A version of the following article appeared in the June 13, 2026, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with local business-y news and insights for Charlotte, N.C.
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From Davidson to Ballantyne, outdoor concert series offer free and low-cost ways to enjoy live music all summer long
by Jay Ahuja
Since I started writing about concerts and venues for The Ledger, the primary feedback I’ve gotten over the past two years is about the high cost of attending shows, especially as a family. I get that.
The good news is that there are some affordable outdoor concert series across the region, for free or at a very reasonable ticket price.
Here’s a roundup of upcoming shows in our area:
A view from the stage at TD Amp Ballantyne’s Community Concert Series, one of many family-friendly, affordable concert series in the area. (Photo courtesy TD Amp Ballantyne)
Ballantyne Beats
The TD Amp presents Ballantyne Beats featuring local concerts on Friday nights at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are just $15 and are free for kids under 5.
July 31: Mo Money, a six-piece ensemble that plays genres ranging from modern pop to Motown.
Aug. 7: Tell Me Lies, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band.
Sept. 11: The Broken Hearts, a Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute band.
Tickets can be purchased at www.tdampballantyne.com.
Summer Pops
Also at Symphony Park, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops series on Sunday nights has similar restrictions, but tickets cost $18.59 for adults and $6.20 for teenagers. It started June 7 and continues the entire month. Kids 12 and under are free. Gates open at 5 p.m., a prelude performance is at 7 p.m., and the concerts start at 8:15 p.m. Most seating is general admission, but a reserved section can be accessed by purchasing a season pass.
June 14: Best of Broadway consists of showstoppers from the Golden Age of Broadway to modern hits.
June 21: Hollywood Hits is a collection of musical scores from iconic American films, with an emphasis on works by composer John Williams.
June 28: Celebrate America is another rousing evening of American music, closed out with a fireworks display worthy of the United States’ 250th birthday. Tickets are $25 at the gate or $7 for teenagers. Tickets for kids 12 and under are free.
Common Market Oakwold
In June, Common Market at 4420-A Monroe Road has live free music offerings that start at 4:30 p.m. or 7 p.m.
June 13 (today): Jason Herring and The Mystery Plan are a local indie-pop band that started a decade and a half ago as a duo by Jason Herring and Paul Jensen. They have since added five members. This show is at 7 p.m.
June 14: The Gator Gumbo Band is a high-energy Cajun, zydeco and Creole band that has been around for decades. This show is at 4:30 p.m.
June 21: Eastland Jazz Trio will play the first set. Afterward, other musicians are invited to sign up and play a pair of songs. This show is at 4:30 p.m.
June 28: The Leah Darling Band performs light rock, R&B, funk, soul and jazz. This show is at 4:30 p.m.
Davidson
The longest-running outdoor music series on this list is Concerts on the Green in Davidson. These events are on the Town Green and are typically held the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 6-8 p.m. Some shows are on Sundays.
June 14: Band of Oz, a beach music outfit.
June 27: September, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band.
July 4: Yacht Rock Radio, yacht rock music.
Nearby, Concerts at the Circles (605 D, Jetton Street) will start with an opening act at 5 p.m. and the headliner performing at 7 p.m. The entire block of Jetton Street will be shut down from 12-10 p.m. on the days of these shows.
June 20: Crucial Fiya, a reggae band.
July 18: Buffett & Beyond, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band.
Aug. 1: Rock the 90s, 1990s tribute.
Jay Ahuja has lived, worked and played in Charlotte since 1986. He has one wife, two stepsons and one dog. He’s had two sports travel guidebooks published and produced a documentary film, “Live From The Double Door Inn.” He retired from WDAV 89.9FM, the region’s classical public radio station.