Rock On, Rock Freely: The Orange County Summer is Packed with Free Summer Concerts

One of the coolest things about being a parent is to educate your children in a way that doesn’t feel like education to them. This trick can be relatively easy to do when it comes to music. All it takes is turning on the radio, pushing play on a CD player, or logging into your online streaming service of choice to expose your kids to the wealth of tunes that exist. Taking them to see a concert doesn’t exactly hurt their development of music appreciation, either.

If the word “concert” makes you involuntarily clutch your wallet in sheer panic, don’t fret. Orange County has an abundance of free concerts occurring this summer, and they pretty much cover all of musical genres, from modern country and classic Motown to classical, jazz, and other music traditionally found on the left end of the radio dial. And of course, there will be plenty of tribute bands to check out; ones that completely nail the subtleties and nuances of the classic rock bands that you never got the chance to see during their heyday.

What follows is a list of the summer concerts that you and your family will be able to enjoy, free of charge. Your kids may catch you getting your groove on at one of these gigs, which may embarrass them depending on their age. But if they do turn a little red-faced, it only means you’re doing your job as a parent.

Aliso Viejo

Venue: Grand Park – City Lights Dr
Concerts:
July 12 – Common Sense (surf & reggae)
July 26 – Desperado (Eagles tribute)
August 9th – Kelly Rae Band (Pop/Country Rock)
August 23rd – Flashback Heart Attack (80’s)
August 30th – Stone Soul (60’s/Motown)
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Anaheim

Venue: Pearson Park – 401 N. Lemon St
Concerts:
July 24 – Anaheim Ballet
August 8 – Elton John Tribute Band
August 15 – Santana Ways (Santana tribute)
Time: 6:30 PM

Baker Ranch

Venue:
The Arbors Club at Baker Ranch
Monarch Boulevard and Marigold Street in Lake Forest, CA

Dates:
Friday, June 19th – Keepin’ The Summer Alive – Beach Boys Tribute Band, 5:30 – 8:00pm

Friday, July 17th – Neil Morrow & Memphis’ 54 – Rockabilly/Country (with line dancing instructor), 5:30 – 8:00pm

Friday, August 21st – A Peaceful Easy Evening – Eagles Tribute Band, 5:30 – 8:00pm

Brea

Venue: City Hall Park – 401 S. Brea Blvd
Concerts:
July 9 – The Symphonic Winds of the Pacific (pops & patriotic)
July 16 – Retro Soul
July 22 – The Fenians (Celtic rock)
July 29 – The Kelly Rae Band (modern country)
August 5 – Conganans Quartet (Latin jazz and salsa)
August 12 – Centerfold (80s hits)
August 19 – The Wise Guys (big band & swing)
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Buena Park

Venue: Boisseranc Park – 7520 Dale St
Concerts:
June 17 – Wise Guys (big band & swing)
June 24 – Sinatra Tribute Band
July 1 – Stone Soul (Motown)
July 8 – Brent Payne (country)
July 15 – Britain’s Finest (Beatles tribute)
July 22 – Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Venue: Downtown Buena Park – 8308 On the Mall
Concerts:
July 29 – A Tribute to The King with Scot Bruce
August 5 – Stellar (current Top 40)
August 12 – Luis Villegas and the United Nations Latino Nuevo Flamenco
August 19 – Desire (U2 tribute)
August 26 – Cash and Carter (Johnny Cash tribute)
September 2 – Paperback Writer (Beatles tribute)
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Costa Mesa

Venue: OC Marketplace – 88 Fair Dr
Concerts:
June 6-7: Rockabilly Fest (various bands; headlined by Kim Lenz and the Jaguars June 6 and James Intveld June 7)
June 14 – Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies (bluegrass)
June 21 – Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers (blues)
June 28 – Aquarius (Woodstock tribute)
Time: Noon

Venue: Fairview Park – Placentia Ave
Concerts:
July 7 – Chain Reaction (classic dance hits)
July 14 – SoCal Jazz All Stars
July 21 – Undecided Future (pop-funk)
July 28 – The Fenians (Celtic rock)
Time: 6:00 PM

