Whether you enjoy toe-tapping, street dancing, or lawn chair listening, summer means free concerts several nights a week in the communities around Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
You can catch a free or ticketed performance all summer, making it another reason to plan your vacation in northern Michigan. Plus, many wineries and restaurants offer live music on outdoor decks and patios.
Enjoy world-class musicians as well as top-notch local talent throughout the Sleeping Bear region. Mark your calendar—you won’t want to miss many of these live acts. It’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the laid-back summer vibes.
Glen Arbor
In the heart of Sleeping Bear, Glen Arbor Arts Center kicks off a summer of fun with the Kodak Quartet as their Musicians-in-Residence through June 21st.
Now in its fourth year, Glen Arbor Arts Center partners with Interlochen Public Radio’s Sound Garden Project to make the arts accessible and community-centered. The initiative focuses on planting classical music in unexpected places—from beaches to boats, front porches to playgrounds, and schools to libraries.
"The Sound Garden Project helps us do that by bringing music into everyday spaces where people work and gather,” said Scott Bouma, GAAC’s executive director. “Programs like this residency and our Manitou Music Front Porch series offer different ways for people to experience live music that is joyful, welcoming, and easy to be part of—and for free."
The Kodak Quartet brings its electrifying, genre-defying sound to the Glen Arbor area. They will create joyful, spontaneous encounters with music through a variety of free public events—so be on the lookout and catch them throughout the week.
The residency concludes with a free performance 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 20 at Old Settlers Park Chapel.
GAAC’s Manitou Music Series also presents a variety of musical acts on the GAAC’s Front Porch. The free concerts run 5-7 p.m. on select Fridays.
- B-Side Growlers, June 27: The B-Side Growlers are an acoustic trio from Grand Rapids, MI, who focus on what’s become their tagline: “Tradition inspired, toe-tapping fired, vintage acoustic blues, jazz, and country.”
- Allie Kessel, July 25: Allie Kessel is a singer-songwriter creating a blend between folk and soul music. With a passion for storytelling, her music takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of life.
- Mighty Tundra Tones, Aug. 8 (rain date, Aug. 22): The Mighty Tundra Tones, aka JazzNorth, are a little Big Band comprised of area professional musicians that play classic swing, Latin, funk, blues, ballads, originals, and “danceable jazz.”
Leland
The Old Art Building welcomes rising singer/songwriter Jon Muq to the OAB’s main stage 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 18. Born in Uganda and now living in Austin, Texas, Muq draws from African as well as western musical trends and traditions.
“These days the world is sad,” he explained, “so I wanted to make happy songs. I wanted to write songs that connected with the listener in a very personal way.”
Muq has opened for Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Lyle Lovett, and other headliners. He describes his songs as small gifts, designed to settle into everyday life and provoke reflection and resilience. Tickets: OAB Members, $30; Non-Members, $35.
On June 28, Six Mile Strings will perform 7-8:30 p.m. Visiting from Detroit, Yuri Popowcyz, Natalie Frakes, Alycia Wilder, and Tom Sullivan are a string quartet of friends who focus on performing classical and contemporary works. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets: OAB Members, $25; Non-Members, $30.
Looking ahead, the popular Music in the Air Summer Concert Series returns June 26-August. 28. The OAB lawn is the place to be on Thursday nights during the summer!
Enjoy free, live music beginning at 7 p.m. on the beautiful front lawn near the river in downtown Leland. Bring chairs, blankets, and a basket full of your favorite local goodies for the full experience. Socialize, picnic, and mingle while you enjoy some easy listening from talented musicians around the region.
For more information, visit oldartbuilding.com.
Frankfort
This Lake Michigan coastal community has a diverse musical lineup—both ticketed and free—throughout the summer.
The Garden Theater’s Live at the Garden Summer Concert Series kicks off Saturday, June 14 with Whiskey Wolves of The West, a duo composed of Nashville guitarist Leroy Powell & singer/songwriter Tim Jones.
The series continues June 21 with The Claudettes, performing a mix of Blues and R&B laced with punk spirit and film-noir moods to create the band’s singular “garage cabaret” sound.
And Cousin Curtiss visits The Garden Sept. 20, if you prefer to visit after the summer rush. Described as “two road warriors on a mission to electrify audiences everywhere with their two-man full-band sound.” Think, “blues at bluegrass speeds.” Imagine, “rock americana with a soulful drip.”
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30. Tickets are $25 for general admission with package options available.
On June 27, head out to Beats at the Barn Friday, from 5-8 p.m., at 3396 Casey Road in Frankfort. Support Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network by enjoying a Frankfort cover band, food from local food truck Off the Hook Tacos, and Stormcloud beer!
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to relax, or enjoy one of the provided lawn games. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door ($10 children) and can be purchased here.
With a view of Betsie Bay, Oliver Art Center will host several live musical acts, ranging from chamber music to folk and blues.
“Oliver Art Center strives to provide access to a variety of music experiences in our unique gallery venue, and 2025 will be a great year for concerts,” said Executive Director Tamara Hoffbauer. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Interlochen Public Radio and Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra to provide several free events.”
