Wednesday's Top 10: Long Island's Summer Music Festivals

LongIsland.com

Music lovers across Long Island will delight at the sheer amount of musical events happening on the Island this summer - most of which are free and perfect for the whole family.

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Music lovers across Long Island will delight at the sheer amount of musical events happening on the Island this summer – most of which are free and perfect for the whole family. The Chambers of Commerce in many Long Island towns have been holding weekly concert series for several years. Don’t fret if you haven’t been in on the not-so-secret secret. With their great turnouts every summer, these concerts don’t show any signs of being shut down anytime soon. A number of these concerts series are already underway, having begun in June or early last week, but there are so many more upcoming concerts that you’ll sleep tight knowing the fun has just begun. Gather up all your favorite people to relax and enjoy a diverse range of musical acts for these weekly concert series, including cover bands sharing music from the likes of The Beatles, Billy Joel, The Eagles, and Rod Stewart, as well as the music of other local Long Island bands.

 
1. Great South Bay Music Festival – Shorefront Park, Patchogue – July 13-15
The Great South Bay Music Festival is Long Island’s largest music experience for the sixth year in a row. Over 50 musical acts will perform across three stages which includes two main stages and an “Emerging Artists” stage. Kids will have a blast in the “Kidzone” which boasts educational and fun entertainment.
 
2. New York AutoFest Music Festival – Exotic Classics, 100 Gordon Drive, Sysosset – July 29 @ 8am
New York AutoFest Music Festival attendees will get the chance to admire hot rods, classic cars, modified cars and more while enjoying classic rock of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Admission is $20 for registered cars and $5 for spectators. Children under 12 enter free.
 
3. Outdoor Family Summer Concert Series – Smithtown Library, Route 25A/25/111, Smithtown
The eighth annual Outdoor Family Summer Concert Series begins this summer at the Smithtown Library. Enjoy the sounds of all your favorite bands from The Beatles and Rod Stewart to The Eagles and Billy Joel. Everything Thursday night at 8pm a new band takes the stage for fun for the entire family.
 
4. Musical Moments – Russ Savatt Park, Main Street Kings Park (next to Ralph’s Italian Ice)
Every Friday night from 7:30pm to 9pm Long Island residents are invited to gather round at Russ Savatt Park in Kings Park to enjoy the sounds of local musicians. There is very limited seating so attendees are asked to bring their own recliners. Many of Kings Park’s local restaurants will offer dining specials on concert nights.
 
5. Happenings on Main Street – Northport Village Patio, Northport
Beginning in June and ending in August Northport Village holds a special summertime event called Happenings on Main Street. Every Friday night beginning at 7pm a series of musicians will take to the Northport Village patio to perform a variety of music for residents. Everything from bluegrass, jazz, Afro-beat, blues, and pop.
 
6. Monday Night Concerts on the Green – The Gazebo, 724 Montauk Highway, Montauk
The Montauk Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the Monday Night Concerts on the Green. Every Monday night, 6:30pm through 8:30pm, a free concert will be held at the Gazebo near Gosman’s. Bring chairs, blankets and food to enjoy as you sit back and relax with plenty of free entertainment. 
 
7. Downtown Sounds – Village Square, Intersection of Glen and Bridge Streets, Glen Cove
Long Islanders are invited to the Glen Cove Village Square every Friday night in July and August for a unique musical experience. Bring your lawn chairs, relax after a long work week and enjoy the sounds of local and diverse musical acts.
 
8. Backporch Concerts Series -  Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket
Every Friday, beginning at 5pm, residents of Long Island will enjoy a weekly concert series held at Benner’s Farm in East Setauket. Each week will feature a wide range of live groups. The farm will be open during the concerts for visiting the animals.
 
9. Summer Concerts in the Park – Agawam Park & Coopers Beach, Southampton
The Southampton Cultural Center presents the Summer Concerts in the Park, happening every Wednesday at 6:30pm in Agawam Park and Cooper Beach in Southampton. Enjoy the sounds of various musicians July through September 1st.
 
10. Wednesdays in the Park – The Common Ground, Rotary Park, Sayville
Enjoy free concerts at The Common Ground in Rotary Park, Sayville, every Wednesday night starting at 7pm. They’ll have everything from bluegrass and classic rock and jazz and barbershop style singers.
 
We know that free is always best but be sure to visit the Music & Concerts section of the LongIsland.com Events Calendar for more upcoming music events at Long Island’s popular music venues.
 

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