Midwest Wanderer Podcast Episode 2 – July 9, 2024
Welcome to the Midwest Wanderer Podcast Episode 2. In this episode we chat about local events, particularly free local summer concerts found throughout the Midwest.
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One way to relax on summer evenings is to attend free local summer concerts. Local municipalities in many Midwest areas offer weekly or biweekly concerts. They usually rotate music genres, so there’s something throughout the season for everyone to enjoy.
Our Latest Free Local Summer Concert Experience
On Sunday we drove a half hour north to Frankfort, Illinois for their weekly free concert. That particular series is called Concerts on the Green, sponsored by the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce. Because it was still the 4th of July weekend, the Frankfort Brass Band put on a special performance of patriotic music.
Seating and Food
Occasionally a venue might have a few picnic tables or other seating, as was the case at Frankfort’s Breidert Green. But, there will be far more people there than seating, so you should bring your own folding chair. Simple bag chairs are inexpensive, fairly lightweight, easy to carry, and don’t take up a lot of trunk room. In fact, we keep our bag chairs in our trunk from spring through fall.
Food options vary in different locations. In Frankfort, it’s bring-your-own. Or, instead of sitting in the park, dine at one of the restaurants across the street. We noticed the street between the park and restaurants were closed to traffic, and there were plenty of tables for al fresco dining.
Other venues bring in food trucks during the concerts. That was the case a few years ago when we went to a concert in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Saint Cloud hosts several free local summer concert series, held on different evenings of the week. The one we attended was Summer by George, held at the Lake George Complex. Several food options were on hand for that one.
Check for Free Local Summer Concerts When You Travel
Besides attending free concerts locally, it’s a good idea for areas you travel to, as well. How often do you go out of town, you’re busy during the day but can’t think of evening activities?
Below are a few Midwest cities with free local summer concerts in 2024. But wherever you live or travel to, check the websites of the local town, the area chamber of commerce, and the area visitor bureau. Chances are, you’ll find plenty to do, including free local summer concerts. (Be sure to verify dates, times, and policy for inclement weather.)
- Frankfort, Illinois: Sundays through August (Except July 14) at Bridert Green
- Saint Cloud, Minnesota: Wednesdays through August 14 at the Lake George Complex
- Kokomo, Indiana: Every other Saturday through September 7 at Foster Park
- Kenosha Wisconsin: Tuesdays through August 27 at the Sesquicentennial Bandshell at Pennoyer Park
- Wichita, Kansas: Fridays through August 16 at Naftzget Park
- Holland, Michigan: Fridays through August 16 at Kollen Park