Summer

A guide to summer events near the beach

From live music to nature programs to circus shows.

The seaside deck at Surfside in Salisbury, which hosts live music and other events throughout the summer. Kristi Palma / Boston.com

By Kristi Palma

updated on July 12, 2023

Beachgoers can cap off a day at the shore with live shows when visiting venues near (and sometimes on) beaches across New England, where scheduled events include live music, nature programs, circus acts, and more.

Cape Cod National Seashore

The Cape Cod National Seashore is hosting free events through Sept. 5 at its Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. The “Evenings at Salt Pond” series events range from jazz and folk music to nature programs to a circus show. View the schedule.

Gloucester

At Gloucester HarborWalk in Gloucester, the free Gloucester Harbor Music Festival will take place on Sept. 9 with artists Gary Backstrom, Emily Grogan, Muddy Ruckus, and more.

Hampton Beach

The Sea Shell Stage at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire hosts free live music nightly and musical acts range from blues to acoustic to rock and roll. Country Music Fest takes place July 11-13. View the schedule. For ticketed events on the Hampton Beach boardwalk, check out the musical acts and comedians coming to Bernie’s Beach Bar and the Casino Ballroom this summer.

Hull

Daddy’s Beach Club on Nantasket Beach in Hull offers live music all summer long, featuring rock, classic rock, cover bands, and more. View the schedule.

Ipswich

Every Thursday night during the summer at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate visitors can see a different family-friendly band performing on the property’s Gran Allee overlooking Crane Beach. View the schedule.

Revere

The Revere Beach Summer Concert Series brings live music to Revere Beach on Thursdays during the summer. View the schedule.

Rockland, Maine

There’s plenty to do at the Maine Seafood Festival at Rockland’s Harbor Park, taking place Aug. 2-6, which will bring live music, children’s events, a road race, parade, seafood cooking contest, and plenty of lobster. View the schedule.

Salisbury

Surfside in Salisbury offers entertainment on its seaside deck all summer, including Saturday night dance parties with various disc jockeys, country music on Tuesday nights, and reggae shows. View the schedule.

Did we miss your favorite venue? Let us know in the comments.