Thirty-six seasons in, the Lowell Summer Music Series keeps delivering. The beloved outdoor concert series returns to Boarding House Park in downtown Lowell from July 11 through mid-September with a stacked lineup that runs the full spectrum of American music.
Graham Nash, Iron & Wine, Margo Price, JJ Grey & Mofro, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Watchhouse, and Ripe are among the nationally touring acts confirmed for the 2026 season. That’s a murderers’ row of talent spread across a summer of live music in one of New England’s most distinctive outdoor venues.
The setting is half the story. Boarding House Park is a tree-lined, intimate space in the heart of downtown Lowell where fans spread out on blankets and beach chairs just steps from the stage. Series Director James Macdonald puts it plainly: “A summer night on the grass, under the stars, in one of the most unique and beautiful concert environments in Massachusetts.”
For the first time, the series is offering Season Pass Memberships, and the math is hard to argue with. A limited run of 100 passes covers all 12 concerts for the price of 6, working out to under $30 per show. “At a time when ticket prices continue to rise,” says Macdonald, “this gives fans the chance to experience an entire summer of music at one of the best concert values anywhere in New England.” Season Pass Memberships go on sale Friday, May 15, at 10:00 AM at LowellSummerMusic.org. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
The 2026 season also marks something extra. Lowell is celebrating its bicentennial, and the series is marking the occasion with a free concert on July 12. The Rat Pack Show brings Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. back to life in a full-on 1960s tribute. Doors open at 5:30 PM, showtime at 6:30 PM.
September brings the 45th Annual Banjo and Fiddle Contest, a free all-day event on September 12 running from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Workshops, jam sessions, and competition make it a standout day for traditional music lovers. Registration is open now at LowellSummerMusic.org.
The series also continues its Free Fun for Kids program through July and August, offering family-friendly performances, free lunches from Lowell Public Schools, free books, creative activities, and complimentary trolley rides from the National Park Service. The program serves thousands of children and families every summer at no cost.
The Lowell Summer Music Series is produced by the Lowell Festival Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit running entirely on ticket sales, sponsorships, grants, and community support. No taxpayer funding. Just great music in a great park.
Tickets for most shows are on sale now at LowellSummerMusic.org. Boarding House Park is located at 40 French St, Lowell, MA.
2026 Season Lineup:
July 11: Back to the 80’s with Jessie’s Girl
July 12: The Rat Pack Show (Free Bicentennial Celebration)
July 17: The Fab Faux
August 2: JJ Grey & Mofro
August 7: Iron & Wine
August 8: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
August 9: Ripe
August 14: Watchhouse
August 15: Pink Talking Fish
August 20: The Record Company Featuring the Charlie Musselwhite Duo
August 21: Lotus Land
September 4: Margo Price
September 12: 45th Annual Banjo & Fiddle Contest
September 13: Graham Nash