Outdoor music saw a boom during the pandemic out of necessity, but on warm summer days the preferred concert venues have always been those with free-flowing air. With the Duluth-area music scene continuing to flourish and touring artists on the move, the season has music to soothe all souls with genres spanning the realms of rock, pop, hip hop, folk and more.

From porches, patios and piers to amphitheaters, big tents and city parks, the outdoor summer concert options are numerous. Below is Perfect Duluth’s Day’s annual guide to al fresco music in 2023.

For more information about any show, click the red-text hyperlinks to view PDD Calendar listings.

Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Earth Rider Brewery in Superior and Big Top Chautauqua near Bayfield are three of the biggest outdoor music venues known for having a variety and multitude of different shows.

Some larger and more mainstream festivals happening this summer are Rock Fest in Cadotte and Hodag Country Music Festival in Rhinelander. A smaller and more folksy affair is the annual Radio Waves Music Festival in Grand Marais.

The bulk of the summer concert docket comes from an array of organizations producing short runs of shows in sometimes quirky locations. Among them are:

• Concerts on the Pier at Glensheen
• Bayside Sounds
• Chester Creek Concert Series
• Lucius Woods Summer Concerts
• Hot Summer Nights Concert Series
• Courtside and Rooftop Concerts at Pier B Resort
• Music in the Park at Olcott Park
• Superior Porchfest
• Silver Bay Music in the Park

In a similar realm of the official “concert series” circuit are the numerous local drinking establishments with patios and courtyards. Places like Bent Paddle Brewing, Wild State Cider and even Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake all frequently have local artists and musicians performing outdoors.

Below are 15 outdoor summer shows from across the region we’ve chosen to highlight for 2023.
 

Jon Pardi at Bayfront Park — Jun. 23

Get ready to fall head over boots at this summer party with Jon Pardi and an array of special country-music guests at Bayfront. Rafe Carlson, Matt Kozio and Sydney Hansen open the show.

Hippo Campus at Bayfront Park — Jun 24

Minnesota band Hippo Campus is leaving big city life behind for the day to perform in the Twin Ports. This indie rock band has been trucking for more than six years and has changed its sound from album to album. With opening performers Miloe and Papa Mbye, the concert is set to be a smorgasbord of indie rock, hip-hop, pop, electronic, alt-rock and anything these diverse performers feel like playing.

Flo Rida at Bayfront Park — Jun 30

Flo Rida is known for smashing the digital charts and earning platinum certifications left and right. But at heart, he is a performer for the ages and is ready to take over the Bayfront.

Nelly at Grand Casino Hinckley — Jul.1

Grammy winner Nelly is ready to rap up the Grand Casino Amphitheater this summer with his lyrical and creative hip-hop style of music.

The Slamming Doors on the Pier at Glensheen Mansion — Jul. 5

The American rock vibe of the Slamming Doors embodies what it feels like to be sitting on the beach in the summer times — toes in the sand, drink in hand, the sound of waves crashing from the lake and not a care in the world. The pier at Glensheen has become a hotspot for Wednesday night summer concerts, with a steady lineup of the region’s top performers and large crowds of fans who often paddle up to the show on various floating vessels.

Trampled by Turtles and Jenny Lewis at Bayfront Park — Jul. 8

Would it even be a Duluth summer if Trampled by Turtles wasn’t coming to rock the Bayfront? The band is known worldwide for its indie folk and bluegrass sounds, but its members refuse to forget their Duluth origin, making sure to visit as often as possible. Jenny Lewis joins TBT on the bill. Lewis specializes in indie folk/rock and alternative country. Her new single, “Psycho,” keeps things light and fresh but never stops grooving. Local folk musician Ross Thorn opens the show.

Sierra Ferrell at Big Top Chautauqua — Jul. 9

Alt-country singer/songwriter Sierra Ferrell incorporates elements of gypsy jazz, folk and Latin music into her repertoire. Her shows are high energy and her good vibes leave audiences feeling all warm and fuzzy.

Lamont Cranston at Dubh Linn Irish Pub — Jul. 15

Longtime Minneapolis blues sensation Pat Hayes brings his Lamont Cranston Band north for the traditional Downtown Duluth Street Dance on Superior Street in front of Dubh Linn Irish Pub. The event happens each year during the annual Downtown Duluth Sidewalk Days.

Joyann Parker Band — Jul. 28

Joyann Parker’s strong vocals plus her talented band is an equation for a great night of free music. Parker and her band specialize in rock and blues, creating a soulful experience for the audience. This outdoor concert is a part of Silver Bay’s Music in the Park series that features free concerts at City Center Park.

Charlie Parr at Lucius Woods — Jul. 29

Duluth’s own Charlie Parr is known for his storytelling and blues guitar picking. He has released 14 studio albums and toured the globe performing at legendary venues, but this time he takes the stage at a northwest Wisconsin campground.

Bon Iver and Poliça at Bayfront Park — Aug. 2

Grammy-winning indie darlings Bon Iver have generated worldwide praise from critics and fans alike since the debut release For Emma, Forever Ago in 2007. The group is touring with Minneapolis band Poliça, which has six studio albums and has been mixing musical genres such as synth-pop, R&B and alternative rock since 2011.

The Wailin’ Jennys at Big Top Chautauqua — Aug. 4

This bluegrass trio has won two Juno awards and has had two albums hit number one on the Bluegrass Billboard charts. Ruth Moody, Nickey Mehta and Heather Masse have such great musical chemistry that they were able to form one of today’s most beloved international folk groups.

Twin Ports Music Fest at Earth Rider — Aug. 18-19

Earth Rider’s second annual Twin Ports Music Festival features Twin Cities-based folk band the Cactus Blossoms as the Friday headliner and blues guitarist Ana Popovic on Saturday.

Grand Rapids Riverfest at the Grand Rapids Library — Sept. 9

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa are the hot acts at the third annual Grand Rapids Riverfest. The event is the biggest party that Grand Rapids sees in a year and prides itself on celebrating music, local businesses, restaurants and breweries.

Great Northern Squash Fest — Sept. 15-16

This year’s Squash Fest in the tiny community of Chaffey, about 30 miles south of Duluth, boasts a lineup that includes Babies Eyes, New Salty Dog, Stringdingers, High and Rising, Superior Siren, Tres Osos and more. The two-day camping event honors music, the earth and the peace that we can bring into one another’s lives.