Insider Tips:
For the Glover Park Concert Series, there’s free parking after 4:30 p.m. at several parking decks.
A first listen of performers in the Summer Concert Series at Dunwoody Nature Center is available by signing into Spotify
For five months of the year, outdoor concerts present rockin’ old- and new-school music in the park for you to let loose and enjoy. And most are free.
This story originally appeared in the April/May edition of Living Northside Magazine.
1. Glover Park Concert Series got started in April with big-band music performed by Still Swinging. The group is the brainchild of Les Still, who leads his instrumentalists through playlists of classic tunes made famous by Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and other greats. The free concerts are scheduled to be held the last Friday of the month through Sept. 30. In May, the Tams play Carolina beach music. In June, the Sons of Sailors pay tribute to Jimmy Buffet songs. Bring blankets and lawn chairs or reserve a table for a fee. Now until Sept. 30. 8 p.m. Historic Marietta Square, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta.
2. Home by Dark Series. The singer-songwriter concerts are performed on the 100-acre backdrop of Chukkar Farms polo field. Shows are held the first weekend of the month starting May 6. Grammy Award nominee Cindy Morgan, who has written for Rascal Flatts and India.Arie, opens the series, along with Jonathan Kingham, who is known for his mix of country, folk, pop and jazz. Tickets start at $21.80. The series closes on Oct. 1. Now until Oct.1. 8 p.m., gates open at 6:30. 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. homebydark.com
3. Riverside Sounds Concert Series. Concert-goers can spend the day at Riverside Park and let the hours flow into showtime. Performances are held the first Saturday of the month starting May 7, with Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers. Achison developed his bluesy, soulful vocal style while living in Australia for several years. Concerts continue through Oct. 1. Blankets, chairs, dogs, food and alcohol are permitted. Food trucks will be available. Now until Oct.1 7-9 p.m. 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. roswellgov.com
4. Concerts by the Springs. It's the 20th year of this music series held the second Sunday of the month May through September on the entertainment lawn at Heritage Sandy Springs. Bogey and the Viceroy kickoff the series on May 8 with classic soul and retro pop/rock tunes. Come ready to party. New Orleans-born Bogey Thornton and his multi-member band plan to have you dancin' to the music. Blankets, picnic baskets and coolers are welcome. Food vendors will also be open. Free admission. Tables available for a fee. Now until Sept. 11. 7-8:30 p.m., gates open at 5 p.m. 6110 Bluestone Road, Sandy Springs. heritagesandysprings.org
5. DNC's Summer Concert Series. The subtle sounds of wildlife surrounding the woodland meadow at Dunwoody Nature Center make for a great music setting. Presented by the City of Dunwoody, the series opens May 14 and continues every other Saturday through July 23. Last year, nearly 300 Northsiders came out to see bands play on the Nature Center's new performance stage. Roots rock band the Rays are this year's opening group. Bring a blanket or chair and your picnic basket to the laid-back show. A back deck will also be open for concert-goers. Craft beer selected by Moondog Growlers will be available. Free admission is offered to members and all children age 3 and under; $5 for non-member adults; $3 for students. Now until July 23. 7 p.m. 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. dunwoodynature.org
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