Summer Sounds in the Historic District

We Got the Beats DJ Series

On the first Friday of the month in June, July, August and September, the We Got the Beats DJ Series brings out two DJs to play two different genres of tunes at locations including FringeArts, the Philadelphia History Museum and Spruce Street Harbor Park. Among those lined up to spin: Rich Medina, DJ Sylo and DJ Royale.

When | Where
When: First Friday of every month, June 1-September 7, 2018, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park Sustained by Univest, FringeArts, Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent

Who Got the Jazz

Every Wednesday night from June 6 through September 5, Who Got the Jazz hits the Historic District, reviving a locally loved jazz tribute series. Master jazz musicians and soul vocalists jam out to send up greats like Nina Simone, Duke Ellington and Stevie Wonder. Look out for artists including Suzann Christine, Chill Moody and Brianna Cash to perform jazz, soul and hip-hop fusion at locations like the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Betsy Ross House, the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent, the Hill-Physick House and the Independence Visitor Center.

When | Where
When: Wednesdays, June 6-September 12, 2018, 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, Betsy Ross House, FringeArts, Spruce Street Harbor Park Sustained by Univest, Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent, Hill-Physick House, Franklin Square, Independence Visitor Center

Waterfront Sessions

Every Thursday in June, July and August, the Waterfront Sessions concert series deliver free live tunes from a wide variety of local talents including Killiam Shakespeare and Ivy Sole. Live tunes and twinkling lights on the Delaware River Waterfront? Check.

When | Where
When: Thursdays, June 7-August 30,2018, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park Sustained by Univest, Columbus Boulevard & Spruce Street

Waterfront Sessions at Spruce Street Harbor Park Sustained by Univest.   — Photo by Matt Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Latin Nights at The Lodge

Live bands and DJs with a Latino-centric playlist get crowds moving during Latin Nights at the Lodge at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. This event series is presented in partnership with Dance Republic, Telemundo62 and La Mega.

When | Where
When: Every first Thursday, June 7, July 5 and August 2, 2018, 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 S. Columbus Boulevard

Jazz in the Park

Sundays were made for chilling, and that’s exactly what visitors can do at Spruce Street Harbor Park during the waterfront park’s Jazz in the Park concert series running every third Sunday through September. Some will argue that concerts from the likes of Julian Hartwell, Ernest Stuart and Ross Bellenoit are best enjoyed from the comfort of one of the many hammocks hanging at this seasonal park.

When | Where
When: Every third Sunday, June 17, July 15, August 19 and September 16, 2018, 3-7 p.m.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park Sustained by Univest, Columbus Boulevard & Spruce Street

Wawa Welcome America Concerts on Independence

For the first time ever, Wawa Welcome America! will put on three Concerts on Independence sponsored by Aetna as part of its week-long Fourth of July celebration. Participants are encouraged to pack a picnic for these performances set against a truly patriotic backdrop. Look for gospel and jazz (July 1), Broadway tunes (July 2) and the marvelous Philly POPS (July 3).

When | Where
When: July 1-3, 2018, 7 p.m.
Where: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street

Concerts on Independence with The Philly Pops.   — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Summer Sounds on the Square

The sounds of blues, rock, zydeco and folk music will fill the Great Lawn Stage at Franklin Square for seven summer Saturdays in July, August and September. New to the Historic District’s offerings, this Summer Sounds on the Square series — sponsored by VISIT PHILADELPHIA — features performances by The Philly POPS and more.

When | Where
When: Saturdays, July 21-September 1, 2018, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 6th & Race Streets

Smooth Jazz Summer Nights

The free, outdoor Smooth Jazz Summer Nights concerts highlight renowned jazz and blues musicians from across the globe, creating performances for those of all ages each Friday night in August at Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing.

When | Where
When: Fridays, August 3-31, 2018, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard & Chestnut Street

Street Corner Symphonies

This traveling band will pop up at various spots throughout the Historic District to entertain daytime visitors. These musicians are part of the Philadelphia Jazz Project sponsored by the Culture Trust.

When | Where
When: Select weekdays, June through August 2018
Where: Pop-up locations including the Museum of the American Revolution, The Bourse, the Betsy Ross House, the National Constitution Center

Smooth Jazz Summer Nights at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing.   — Photo by Matt Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

The Schedule

Summer Sounds in the Historic District free music series includes more than 50 free live music events at locations throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District between June 1 and September 7.

Check out the complete schedule, below.

Note: For up-to-date info on weather-related changes to the schedule, stay tuned to @visitphilly on Twitter.

To download a PDF of the Summer Sounds in the Historic District brochure and schedule, click below.