Your guide to live outdoor music in Lexington

Grab the chairs and blankets for a fun summer night of music under the stars.

A group of people sitting in lawn chairs at a concert.

Kick back + relax with some live outdoor music this summer. | Photo provided by Lexington Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents

It’s outdoor music season in the Horse Capital of the World. If you’re looking to have a musical + fun-filled spring and summer, then allow us to introduce you to Lexington’s outdoor live concert guide.

Free

Thursday Night Live
In the heart of downtown at Fifth Third Bank Pavillion, this fan-favorite is the perfect post-work wind down with easy access to restaurants, food trucks, and beverage booths.

  • Thursdays, 5-8 p.m.
  • Oct. 16 at Legends Stadium

Big Band & Jazz
Organized by Lexington Parks & Recreation, this is one of Lexington’s longest-running weekly concert series, going strong for 40+ years. Concerts are Tuesdays through Aug. 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

  • May 13-June 24 at Moondance Amphitheater
  • July 8-Aug. 12 at Ecton Park

Southland Jamboree
Well-behaved dogs are allowed to attend and don’t forget to bring your own instrument for a post-concert jam session with bluegrass jam bands.

  • Thursdays, 7 p.m.
  • May 29-Sept. 4 at Moondance Amphitheater

East End Evenings
Lexington Parks & Recreation’s newest outdoor concert series — taking over for the former Northside Nights — is bringing live funk, soul, and R&B music to the East End. Performances will be held on the showmobile stage, so don’t forget to grab a blanket, some chairs + get ready to boogie down.

  • Saturdays, 6-8 p.m.
  • July 12, Aug. 9, and Sept. 13 at Charles Young Park

Summer Nights in Suburbia
The concert series runs the musical gamut + brings a surprise to each show featuring indie rock, blues, folk artists, and more. Gates open as early as 5:30 p.m.

  • Every other Friday, 7-9 p.m.
  • May 30-Sept. 12 at Moondance Amphitheater

Tahlsound
This series aims to recognize + elevate local talent by bringing to its stage the neighborhood’s musical acts.

  • Last Sunday of the month, 6 p.m.
  • April 27-Sept. 28 at Oleika Temple Great Lawn

Music on the Lawn
Sip specialty cocktails + snack on farm-fresh fare while listening to live music by the fire.

  • Every Friday + Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
  • May 2-Nov. 1 at Shaker Village, Harrodsburg

Ticketed

Springhouse Music Series
A night of live music with local food trucks + specialty cocktails on the lawn of this picturesque Frankfort distillery.

  • Second and fourth Wednesdays, 6 p.m.
  • May 14-Sept. 24 at Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort

The Burl
This local venue will bring shows outside during the warmer months + hosts a variety of acts including folk, Americana, indie rock, and more. Pro tip: Stop by Lucy’s across the parking lot for some late-night snacks like mini-corndogs or deep fried tacos de papas.

  • Shows dates + times vary
  • 375 Thompson Rd.
More from LEXtoday
Independent Bookstore Day is your chance to turn the page on your next adventure while supporting local businesses and authors.
From who’s headlining to what their sound can be compared to.
The James Beard finalist is bringing her Sri Lankan-inspired cooking to national television while celebrating 10 years of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop with limited Saturday pop-ups in Lexington.
We dive into horse-related place names around Lexington.
The Lexington Public Library offers free educational resources that citizens can utilize to learn new skills, advance their careers, or just continue to stay curious.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Lexington’s many beautiful patios.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Talk about a work walk of art.
Discover and document local species as part of a worldwide effort to track biodiversity this spring.
Directly north, east, south, and west of us, cities across the world await.