New Bedford Summer Sound Series 2025 Lineup Announced

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The lineup has been announced for the 2025 Summer Sound Series, a slate of free outdoor concerts that will take place at two locations across downtown New Bedford.

The popular concert series is presented by Mayor Jon Mitchell, and is now organized by AHA! New Bedford.

“Summer Sound Series has become a highlight of the City’s summer events,” Mitchell said. “The live music and block parties bring crowds downtown to shop, dine and gather with family and friends to enjoy the summer season.”

Bringing in AHA! New Bedford to organize the concerts has led to some new acts performing in the series for the first time.

“There is nothing like an outdoor summer concert,” said Kim Goddard, Executive Director of AHA! New Bedford. “We’re delighted to be organizing this year’s Summer Sound Series and continuing the tradition of live music filling the streets of New Bedford each summer. This year, we’ve brought back some familiar favorites and are introducing a few new acts to this year’s lineup. We can’t wait to enjoy these nights together.”

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When and Where Are the Summer Sound Series Concerts?

The free concerts take place on select Fridays in June, July and August. The shows are slated for 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All concerts are weather permitting.

The concerts will alternate between stages on closed portions of lower Union Street and Purchase Street.

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The Series Kicks Off With a Jaws-Themed Night

The first band up will be Grateful Dead tribute act Pearly Baker Band, performing as part of Explore New Bedford’s “JawsJam: A Bigger Boat Block Party,” which will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic film Jaws.

According to AHA!, there will be “a costume contest, pop-up market, themed drinks, Instagram-worthy moments, and of course, live music.”

“The team at AHA! has brought incredible energy and creativity as the new organizers for the 12th year of the Summer Sound Series,” said Ashley Payne, Director of Tourism and Marketing for Explore New Bedford. “JawsJam: A Bigger Boat Block Party is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Jaws that celebrates local art, community, and summer fun right here in our seaport.”

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Two Other New Bedford Events Will Tie Into the Summer Sound Series

The Jethros’ performance on July 4 is part of the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s First Fridays.

“There will be family-friendly activities outside, with select Whaling Museum galleries open after-hours and free to the public,” according to a release.

Then, when NB Rude Boys take the stage on July 18, it will be in conjunction with the NB Roots and Branches Festival, a two-day “entirely free festival celebrating music, art, and creativity with primarily acoustic performances in and around local businesses.”

What Restaurants Are Participating in the Summer Sound Series?

At the Purchase Street Stage, it will be No Problemo, The Pour Farm Tavern and The Vault. For the Lower Union Street Stage, it will be Port Royal, PLAY Arcade, New Beige, Cultivator Shoals and Cork Wine & Tapas.