Summer evenings in the New Kent area are made for outdoor concerts. Within 30 minutes of your doorstep, you can catch live music at Richmond's legendary Friday Cheers on Brown's Island, watch The Beach Boys perform at Colonial Williamsburg's Williamsburg Live, or enjoy a free Thursday-night concert on the Yorktown waterfront. From May through September, there's a concert series running nearly every night of the week — and most of them are free.
This guide covers every major outdoor concert series and movies-in-the-park event within an hour's drive of New Kent County, organized by area so you can plan your summer evenings. Whether you're looking for a casual family night with food trucks and lawn chairs or a ticketed festival with national acts, there's something for every schedule and budget. Load up the car, pack the cooler, and make some summer memories.
Every Summer Concert Series by Area
Richmond
Friday Cheers
Richmond's longest-running outdoor concert series celebrates its 40th anniversary with a stellar 2025 lineup. This beloved Friday night tradition draws thousands of families to Brown's Island on the James River for live music, food trucks, and skyline views. The 2025 season features Chaparelle (May 2), Bully (May 9), RVA Music Night (May 23), Josiah and the Bonnevilles (May 30), Kashus Culpepper (June 6), La Lom (June 13), The War and Treaty (June 20), and Say She She (June 27).
Arrive by 6:00 PM to grab a good spot on the lawn before crowds build. The island has plenty of open grass for blankets and chairs. Food trucks line the perimeter with everything from BBQ to vegan options. Parking downtown can be tight — consider ride-sharing or using the Canal Walk for a scenic approach. About 30 minutes from New Kent via I-64 west.
Dogwood Dell Summer Series
Byrd Park's historic Dogwood Dell amphitheater hosts a summer-long performing arts series featuring concerts, dance performances, and theatrical productions throughout June, July, and August. The open-air venue seats 1,200 in the bowl with additional lawn seating on the surrounding hills. Past seasons have featured the Richmond Symphony, local theater companies, and touring indie acts. The fountain and war memorial create a dramatic backdrop, and the park's mature tree canopy provides natural shade during afternoon shows.
The amphitheater fills up for popular shows, so arrive 30–45 minutes early. The hillside behind the stage offers elevated views and tends to be less crowded. Byrd Park has excellent facilities including restrooms and a playground. Bring a picnic — no on-site food vendors. Parking is available in the park but fills quickly. About 35 minutes from New Kent.
Williamsburg / Yorktown
Sounds of Summer
York County's free weekly concert series brings live music to the scenic Yorktown waterfront every Thursday evening throughout the summer. The stage is set at Riverwalk Landing with the York River and historic waterfront as a backdrop. Past seasons have featured local cover bands, jazz ensembles, and tribute acts playing everything from classic rock to Motown. Food trucks and local vendors set up along the riverwalk, and families can stroll the historic village before or after the show.
Combine with dinner at one of Yorktown's waterfront restaurants before the show. The Riverwalk Landing area has limited seating — bring lawn chairs or blankets. The sun sets over the river during the performance, creating beautiful photo opportunities. Yorktown is about 35 minutes from New Kent via Route 199 and I-64 east. Parking is available in the historic district but arrives early for the closest spots.
Williamsburg Live
This multi-night outdoor concert series on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg features national touring acts in an intimate, historic setting. The 2025 lineup includes The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA (Friday, June 20), The Band Perry (Saturday, June 21), and The Beach Boys (Sunday, June 22). The Colonial Williamsburg backdrop creates a unique concert experience — where else can you watch The Beach Boys perform with the Governor's Palace in the background? Food and beverages are available on-site, and the museums remain open for evening viewing.
This is a ticketed event, so plan ahead — popular shows sell out. The lawn is open seating, so bring chairs or blankets. Tent seating provides covered shade and reserved space. The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area is walkable, so arrive early to explore before the show. Williamsburg is about 30 minutes from New Kent via I-64 east.
Music in Midtown
This monthly outdoor concert series brings live music to Williamsburg's walkable Midtown Row shopping district on the second Thursday of each month from May through September. Local and regional bands perform on a temporary stage set up in the pedestrian-friendly plaza, surrounded by restaurants and shops. The urban setting creates a different vibe from the traditional park concerts — think dinner-and-a-show. Families can grab takeout from nearby restaurants and enjoy the music at outdoor seating areas.
This is a great date-night option — arrive at 5:30 PM to grab dinner at a Midtown Row restaurant before the music starts. The plaza has some built-in seating but standing room is common. The location is walkable and bike-friendly. Parking is available in the Midtown Row garage. About 30 minutes from New Kent.
West Point
Jammin' on the Point
West Point's popular monthly concert series transforms Town Park into a community gathering space on the first Friday of each month from May through September. Hosted by the West Point Chamber of Commerce, these free concerts feature local and regional bands playing classic rock, country, pop, and Motown. The park sits along the York River, giving concerts a waterfront ambiance. Food trucks and local vendors set up on-site, and the small-town setting creates an intimate, neighborly atmosphere.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets — the park has open grass but no permanent seating. Food trucks typically arrive by 5:30 PM, so you can grab dinner before the music starts. The July 4th show doubles as the town's Independence Day celebration. West Point is about 30 minutes from New Kent via Route 30. The scenic drive along the York River is worth the trip.
Charles City County
Summer Concert Series
Charles City County hosts an annual summer concert at Harrison Park, bringing the community together for an evening of live music and family activities. The park's rural setting provides a relaxed, small-town atmosphere with plenty of open space for kids to run and families to spread out. Local food vendors and community organizations set up booths, and the concert often serves as a fundraiser for county programs.
This is a true community event — expect to see neighbors and local officials. The park has basic facilities including restrooms and a playground. Charles City is about 20 minutes from New Kent via Route 5. Combine with a visit to nearby Berkeley Plantation or Shirley Plantation for a day of local history.
Hanover County
Sounds at Sunset
Hanover County's inaugural Sounds at Sunset concert series launched in 2025, bringing live music to county parks and public spaces throughout the spring and summer. The series features local bands like Trademark (August 7 at the Government Complex) and Mike Hazelwood and the Fright Train Five (September 4 at Poor Farm Park). Additional musical offerings include the Down on the Farm concert series at Hanover Vegetable Farm and Sundays in the Shade at James River Cellars Winery.
Hanover County is about 35–40 minutes from New Kent via Route 360. Check the county website for the full schedule as dates are added throughout the season. Poor Farm Park has excellent facilities including a playground, walking trails, and covered pavilions. The winery concerts offer a more intimate experience with wine tastings.
How Can Families Make the Most of Summer Concerts?
Virginia summers are hot and humid, so plan accordingly. Hydrate throughout the day, apply sunscreen before you arrive (most concerts start before sunset), and bring a light jacket for after dark when riverside locations can get breezy. Bug spray is essential, especially near the James River and York River venues.
For families with young children, arrive early to let kids play and burn off energy before the music starts. Sit near the back or sides where kids can move around without disturbing other attendees. Pack snacks and water — even when food trucks are present, lines can be long and kids get impatient.
If you're hitting multiple concerts throughout the summer, here's a framework: Friday Cheers on Friday nights in Richmond, Sounds of Summer on Thursdays in Yorktown, and Jammin' on the Point on the first Friday of each month in West Point. This gives you weekly options without too much driving. Williamsburg Live in June is a special ticketed event worth planning around — it's not a recurring series, so grab tickets early.
Common Questions About Summer Concerts
What should I bring to an outdoor concert?
Lawn chairs or blankets are essential — most venues have open grass seating. Bring bug spray (especially for riverfront locations), a light jacket for after sunset, and water bottles. Many concerts have food trucks on-site, but bringing snacks for kids is smart. Cash is helpful for vendors who don't accept cards. For ticketed events, bring your tickets (digital or printed) and arrive early for the best spots.
Are these concerts family-friendly?
Absolutely — all the concerts listed are designed for families. Most are free, have food available, and feature music that appeals to multiple generations. Friday Cheers and Sounds of Summer are particularly popular with families because of the relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly timing. For families with very young children, arrive early and sit near the back where kids can play without disturbing other attendees.
Which concerts are closest to New Kent?
Charles City County's Summer Concert Series at Harrison Park is the closest — about 20 minutes via Route 5. West Point's Jammin' on the Point is about 30 minutes via Route 30. Richmond's Friday Cheers is about 30 minutes via I-64 west. Williamsburg and Yorktown events are about 30–35 minutes via I-64 east.
What happens if it rains?
Most outdoor concerts go on rain or shine unless there's severe weather (lightning, high winds). Check the event's website or social media on the day of the show for updates. Bring a light rain jacket or poncho just in case — Virginia summer storms can pop up quickly but often pass fast.
Are there outdoor movies in the park?
Yes — several communities in the region host Movies in the Park series during the summer. York County historically offers free outdoor movie screenings at local parks on weeknights throughout the summer, typically starting around 8:30 PM once it's dark enough. Richmond's Movies in the Park program screens family-friendly films at various city parks on Friday nights during June, July, and August. Check individual county parks and recreation websites for current schedules, as movie selections and dates are announced seasonally.
Can I bring my dog to outdoor concerts?
Policies vary by venue. Dogwood Dell in Richmond allows leashed dogs. Many community park concerts are dog-friendly, but check the specific event's rules. For crowded events like Friday Cheers, dogs may be stressed by the noise and crowds — leave them at home. Always bring water, waste bags, and keep your dog on a short leash.