcoming events in the Triangle from now until the end of summer. If you are looking for some outdoor fun and entertainment, keep reading! 

Raleigh Summer Concert Series at Pullen Park – On July 31st, Raleigh Concert Band will close out the Raleigh Summer Concert Series in Pullen Park, located at 520 Ashe Ave, at 6 pm EST. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Make sure you bring your lawn chair and something cool to drink!.

Bands, Bites, and Boats – Every Friday from August 5th to October 7th, Bands Bites and Boats hosts musicians, local food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals at Bond Park Boathouse in Cary.  The festivities begin at 5:30 pm with different bands, food, and drinks. Don’t have a boat to board? You can still enjoy the show from land. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket. All events are free! Food and drinks can be purchased a la carte. 

Fridays at the Farm – Located on Old Mill Farm in Durham, Fridays at the Farm are reserved for live music, local beer, wine vendors, food trucks, and so much more. Admission is $20.00 and includes parking, access to the grounds, and a chance to pet and feed the animals on the farm. This series runs until August 5th, 2022.

PLAYlist concert series in Durham – Durham Central Park and WNCU 90.7 present this free concert series on the first Friday of each month until October 7th. Artists cover an extensive range of music in front of the open lawn. You will also find vendors for purchase.

Rhythm and Soul Concert in Garner – The NC Music Hall of Fame presents the Rhythm and Soul Concert on July 30th at 7 pm at the Garner Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $45.00-$55.00 and include general admission or a VIP admission with a Meet and Greet with the artists who perform. This concert also features Hall of Fame inductees who will be performing. 

RaleighWRLD for Lovers at Dorothea Dix – This premiere event coming to Dorothea Dix Park in Downtown Raleigh has been highly anticipated. The RaleighWRLD Summer Festival will dedicate an entire afternoon and evening to lovers on August 6th, 2022, from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  This festival offers a mass luxury picnic, food, entertainment, and VIP upgrade options. Tickets range from $185.00 to $499.00. Each ticket is priced per couple and includes admission for both people and access to Lovers Lounge, where wine and food will be served. Experience your night in a tee-pee; select a nightcap kit to take home and a personal host to guide you through the entire process.

The events don’t stop with this list! If you are still looking for some outdoor summer venues, visit Triangle On The Cheap to help you locate more events all over the Triangle and surrounding areas. 

If you want to educate yourself on the best outdoor venues in the Raleigh-Durham area, we invite you to explore the list below. All venues provide various opportunities for unique outdoor entertainment this summer!

The Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Theater – This outdoor amphitheater is located at the North Carolina Museum of Art directly in front of their 80-foot-long letter exhibit. This space is solely dedicated to fans of singers, songwriters, and musicians who perform on the regular. Patrons are invited to enjoy shows, picnic-style, from their chairs or on the lawn. The Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Theater is also the perfect venue to watch movies as they offer the “Music/Movie Combo” for guests who desire a movie and live music performance. Tickets are sold on the museum’s website and vary in price depending on the event. 

Walnut Creek Amphitheatre – Walnut Creek has been known to host some of the biggest names in music history since 1991. After a few name changes, the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, now known as the Coastal Credit Union Music Park, continues to hold live concerts and music series for all types of music lovers. This venue is located directly off of I-40 off of Rock Quarry Rd. Parking is available with your ticket purchase, and prices depend on who performs at the amphitheater. 

Red Hat Amphitheatre – This venue is the definition of cool and eclectic. Located behind the Raleigh Convention Center, the Red Hat Amphitheatre is home to musical performances from different genres bringing people together one event at a time. The Cree Shimmer Wall illuminates the venue’s exterior, making this an experience to remember. The Raleigh skyline can be seen directly across from the stage, and elevated seating is offered for those who are interested in a better view. For updates on events and more information on tickets, visit their website.

Midtown Park – Coastal Credit Union’s Midtown Park is the perfect gathering place for outdoor music. This park is in the center of North Hills, behind Chuy’s Restaurant, and near many other stores and restaurants. Midtown hosts large and small events that are almost always free of charge (unless stated otherwise on their website). There are a few rules on allowable items you can bring to the Midtown Park venue, so be sure to check the website when searching for the next event you want to attend here. 

Koka Booth Amphitheatre – Built in 2001, the Koka Booth Amphitheatre is an outdoor shed-like venue hosting some of the most significant musical and theatrical events in Cary, NC. Home to the NC Symphony Summertime Series and The Chinese Lantern Festival, Koka Booth is a year-round event space bringing over 100,000 people together yearly. Conveniently located off Highway I-40, this gorgeous space allows you to experience nature and entertainment like no other. 

American Tobacco Amphitheatre  – In the heart of The American Tobacco Campus in Durham, NC, the Amphitheater is a great place to enjoy live music while you enjoy fantastic food and drinks. The live music series presented by Duke Performances is hosted weekly, offering some free events throughout the season. Check out their website for an up-to-date calendar of events and ticket prices. 

The Mill Stage at Golden Belt – The Golden Belt connects art, industry, and community. This venue is equipped with an outdoor stage and space to enjoy music. The Golden Belt has a packed calendar of events, including music, speakers, art, and more! Stay up to date on upcoming events through their website.

Durham Central Park – The park is conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Durham in a walkable neighborhood near The Marriott. You can find locally owned businesses and even the new Durham Food Hall nearby. Durham Central Park is hosting the FREE Playlist Concert Series from June 3 to October 7. Check out their website to discover what show is up next!  

The list of outdoor entertainment options in Raleigh-Durham seems endless. So, start exploring this collection of events and venues, and don’t let your summer nights of grooving go to waste! If you have come across other venues and events that can be enjoyed throughout the summer into fall, drop us a message so we can add them to the list!