The Lowell Summer Music Series is set to return to Boarding House Park in downtown Lowell from July 11 through mid-September, with more than a dozen nationally touring artists on the schedule. The 36th season includes Graham Nash, Iron & Wine, Margo Price, JJ Grey & Mofro, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Watchhouse and Ripe.
Tickets for most shows are on sale now at LowellSummerMusic.org. The series also said it will introduce a limited Season Pass Membership program for the first time, with 100 passes available starting Friday, May 15, at 10 a.m.
2026 lineup spans July through September
The announced schedule begins July 11 with Back to the 80’s with Jessie’s Girl and continues through Sept. 13 with Graham Nash. Other confirmed dates include The Rat Pack Show, The Fab Faux, Pink Talking Fish, The Record Company Featuring the Charlie Musselwhite Duo, Lotus Land and the 45th annual Banjo & Fiddle Contest.
- July 11: Back to the 80’s with Jessie’s Girl
- July 12: The Rat Pack Show (Free Bicentennial Celebration)
- July 17: The Fab Faux
- August 2: JJ Grey & Mofro
- August 7: Iron & Wine
- August 8: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
- August 9: Ripe
- August 14: Watchhouse
- August 15: Pink Talking Fish
- August 20: The Record Company Featuring the Charlie Musselwhite Duo
- August 21: Lotus Land
- September 4: Margo Price
- September 12: 45th Annual Banjo & Fiddle Contest
- September 13: Graham Nash
Limited season pass offer starts May 15
Series organizers said the new season pass plan will give 100 fans access to all 12 shows at nearly 50% off, or about the price of six concerts. The passes go on sale Friday, May 15, at 10 a.m., according to the announcement.
James Macdonald, the series director, said in the release that the lineup combines established names with new artists and emphasized the setting at Boarding House Park. He also said the membership program is designed to provide value as ticket prices continue to rise.
Free events remain part of the season
The July 12 Rat Pack Show will be a free concert tied to Lowell’s 200th anniversary of incorporation as a town in 1826. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 6:30 p.m., the announcement said.
The series will also bring back Free Fun for Kids on Wednesdays and Thursdays in July and August. The program includes live entertainment, free lunches from Lowell Public Schools, healthy snacks, free books from Project LEARN, creative activities and trolley rides from the National Park Service.
Organizers said the program serves thousands of children and families each summer at no cost. The 45th annual Banjo & Fiddle Contest is scheduled for Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is open to both contestants and spectators.
The Lowell Summer Music Series is produced by the Lowell Festival Foundation. The nonprofit says it operates without taxpayer funding and is supported by ticket sales, sponsorships, grants and community support. More information is available at LowellSummerMusic.org.