Cypress

Venue: Cypress Civic Center Green – 5275 Orange Ave.
Concerts:
June 6 – Gregg Young & the 2nd Street Band (‘50s to today)
June 13 – Randy McAllister (country)
June 20 – Southbound & Company (Credence Clearwater Revival tribute)
July 11 – The Alley Cats (doo wop)
July 18 – Elvis Presley Tribute – Raymond Michael
August 1 – The Springsteen Experience
August 8 – Escape (Journey tribute)
August 15 – Neil Diamond Tribute – Dean Colley
August 22 – The Wise Guys (big band & swing)
Time: 6:00 PM

Dana Point

Venue: Lantern Bay Park – 25111 Park Lantern
Concert:
July 12 – Sapadilla (calypso & reggae) & Surf’s Up (Beach Boys tribute)
Time: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Venue: Sea Terrace Park – Coast Hwy
Concerts:
July 19 – Kelly Rae Country Band (current country) & Tony Suraci as The Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson tribute)
July 26 – The Pettybreakers (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers tribute) & Turn the Page (Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band tribute)
August 2 – Keston & the Rhythm Killers (rock) & Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience (Chicago tribute)
August 9 – The Who Show (The Who tribute) & Led ZepAgain (Led Zeppelin tribute)
Time: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Venue:
Heritage Park – Port Lantern
Concerts:
August 16 – The Kelly Fitzgerald Band (folk, blues, and rock) & Gino Walker & the Gang with special appearance by Derek Bordeaux & Vivian Ross (funk & soul)
August 23 – December of 63 (Frankie Valle & The Four Seasons tribute & The Fabulous Ultra Tones (70s disco)
August 30 – DC Babylon & the Hanging Gardens Band (jazz to rock) & Springsteen (Bruce Springsteen tribute)
Time: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Fountain Valley

Venue: Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park (Mile Square Park) – 16400 Brookhurst St
Concerts:
July 2 – DSB (Journey tribute)
July 9 – Stone Soul (Motown)
July 16 – Hollywood U2 (U2 tribute)
July 23 – Hard Day’s Night (Beatles tribute)
July 30 – Desperado (Eagles tribute)
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Fullerton

Venue: Fullerton Sports Complex – 560 East Silver Pine St
Concerts:
July 8 – Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys (Western swing)
July 15 – Memphis Kings featuring Kid Ramos (rockabilly)
July 22 – Woodie and the Longboards (Beach Boys tribute)
July 29 – Bubba and the Big Bad Blues (blues)
August 5 – Hard Day’s Night (Beatles tribute)
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Garden Grove

Venue: Eastgate Park – Winton St
Concerts:
July 9 – The Funky Hippez (1970s funk)
July 16 – Brad Johnson & the Killin’ Time Band (Today’s country)
July 23 – DSB (Journey tribute)
July 30 – Grilled Cheese Sandwich (1990s to today)
August 6 – Flashback Heart Attack (New Wave 1980s)
August 13 – Stone Soul (Motown)
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Huntington Beach

Venue: Central Park – 18000 Goldenwest St
Concerts:
June 28 – Huntington Beach Concert Band (Americana)
July 5– Night Blooming Jazzmen (Dixieland)
July 12 – Shoreline Symphonic Winds (classical favorites, show tunes, marches)
July 19 – Yari More Latin Band (Latin Jazz)
July 26 – Huntington Beach Concert Band (Americana)
August 2 – Jamie Wood & Daddy-O! (Blues & jazz)
August 9 – The Wise Guys (big band & swing)
August 16 – Covina Concert Band and Huntington Beach Concert Band (Americana)
August 23 – Bob DeSena (Latin jazz)
August 30 – Laguna Beach Community Band (traditional)
September 6 – Mike Henbry Orchestra (big band & swing)
Time: 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Pete’s Sunset Concert Series
Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 to 10:00 pm

7/17 – Instant Replay
7/18 – Buck Wildstar
7/24 – After Party
7/25 – Jumpin Jack Benny
7/31 – Chain Reaction
8/1 – Brad Wilson
8/7 – Instant Replay
8/8 – Buck Wildstar
8/14 – After Party
8/15 – Jumpin Jack Benny
8/21 – Chain Reaction
8/22 – Brad Wilson
8/28 – Instant Replay
8/29 – Buck Wildstar
9/4 – After Party
9/5 – Jumpin Jack Benny
9/6 – Chain Reaction

