Learn about the best free shows, concerts, and festivals throughout Nebraska, with all-star lineups and performances across a variety of musical styles.
Pop artists touring the world have felt the effects of tighter wallets over the past few months, as concertgoers experience buyer’s fatigue. Meghan Trainor, Post Malone, and the Pussycat Dolls are just a few of the names who have canceled tour dates due to declining arena sales. Fans simply don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars to see artists.
Luckily, several spots across Nebraska are putting on much more economically feasible concerts featuring an impressive array of talented musicians. Here are 10 places to enjoy music throughout the summer that won’t cost you a dime.
Memorial Park Concert
The City of Omaha’s Memorial Park Concert has been a staple of entertainment for four decades. This year, on June 26, you’ll be seconding that emotion with Smokey Robinson headlining the event. He’ll also be joined by CAKE, so don’t forget to bring your short skirt and/or long jacket. Throughout the day, videos from local bands will play on big screens around the lawn. Then, at 6:45 p.m., CAKE will take the stage, followed by Smokey Robinson at 8:30 and fireworks at 10. True diehards can get there extra early; the park opens up at 5 a.m. on Friday morning.
6005 Underwood Ave, Omaha, NE 68132
Jazz on the Green
Every summer, Turner Park at Midtown Crossing transforms into one of the most happening spots in the state. From July 9 to Aug. 13, Jazz on the Green is producing a stellar lineup of performances. The music starts at 7:30 p.m., with the lawn opening at 5. Bring your blankets, chairs, and leashed pets, if your furry friends are also music fans. Jazz on the Green is BYOB, with beer, wine, and champagne allowed. Popping a cork during a sax solo is pretty satisfying, after all. Here’s the full list of participating artists:
- July 9: Raptor, the United States Air Force Heartland of American band
- July 16: CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band
- July 23: José Valentino and the UNO Latin Jazz Ensemble with Michael Pujado
- July 30: J & The Causeways
- Aug. 6: Brittany Davis
- Aug. 13: Braxton Cook
3110 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131
Music at Miller Park
Miller Park Pavilion is welcoming a trifecta of musical acts this summer, with each show guaranteed to cause anywhere between one and ten of your toes to tap. Hot 8 Brass Band (June 20), Enjoli & Timeless (July 11), and Chad Stoner Band (Aug. 8) will take the stage in a celebration of vibrant culture and excellent tunes. Each event is free and kid- and pet-friendly. Bring your own lawn chairs, beer or wine, and perhaps a bit of sunscreen and bug spray so you can enjoy the music to its fullest.
2707 Redick Ave, Omaha, NE 68112
Summer Sounds at Highlander Community Day
In addition to its other shows above, Omaha Performing Arts is also partnering with Seventy Five North to bring Summer Sounds to the seventh annual Highlander Community Day on August 22. The Highlander Community Day event is a celebration of the Highlander neighborhood, with plenty of food, activities, and, of course, live music. Grab a lawn chair and bop to all kinds of dance music, with DJ Chevy, Big Wade, and Parfait, plus performances from I Heartbeat Dance and a hip hop lab dance party with DJ Mr. Soull.
2112 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111
Summer Vibes Concert Series
On Thursday evenings, the Village Pointe Amphitheater in Omaha becomes a rocking atmosphere of music and fun with its Summer Vibes Concert Series. Seating is first-come, first-served, but no one will mind if you get up to dance. The mix of artists is pretty extensive, too, from One2Go (June 18) to Hardwood Dash (July 16) to The Personics (July 30). Don’t forget to stop by the Brew Patio, which offers local brews to sip on.
17305 Davenport St, Omaha, NE
Jazz in June
Jazz in June is a pillar of the Lincoln community, serving over 20,000 residents and visitors every year. The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra played the very first Jazz in June in 1992, and the concert series has continued to evolve ever since. This year, enjoy strong performances from acts including Jackie Allen & Hans Sturm, Josh Hoyer’s Colossal, and “Night of Wonder: A Tribute to Stevie.” A weekly food festival kicks off the festivities each week at 5 p.m. before the music gets going at 7, and it all takes place inside the stunning Sheldon Museum of Art Sculpture Garden. Want to make sure you secure a seat up front by the stage? Snag a VIP ticket and know that your purchase supports music and arts throughout the community.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 451 N 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68588
Friday Nights Live
Throughout June and July, SouthPoint Pavilions combines sun and rhythm at the Friday Nights Live concert series. The lineup includes a mix of family-friendly rock, pop, funk, and soul, with local and regional musicians who keep the good vibes going throughout the night. Tickets to the event are free, and treats are available from restaurants around the pavilion.
2910 Pine Lake Rd, Lincoln, NE 68516
Tunes on Town Square
Ralston may only have a population of about 6,500 people, but the city knows how to throw a good party. Every third Thursday from May through September, Ralston hosts Tunes on Town Square downtown at a brand new gazebo. Bring a chair and your favorite snacks, and enjoy a rotating cast of musical guests, such as The Day Traders on July 16 from 6–8 p.m.
5500 South 77 St, Ralston, NE 68127
Music & Memories Concert
Like the noble poet laureate Montell Jordan once said, “This is how we do it/it’s Friday night, and I feel alright.” Jordan may as well have been talking about Papillion’s Music & Memories concert series, because it will definitely make you feel alright. The Texas Roadhouse Amphitheater hosts several talented musicians on Friday nights throughout the summer, with food and beverage available from Texas Roadhouse. A small glimpse of the musical acts: Enjoy throwback rock and soul music with Rhythmic Rewind on June 19, rock your finest red, white, and blue outfits with the Rustic Rebels on July 3, and bop around with the ultimate party band, The Fishheads, on July 24.
7775 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046
SumTur Movie Series
When you attend a concert, do you find yourself wishing there was also a movie? You’re in luck, because the SumTur Movie Series combines the best of both worlds for magical summer evenings. Every Saturday in June, the SumTur Amphitheater’s gates open at 7:30 p.m., music starts at 8, and a movie begins at sunset. Highlights on the marquee include “A Minecraft Movie” (June 20) and “Lilo & Stitch” (June 27).
