Free North Lake Tahoe & Truckee Summer Concert Series (2025)
- Sierra Luxury Properties
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
North Lake Tahoe and Truckee come alive each summer with free outdoor concerts amid stunning mountain and lake scenery. From Tahoe City’s Commons Beach to Truckee’s river park amphitheater, local communities offer weekly music nights featuring regional and national acts. Here’s a guide to the best no-cost summer concert series of 2025 – with dates, venues, headliners, and insider tips for each.
Truckee’s Music in the Park (Wednesdays in Truckee)
When: Every Wednesday, June 18th through August 27th (typically 6:30–8:30pm).
Where: Truckee River Regional Park (10500 Brockway Rd).
Cost: Free. This is a community-supported series (donations encouraged via onsite donation boxes).
Background: A longtime Truckee favorite, this series features a wide variety of live music each week. The lineup spans Americana, blues, funk, rock, and tribute shows – from regional acts like the Dead Winter Carpenters and Boot Juice, to tribute bands like Beatles Flashback and jam groups like The Blues Monsters.
Tips: Bring low-back lawn chairs or blankets, sunscreen, and layers for cool evenings. Food vendors are on-site, or pack a picnic. Parking is available at the park or along Brockway Road. No dogs allowed.
Concerts at Commons Beach (Tahoe City, Sundays)
When: Every Sunday, June 17th through September 7th, 4:00–7:00 pm.
Where: Commons Beach, a lakefront park in the heart of Tahoe City.
Cost: Free. Celebrating its 20th year in 2025, this beloved concert series is supported by local sponsorships and community donations.
Background: This family-friendly series showcases regional and national bands playing everything from bluegrass to funk to world music.
Lineup Highlights: 2025 headliners include Broken Compass (June 15), Joy & Madness (June 22), Dead Winter Carpenters (July 6), Boot Juice (Aug 10), New Monsoon (Aug 17), and The Blues Monsters & Friends (Sept 7).
Website: https://concertsatcommonsbeach.com/
Tips: Bring blankets or low chairs and arrive early for a good spot. The venue features food vendors selling BBQ, sushi, tacos, beer, wine, and more. Free parking is available nearby.
Kings Beach – Music on the Beach (Fridays)
When: Friday nights, June 13 – August 29, 6:30–8:30pm.
Where: Kings Beach State Recreation Area.
Cost: Free. Hosted by the North Tahoe Business Association, this series is a community favorite.
Background: Set on the sandy shore of Lake Tahoe, this concert series features regional acts spanning folk, rock, Americana, and blues.
Tips: Bring a beach blanket or low-back chairs. No dogs or outside alcohol are allowed. Serving craft beer from Alibi Ale Works and wine from Truckee River Winery, along with food vendors. Paid parking is available in the state lot or free in town.
Bluesdays at Palisades Tahoe (Tuesdays)
When: Tuesdays, June 18th – August 27, 6:00–8:30 pm.
Where: The Village at Palisades Tahoe.
Cost: Free. Now in its 16th year, Bluesdays features top blues artists from across the U.S.
Background: A high-energy midweek event that draws blues fans and summer visitors to the Olympic Valley plaza.
Lineup Highlights: 2025 headliners include The Blues Monsters & Friends (June 18th), Chris Cain (July 2nd), Mark Hummel & James Cotton Tribute (July 23rd), and J.C. Smith Band (Aug 27th).
Website: https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/events-calendar/bluesdays-3
Tips: Bring a chair or blanket. The Village offers plenty of food and drink options. Onsite beer/wine sales help support the event. Free and paid parking options are available.
Other Notable Summer Concerts
Truckee Thursdays (Downtown Truckee): Street fair and live music series on select Thursday evenings in summer. Includes food trucks, beer garden, artisan vendors, and live music on the main stage.
SunSets Live Music (Olympic Valley): Friday happy hour concerts from 5–7pm in the Village at Palisades Tahoe. Relax with a drink and enjoy local jazz, rock, and indie bands.
Farmers Markets & Pop-Up Events: Many North Lake Tahoe and Truckee farmers markets and summer festivals feature acoustic sets or live performances. Keep an eye on community calendars for up-to-date listings.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or spending the whole summer in North Lake Tahoe, these free concert series are a can't-miss part of the experience. Set against the Sierra Nevada’s stunning backdrop, they’re a perfect way to unwind with family and friends under the open sky.
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