There’s something magic about summer nights in Howard County. The sun dips low over the lake, painting Centennial Park in gold. Maybe you’ve just paddled in from a peaceful hour on the water with a rental from the Adventure Shack. After slicing through glassy reflections with the hum of wildlife in the distance, you join your friends sprawled on picnic blankets, sharing snacks, stories, and the company of pups and kids alike. Laughter rises. A soulful tune drifts from the stage as twilight settles in.
This is the Howard County Recreation & Parks Summer Concert Series, where free live music meets that perfect, effortless kind of summer evening. Whether you live around the corner or are just passing through, these concerts are a perfect midweek pause. From Motown to reggae, country to classic rock, there’s a genre for everyone. Read on for your guide to the shows, where to set up for the best view, and how to make the most of these iconic summer nights.
Howard County Summer Concert Series // Howard County Recreation & Parks
Family-Friendly Fun
Centennial Park Main/South is the heart of the Summer Concert Series. Before the music starts, families can enjoy a range of activities:
- Boating: Explore the beautiful 54-acre man-made lake. Boat rentals are available weekdays beginning in June, with half-price rentals for paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks on Wednesdays.
- Adventure Shack: Satisfy your cravings with ice cream, beverages, popcorn, pretzels, and hot dogs.
- Playground: Let the kids burn off some energy at the playground.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a meal at the picnic areas with pavilions.
Where to Sit, What to Bring, and How to Soak It All In
Most concerts unfold at the scenic amphitheater in Centennial Park South, where grassy hills roll down to the lake and the evening air buzzes with excitement. To turn a good night into a great one, try these insider tips:
- Get There Early for the Magic Hour: Arrive before the crowd to claim your favorite patch of grass — front and center if you love the energy, or tucked beneath the trees for a more relaxed, shady retreat.
- Curate Your Picnic Like a Pro: Swing by Breezy Willow Farm Country Market for fresh fruit and handmade treats. Pick up pastries or cold brew from Little Market Café on your way. A stop at Sweet Elizabeth Jane gets you a stylish new picnic blanket or tote, and maybe something breezy to wear.
- Make It a Ritual: Bring a sketchbook to quietly capture the evening’s moments. Imagine yourself settled on a soft blanket with a journal or a favorite book from Backwater Books. Let the golden hour light wash over the lake, watch the kids play freely nearby, and most of all, allow yourself to unplug, relax, and soak in the peaceful rhythm of the night.
- Plan Ahead: For maps, parking, and amphitheater details, visit the Howard County Recreation & Parks website.
The show is free, but the experience? Absolutely priceless.
2025 Concert Schedule
The lineup this year includes:
- Wednesday, July 9: Catch the smooth Soul & Motown sounds of Grayson Moon at Centennial Park.
- Wednesday, July 16: Sing along to island vibes with the Sons of Pirates, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, at Centennial Park.
- Wednesday, July 23: Feel the rhythm with live reggae from I & I Riddim, performing at Centennial Park.
- Thursday, July 31: Head to West Friendship Park for a night of country music with Southland. * Note the different day of the week and location.
- Wednesday, August 6: Enjoy a high-energy Rock School Showcase featuring student performers from Bach to Rock at Centennial Park.
All concerts are free and run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music under the summer sky!
Howard County Summer Concert Series // Howard County Recreation & Parks
Behind the Music
That perfect summer soundtrack? It doesn’t happen by accident. Each year, a passionate entertainment committee at Howard County Recreation & Parks curates a lineup designed to move you, from foot-stomping country and smooth Motown grooves to laid-back reggae rhythms and local rock talent. Every band is chosen with the vibe in mind, so that no matter the night, you’ll find something that hits just right.
Have a band or know someone who belongs on this stage? There’s a path from garage sessions to golden hour performances. Find out how to apply on the band submission page.
Green Gatherings
The concerts may be electric, but the setting is all nature with shaded groves, open sky, and that sparkling lakeside breeze. Help us keep it beautiful:
- Sip Sustainably: Bring your favorite reusable water bottle and fill it up at the bottle refill station near the Adventure Shack. It’s better for the planet, and it stays colder longer.
- Sort It Out: Recycling bins are placed beside every trash can. It takes just a second to choose the right bin, and it makes a big difference.
When you care for the park, you help preserve the magic, not just for tonight, but for every summer night to come.
Howard County Summer Concert Series // Howard County Recreation & Parks
Experience Summer's Soundtrack in Howard County
With the sweet sounds of live music filling the air, the Summer Concert Series is more than just a performance. It’s a weekly ritual, a gathering of neighbors and new friends, a chance to unwind and reconnect under the setting sun. Bring your people, from the ones you dance with and snack with to the ones you simply sit shoulder to shoulder with in quiet contentment. Bring your picnic blanket, your dog, your deck of cards. Bring your summer self. Concerts have free admission and run from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Event details are subject to change. All concerts are weather dependent and may be canceled for inclement weather.
For more information about the Summer Concert Series and other events, visit the Howard County Recreation & Parks website.