Irvine

Venue: Mike Ward Community Park – 20 Lake Rd
Concerts:
July 12 – Paperback Writer: The Beatles Experience
July 26 – Savor (Santana tribute)
August 2 – King Kruk as Elvis
August 9 – Hot August Night (Neil Diamond tribute)
August 16 – Bella Donna (Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks tribute)
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Venue: Concordia University Irvine, 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA
Time: 5-7pm
Food: Grilled bratwurst, soft drinks, and snack will be available for purchase
Concerts:
July 12: Stone Soul
Stone Soul performs timeless soul and Motown classics from legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and The Temptations.

July 19: Broadway star Ivan Rutherford
With a career that includes more than 2,000 performances playing the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables on Broadway, Rutherford performs songs from theatre, stage, film and popular culture.

July 26: Phil Jeffrey with a tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra
Jeffrey and his band take audiences back to the time when Frank Sinatra—born 100 years ago this year—dominated the charts with his jazz and swing music.

La Habra

Venue: La Habra Marketplace Shopping Center – 1641 West Imperial Hwy
Concerts:
June 18 – Beatles vs. Stones Tribute & Farpoint
June 25 – Three Midnighters & Stepbrothers
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: El Centro-Lions Park – 320 E. Ema Ave
Concerts:
July 9 – Cold Duck
July 16 – Mariachi Divas
July 23 – Retro Soul
July 30 – Hip Street
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

La Palma

Venue: Central Park Amphitheater – 7821 Walker St
Concerts:
July 11 – Band TBD
July 18 – Band TBD
July 25 – Band TBD
August 1 – Band TBD
August 8 – Band TBD
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Laguna Niguel

Venue: Crown Valley Community Park – 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy
Concerts:
July 4 – Woodie & the Longboards (Beach Boys tribute) & Heartache Tonight (Eagles tribute)
July 17 – Relfexx (1980s)
July 31 – River Road (country/pop)
August 14 – Sounds of Santana (Santana tribute)
August 28 – Springsteen (Bruce Springsteen tribute)
September 4 – Tommy Tassi & the Authentics (1950s and 1960s)
Time:
July 4th Show 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM; other shows 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Lake Forest

Venue: Lake Forest Sports Park – Rancho Pkwy
Concerts:
June 28 – No Duh (No Doubt tribute) & The Suffragettes
August 23 – Lake Forest Palooza with Suburban Legends, 80z All Stars & Didi Benami
Time: June 28th show 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM; August 23rd show 5:00 PM – 8:15 PM

Venue: Pittsford Park – Pittsford St
Concert:
July 26 – 10,000 Maniacs with special guest Dani Kerry
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Los Alamitos

Venue: Laurel Park – 10862 Bloomfield St
Concerts:
June 27 – Reckless (rock); concert followed by a showing of the film Angels in the Outfield
July 25 – Southland Mega Groove; concert followed by a showing of the film Frozen
August 8 – Identity Crisis; concert followed by a showing of the film Big Hero 6
Time: 6:30 PM; Movies start at 8:00 PM

Venue: JFTB Pool – 11200 Lexington Dr
Concert:
July 11 – Vibe Tribe; concert followed by a showing of the film Dolphin Tale
Time: 6:30 PM; Movie starts at 8:00 PM

Newport Beach

Venue: Newport Beach Civic Center – 100 Civic Center Dr
Concerts:
June 7 – Stone Soul (Motown)
July 12 – Sligo Rags (Celtic bluegrass fusion)
August 23 – Kelly Rae Band (modern country)
September 27 – Britain’s Finest (Beatles tribute)
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Orange

