This is a big summer for concerts around here -- one of the busiest summers I can remember, mostly because we all went for two summers without any concerts. We've got some catching up to do.
Most of the concerts I mention on the air, or I actually attend, or we give away tickets to on The Sound, are for grownups. But what about the kids? Are there summer concerts intended mainly for kids (and their parents) as opposed to a sweaty adults-only night of drinking and dancing to a band at the Croc or the Showbox in Seattle?
Glad you asked! There are all kinds of fun, family-friendly concerts for kiddos happening this summer, all around the sound.
Let's start with Seattle and the Eastside. Check out Listen Up! Best Free (& Cheap!) Family Summer Concerts from the always reliable Tiny Beans and you'll get a big look at summer concerts that are kid-friendly, mostly free, mostly outdoors, and mostly at an early hour so the kiddos can still get to bed on time. I've always thought the summer concerts at the Ballard Locks had that sweet small-town vibe -- family-friendly with a variety of musical styles from classical to big band. THere are also lots of live music options at Univeristy Village in Seattle, and various outdoor locations throughout downtown Seattle like Westlake Park and Harbor Steps.
Over in Kirkland, they're covering all the bases with kid-oriented concerts Tuesdays at 10am -- that's right, 10AM! -- at Juanita Beach Park, and family-friendly performances on Thursday nights at Marina Park. Sammamish, Everett, Auburn, Kenmore, Bonney Lake -- they're all on the list too.
If you're in Kent, Lacey, Auburn, Covington, Puyallup, or Tacoma, take a look at South Sound Summer Arts: Free Outdoor Concerts and Movies for 2022 courtesy of the folks at ParentMap and get dialed in to all kinds of summer music fun for the kiddos. Lots of those performances are happening adjacent to playgrounds or in waterfront parks so there's lots for the kids to do while they're waiting for the music to start. In Lacey on selected dates later in July, they're even doing music and a movie outdoors for children on the same evening.
Bring some snacks, pack some baby wipes, and don't forget the sunscreen, because summer's here! Have fun!