6 Can’t-Miss Ohio Summer Concert Series

Well-known Ohio venues have impressive artists slated to perform this summer, but look to smaller stages dotting our state for more genre-spanning groups turning up the volume. These six recurring concert series, including one with a performance by “The Best Damn Band in the Land,” promise fun (and free!) evening entertainment.

Music Under the Moon: Ralph & The Rhythm Hounds | July 24
Spend an evening with a blues-and-rock group at Cincinnati Nature Center’s Krippendorf Lodge. Concert-goers can enjoy this event once a month, where local bands take the stage while visitors grab wine, beer and a signature foraged cocktail. This particular evening features the Texas Joe Tex-Mex food truck, and every evening acts as a fundraiser for the center, furthering their mission of “inspiring conservation.” cincynature.org

Norwalk Summer Concert Series: Firelands String Quartet | July 29
Enjoy listening to a new group every Wednesday evening this summer at the Norwalk Amphitheater. The Firelands String Quartet are a Huron-based ensemble and act as a subset of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra. This specific night is considered an America 250-Ohio event and features kids music activities at 6 p.m. norwalkrec.com



Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series: Megan Paulett and Aftermath | July 30
Steubenville’s Berkman Amphitheater comes alive weekly with their seasonal concert lineup. Tucked in Fort Steuben Park, the stage plays host to several local musicians, including Megan Paulett, a genre-spanning Pittsburgh-based artist, and Aftermath, a 1960s tribute band hailing from northeast Ohio. This evening acts as the series’ conclusion. oldfortsteuben.com



Emerald Necklace Marina Concerts: Colin Dussault’s Blues Project | July 31
Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. bring the party to Cleveland, with free weekly performances until Aug. 7. One week prior, head to Lakewood’s Emerald Necklace Marina, nestled in Rocky River Reservation, to watch a seasoned blues, rock and soul band who has performed in the Great Lakes region since 1989. clevelandmetroparks.com



Creekside Live: LDNL | July 31
Join a crowd of up to 2,000 people at this rockin’ summer event on Gahanna’s Creekside Rotary Stage. LDNL, a dance group hailing from Columbus, is set to perform. The band, which includes a DJ, live musicians and vocalists, promises high energy, often merging genres and showcasing choreographed dance routines to keep crowds on their feet. gahanna.gov

Concerts on the Green: Ohio State University Alumni Marching Band | Aug. 2
Every Sunday brings something new during this concert series held on the Northwest Village Green in Worthington. Usher in excitement for college football season as former Ohio State University marching band members play a lineup of dynamic tunes. The “active band” is made up of nine members and rehearses twice a month for appearances such as this one. worthington.org

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