Venue: Hart Park – 701 South Glassell St
Concerts:
June 24 – Stone Soul (Motown)
July 1 – Kelly Rae Band (modern country)
July 8 – Night Owl Productions (top pop tunes)
July 15 – Knyght Ryder (80s flashback)
July 22 – Smokin’ Cobras (50s and 60s rockabilly)
July 29 – Wise Guys (big band & swing)
August 5 – Chain Reaction (Top 40 dance favorites)
August 12 – The Trip (classic and modern Rock)
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Placentia

Venue: Tri-City Park – 2301 N Kraemer Blvd
Concerts:
July 9 – The Doo-Wah Riders (country/Cajun)
July 16 – Upstream (reggae, calypso)
July 23 – Placentia Symphonic Band
July 30 – Mariachi Divas
August 6 – Smokin’ Cobras (50s and 60s rockabilly)
August 13 – BJ Smith (R&B, soul)
Time: The August 13th show starts at 4:00 PM; all other shows start at 6:30 PM

San Clemente

Venue: San Clemente Pier
Concerts:
July 23 – Stone Soul (Motown)
August 6 – Fortunate Son (Credence Clearwater Revival tribute)
August 20 – The Long Run (Eagles tribute)
Time: 6:00 PM

San Juan Capistrano

Venue: Historic Town Center Park – El Camino Real
Concerts:
June 17 – Southern Caliber
July 15 – Family Style
August 19 – Pickleback Shine
September 16 – BUB Band
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Seal Beach

Venue: Eisenhower Park – 211 8th St
Concerts:
July 1 – Flashpants (1980s)
July 8 – Highway 91 (country/classic rock)
July 15 – Chris Anderson Band (Blues/rock)
July 22 – Gregg Young and the 2nd Street Band (50s to today)
July 29 – Abbey Road (Beatles tribute)
August 5 – The Fabulous Nomads (Surf rock)
August 12 – Elm Street Band (Retro/Classic rock)
August 19 – L.A. Vation (U2 tribute)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Tustin

Venue: Peppertree Park – 230 West First St
Concerts:
June 24 – Joshua Tree (U2 tribute)
July 1 – Silverados (country)
July 8 – Yard Sale (70s to today)
July 15 – The Replicas (variety)
July 22 – Paperback Writer (Beatles tribute)
July 29 – Pettybreakers (Tom Petty tribute)
August 5 – The Reflexx (80s)
August 12 – DSB (Journey tribute)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Westminster

Venue: Civic Center Sunken Garden – 8200 Westminster Blvd
Concerts:
July 16 – Boyz and the Beez (rockabilly swing)
July 23 – Mary White Band (country)
July 30 – Smokin’ Cobras (‘50s and 60s rockabilly)
August 6 – Chico (Latin, R&B)
August 13 – Community Concert
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Yorba Linda

Venue: Hurless Barton Park – Casa Loma Ave
Concerts:
August 2 – The Emperors (classic rock)
August 9 – Nitro Express (country)
August 16 – Britain’s Finest (Beatles tribute)
August 23 – Stone Soul (R&B)
Time: 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM

2015 OC Parks Summer Concert Series Schedule
(All shows 6-8 p.m., free admission with free parking)

Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
Location: 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, CA 92629
Contact: (949) 923-2280
Date: Thursday, July 23
Artist: The Joshua Tree with Zach Churchill

Mason Regional Park
Location: 18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Contact: (949) 923-2220, [email protected]
Date: Thursday, July 30
Artist: Tom Freund with Downtown Country Club

Mile Square Regional Park
Location: 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Contact: (714) 973-6600, [email protected]
Date: Thursday, August 6
Artist: Savor with Big Monsta

Irvine Regional Park
Location: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA, 92869
Contact: (714) 973,6835, [email protected]
Date: Thursday, August 13
Artist: Venice with Quinn Archer

Craig Regional Park
Location: 3300 State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92835
Contact: (714) 973-3180, [email protected]
Date: Thursday, August 20
Artist: Rumours with Yukon Gold

Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
Location: 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, CA 92629
Contact: (949) 923-2280
Date: Thursday, August 27
Artist: Nick Waterhouse with Melted

Know of an event we missed? Email us at [email protected]

Rich Manning is a freelance writer that has been covering Orange County’s food, wine, and lifestyle scene for ten years. He currently lives in Fountain Valley with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs.