resource
Update
event
FAI 2024
NEWS
Partner
Region

More Than 1,000 Free Concerts. One Mission: Bringing Communities Together Through Music.
July 28, 2026
resource
Update
event
FAI 2024
NEWS
Partner
Region
There are few things as powerful as gathering outside on a summer evening to hear free, live music. No expensive ticket or exclusive guest list. Just neighbors, families, friends, and visitors sharing an experience that reminds us what community feels like. That's exactly what the Levitt Family Foundation has been creating for communities across the United States for decades.
This year, the 2026 Levitt concert season is in full swing, with more than 1,000 free outdoor performances taking place in over 100 towns and cities across the country. From folk and Americana to bluegrass, jazz, Latin music, Indigenous traditions, soul, rock, global music, and everything in between, Levitt concerts celebrate the incredible diversity of artists (including those in the Folk Alliance community) and audiences while making live music accessible to everyone.
For Folk Alliance International, that vision feels especially meaningful. We believe music strengthens communities, and creates spaces where people can learn from one another. Levitt venues and music series locations bring those values to life throughout the concert season.
What is the Levitt Foundation?
The Levitt Foundation is a national private foundation dedicated to strengthening communities through the power of free, live music. Rather than producing every concert itself, the Foundation partners with local nonprofit organizations to present high-quality outdoor concert series in parks, plazas, and other public gathering spaces.
These partnerships transform underused public spaces into welcoming and vibrant places where everyone belongs. Whether you're attending your first concert or your fiftieth, you'll find an atmosphere that encourages connection as much as entertainment.
Across the country, Levitt venues and Levitt Music Series present performances featuring nationally touring artists, regional favorites, and local musicians spanning an extraordinary range of genres and cultural traditions. The result? The largest free outdoor concert network in America!
Why Free Outdoor Concerts Matter
Free outdoor concerts do more than remove the cost of admission. They make it easier for families to attend together, encourage people to explore music they might not otherwise seek out, and activate public spaces in ways that benefit the entire community. They also provide valuable performance opportunities for artists while supporting local businesses and organizations that participate in the events. They're another reminder that music thrives when it's shared widely and experienced together.
A Summer Adventure
Whether you're planning a weekend outing, looking for something new to do with friends, or traveling this summer, chances are there's a Levitt concert nearby. Concerts take place from spring through fall in communities across the United States, with schedules varying by location. Some Levitt venues present dozens of concerts throughout the season, while Levitt Music Series bring weekly or biweekly performances to communities large and small.
Each location reflects its own community, meaning no two series are exactly alike. You might discover a bluegrass band one week, an Afro-Caribbean ensemble the next, followed by singer-songwriters, blues artists, Indigenous performers, or international touring acts. The common thread is a commitment to artistic excellence, community connection, and free public access.
How to Attend
Visit the Levitt website to find the music series closest to you and connect to the presenting nonprofit to view concert schedules. All performances are held outdoors in public parks or gathering spaces, and admission is completely free.
Many attendees bring lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, or purchase food from local vendors. Families are welcome, and many Levitt shows include activities for children as well as opportunities to explore local arts organizations, businesses, and community partners. Because each series is locally organized, be sure to check your community's event page before attending for parking information, weather updates, and any venue-specific guidelines.
To see a list of Levitt Venues and Music Series’s, view the Levitt Season Guide or visit the website.
Music That Builds Community
At Folk Alliance International, we know that music has the power to preserve traditions, inspire creativity, and bring people together across cultures and generations. The Levitt Family Foundation shares that belief by ensuring that outstanding live music remains accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or what they can afford.
This season, take the opportunity to experience that mission firsthand. Bring a friend. Introduce someone to an artist they've never heard before. Spend an evening under the open sky listening to music alongside your community.
You might leave with a new favorite artist—but more importantly, you'll leave reminded of why live music continues to matter. Find a Levitt concert near you and explore the full 2026 season. We hope to see you out on the lawn.