In addition, The Nephews will perform once again at OAC’s free outdoor art fair, the Coastal Caravan, on July 26, plus local favorite Chris Skellenger brings his solo act to the outdoor stage. Come for the music, stay for the art, the views and the good times.
The musical fun continues with the following events at Oliver Art Center:
- Lang Lang International Music Foundation Young Scholars Piano Concert, 4 p.m., Sunday, June 15. This free recital features the young pianists of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation for a very special performance in the Beck Gallery. Come hear the future of concert pianists from around the globe.
- Virdian Strings at Pines of Arcadia, 7 p.m., June 21. Join Cellist Kyle Stachnik and Violinist Suni Norman for a magical evening under the pines.
- Cerus Quartet at Oliver Art Center, 7 p.m., June 26. This free performance showcases the dynamic, versatile sound worlds of the saxophone quartet.
- Solstice Ensemble at OAC, 7 p.m., July 17 and Aug. 14. The Solstice Ensemble plays everything from baroque to tango for the unusual combination of flute, violin, recorder, cello, and piano. Free admission.
- Viridian Strings presents solo cello recital with Kyle Stachnik, July 30. The full ensemble returns to the Beck Gallery for a special performance, 7 p.m., Aug. 29.
- Will Marsh and his Integration Ensemble, 5 p.m., Aug. 17. This not-to-be-missed event features Marsh on sitar and guitar along with Crispin Campbell on Cello, Patrick Booth on sax, and Josh Mellinger on percussion.
Beulah
The quaint town of Beulah closes the street for a weekly dance party. Music in the Street begins July 3 and continues every week until August 14. Enjoy free concerts all summer long beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday in downtown. Bring a lawn chair, pack a cooler, and get ready to dance in the streets.
- July 3: Jabo Bihlman, Blues Rock.
- July 10: Manitou Trucking Co., Grateful Dead Tribute
- July 17: Tundra Tones, R&B, Rock, Jazz
- July 24: The Accidentals, Indie Folk
- July 31: One Hot Robot, Dance Band
- Aug. 7: Bill Frary & Da’ Frequency, Blues Rock
- Aug. 14: Dig A Pony, Beatles Tribute Show
On July 13, Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 45th season at Benzie Central High School Auditorium. This concert, which begins at 4 p.m., features JeanMarie Riccobono on Clarinet performing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto. The orchestra will also perform Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2. Admission is a suggested donation of $15 for adults and children are free. Information: benziesymphony.com
Elberta
Sit back and enjoy the scenery while listening to a mix of music. The popular Jammin’ Mondays on Betsie Bay returns to Elberta Waterfront Park Amphitheater.
The free concert series brings world-class jazz, blues, pop, rock, R&B, folk, and soul music to the shores of Betsie Bay. Held on Mondays June 17-Sept. 2 from 7-9:15 p.m. Rain site: Waterfront Park Picnic Pavilion. Listen from your radio at 99.3 FM.
- June 16: Rodney Whitaker Ensemble
- June 23: Plant D Nonet
- June 30: Seth Bernard Quartet
- July 7: Snacks & Five
- July 14: Metro Soul Band
- July 21: Sears N Sears Quintet
- July 28: Steepwater Band
- Aug. 4: East Bay Drive
- Aug. 11: Dave Keller Band
- Aug. 18: Greg Nagy Band
- Aug. 25: Jeff Haas, Big Fun Electric Band
- Sept. 1: The Schleppinbop Kids
Interlochen
Interlochen Center for the Arts is known far and wide for its summer music and arts camp for youth and adults. The arts center also opens its scenic, wooded campus for public performances and the popular Interlochen Arts Festival.
This concert series brings national touring acts to northern Michigan, performing in the open-air, lakeside venue of Kresge Auditorium.
Some of the performances include:
- Whiskey Myers "What We Were Born To Do" Tour 2025, 7 p.m., June 15
- Dana Krall, 7:30 p.m., June 17
- Gary Clark Jr. with special guest Lamont Landers, 7:30 p.m., June 20
- Rick Springfield: I Want My 80s Tour, 7 p.m., June 25
- Wyonna Judd—The Greatest Hits Tour, 7:30 p.m., June 26
- America: The Encore Tour, 7:30 p.m., July 9
- Iron & Wine and I’m With Her—Robin’s Egg Tour, 7:30 p.m., July 10
- St. Paul & The Broken Bones and The Wood Brothers, 7 p.m., July 12
- The Infamous Stringdusters & Leftover Salmon, 7 p.m., July 15
- Ashley McBryde, 7:30 p.m., July 17
- Let’s Sing Taylor—An Unofficial Live Tribute Band, 7:30 p.m. July 18
- The Temptations and The Four Tops, 7:30 p.m., Aug. 6
- Toad the Wet Sprocket with The Jayhawks, 7:30 p.m., Aug. 9
- An Evening with CAKE, 7:30 p.m., Aug. 15
- Greensky Bluegrass, 6:30 p.m., Aug. 22-23
Interlochen also hosts world-renowned classical artists and rising stars, with performances by Lang Lang, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and outstanding student ensembles this summer. For the full schedule of concerts and events, visit interlochen.org.
Marla R. Miller is a freelance travel writer, blogger, and content writer who enjoys exploring the Sleeping Bear area. Visit her website at marlarmiller.com.