One of the best parts of summer in Rhode Island is that so much of it happens outside. Beach days turn into sunset concerts, downtown streets fill with live music, and the Town of Westerly puts on events that bring locals and visitors together under the open sky.
If you’re staying at our New England bed and breakfast this summer, here’s where to find the best outdoor concerts and live music in the area.
Iconic Summer Traditions and Festival Stages
Tunes on the Dunes at Westerly Town Beach
One of our absolute favorite things to recommend to guests is the free summer concert series hosted right on the sand at Westerly Town Beach. Known as Tunes on the Dunes, these performances run from July through mid-August and are the epitome of casual summer fun. Monday Night Jams features local bands covering classic rock and pop favorites, while Wednesday Blues on the Beach is a legendary local tradition bringing powerhouse regional blues artists like Roomful of Blues, Duke Robillard, Johnny Nicholas and the Texas All Stars, and Al Copley to the coast. Watching the sun set over Block Island Sound while the music carries over the surf is a true Rhode Island tradition. These shows run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and if a summer shower passes through, the music simply moves down the street to the indoor stage at the Windjammer Surf Bar.
Watch Hill Summer Concert Series (replaces Studio 39A):
The Watch Hill Summer Concert Series brings live music to the heart of Watch Hill Village on the green every other Tuesday evening throughout the summer. The free concerts run from 6 to 8 PM and feature a fun mix of genres, from folk and blues to reggae and rock. There’s free parking near the venue and by the carousel, and all the shops and restaurants remain open, so you can get there early for dinner or an evening stroll through the village.
Check their Facebook page for any date changes.
The Chorus of Westerly’s Summer Pops in Wilcox Park
If there’s one Rhode Island event that defines summer in Westerly, it’s Summer Pops. The Chorus of Westerly has been putting on this free outdoor concert in Wilcox Park for over 40 years. The park transforms into a massive open-air amphitheater where a full orchestra and a spectacular chorus perform classical masterworks and beloved popular arrangements. The event typically begins with live cannon fire and ends with a brilliant fireworks finale over the pond.
Stonington Vineyards Summer Concert Series
Just across the Connecticut border, Stonington Vineyards hosts a Friday evening concert series throughout July and August. Local bands play on the lawn from 6 to 9 PM while you enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, pack a picnic (outside alcohol isn’t allowed, but food is welcome), and settle in for a relaxed evening among the vines. Tickets are available in advance on their website or at the door.
Rhythm & Roots Festival at Ninigret Park
For those looking to close out the summer with a bang, the Rhythm & Roots Festival takes over Ninigret Park during Labor Day weekend. This three-day celebration features a phenomenal lineup of roots, Zydeco, and Americana music across multiple stages with plenty of room for dancing. It has grown into one of the most beloved musical gatherings in the region, offering an incredible selection of local food trucks, craft vendors, and a joyful end-of-season energy that lasts long after the weekend is over.
Dedicated Music Venues and Large Theaters
The United Theatre
For world-class indoor performances, The United Theatre in downtown Westerly has been bringing the community together since its start as a vaudeville venue in 1926. The 700-capacity auditorium now hosts concerts, theater, comedy, feature films, and special events throughout the year. Make sure to check their schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Headliners and Arena Shows: Foxwoods Casino
Even the larger national acts are within easy reach during your stay. The Great Cedar Showroom and Premier Theater at Foxwoods Casino are just a 25-minute drive from our front door across the Connecticut border. These venues host major national touring acts, world-class comedians, and global music icons year-round, making it effortless to pair a high-energy arena show or theater performance with a peaceful, riverside retreat back at our inn.
Westerly RI Restaurants and Bars with Live Music
Some of the best summer evenings happen when dinner turns into live music without much planning. These are some of our favorite Westerly, RI restaurants and bars that regularly host local bands:
Downtown Watering Holes and Craft Breweries
In the downtown area, Perks & Corks is a beloved local lounge known for its creative martinis, comfortable seating, and intimate weeknight acoustic sessions that make for a perfect pre-dinner stop. On Mondays, they host a Songwriters Open Mic where local and touring musicians take the stage to play only original music. The showcase of fresh talent continues on midweek with their Wednesday Night Songwriters Series from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring exceptional acoustic soloists, duos, and trios from across the region.
Nearby, Pooch’s Pour House provides a classic, low-key pub vibe with talented local musicians playing alongside an impressive tap list. If you walk over to Canal Street, you will find Surf Cantina, serving up Mexican street food and exceptional tequila cocktails with lively weekend musical sets.
Just a few doors down, Grey Sail Brewing is one of our favorite spots to send guests for a summer afternoon of “dartying”. The brewery is set in a converted 1920s macaroni factory, and the taproom has a great selection of craft beers on tap, including their flagship Captain’s Daughter double IPA. But the real draw in summer is the outdoor beer garden, a spacious patio with picnic tables, lawn games, and live music on weekends. If you work up an appetite, Vetrano’s wood-fired pizza is on site.
Just a short drive down the road into neighboring Mystic, you can head over to The Harp & Hound for an authentic, warm Irish pub experience with traditional acoustic sets. While you’re in the neighborhood, another fantastic choice for live music every weekend is Milestone Mystic, located right in the heart of downtown at 12 Water Street.
Oceanfront Dining and Beachfront Beats
In the Misquamicut Beach area, the Windjammer Surf Bar and The Andrea are the go-to spots for oceanfront music vibes. The Andrea features a massive patio steps from the sand, where you can catch high-energy beachside bands all summer long with a cocktail in hand. For an elegant coastal experience just minutes away in Watch Hill, the historic Ocean House hosts live jazz and acoustic performances throughout the summer, including pianist Al Copley on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings with unparalleled views of the Atlantic.
Unwind After the Encores at Margin Street Inn
When the final notes fade and the crowds disperse, the best part of the evening is returning to the quiet sanctuary of Margin Street Inn. Tucked away on our 6.5 riverside acres, you can let the excitement of the night melt away as you listen to the gentle hum of the Pawcatuck River.
Book your summer getaway today, and let us help you map out the perfect itinerary of sun, sand, and unforgettable Rhode Island events.