(This story was updated to correct information)
MONROE COUNTY — Free outdoor summer concerts are popular with music-lovers in Monroe County.
At Monroe’s St. Mary’s Park alone, about 40,000 people turned out for concerts last summer, said Amy Mason, recreation and special events coordinator for the City of Monroe’s Parks and Recreation Department.
In addition to St. Mary’s Park, Monroe County has several other outdoor summer concert venues that are gearing up for the 2025 season. Venues include Bedford Branch Library, Altrusa Park in downtown Monroe, Tolan Square in Milan, the Monroe County Fair and Flat Rock’s Huroc Park.
Beford Branch Library’s Summer Music Series opens June 18. The series is offered by the Monroe County Library System. The library is at 8575 Jackman Road in Temperance.
Each event features live music, food trucks and yard games and runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the gazebo on the lawn between the library and Bedford Junior High School. If weather is inclement, the concert will move into the library. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket.
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Here’s the 2025 schedule:
A full slate of free summer concerts returns May 22 to St. Mary’s Park, 111 W. Elm Ave. in downtown Monroe. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket.
A few bands are new to the series.
„The Summer Concert Series will feature three new bands this year: the Polish American Band, Marty and Docs and Power Play Detroit. We’re excited to bring in a few newcomers to keep the series fresh,“ said Mason from the parks and recreation department.
Among the returnees is local favorites, children’s performer Jim Gill.
„Jim Gill is always a family favorite. Last year, more than 1,500 people attended. With good weather, we expect numbers to be similar in 2025,“ Mason said.
Food trucks are expected at some St. Mary’s Park concerts.
“June through August concerts are expected to have at least one food truck at each,” Mason said.
Here’s the 2025 schedule:
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The Finally Friday Live Music Series at Altrusa Park will consist of four concerts, taking place from 5-7 p.m. the fourth Friday of each month from June to September at the park on East Front Street in downtown Monroe.
“The schedule will be out soon,” Mason said.
Find out more on the City of Monroe’s Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page.
A music festival, featuring several bands, will be part of June 14’s Open Air Market in downtown Monroe.
The annual event is sponsored by the Downtown Monroe Business Network and also features sidewalk sales, vendors, food, crafts, beer tent, music, car zone and children’s activities.
To learn more, email eventcoordinatordmbn@gmail.com.
Dundee’s 24th annual Mayfly Music Festival is set for June 20-21 in dowtown Dundee and will include four musical performers.
Performing on June 20 are Torn Rock and Roll band and Stealin‘ Cooper band.
June 21’s bands are On the Rock and Kevin Wolff.
The festival also offers vendors, crafts, food booths, beer tents, children’s activities, fireworks on June 20. New this year is mobile gaming.
The 2025 Monroe County Fair runs July 27 through Aug. 2. Daily free concerts will take place in the entertainment tent on LaSalle Street at the fairgrounds, 3775 S. Custer Road in Monroe.
Here’s the 2025 schedule:
Milan’s Parks and Recreation offers live music from 5:30-8 p.m. Fridays from June through September and every third Thursday during the summer at Tolan Square in downtown Milan. Attendees should bring a chair. Picnic tables also are available.
Among the performers are Unkle Lay Lee’s Moonshine All-Stars, Detroit Social Club, Gemily and the ABC Sisters. See the full schedule here.
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Huroc Park in Flat Rock is bringing back its summer concert series this year. The lineup will be announced soon online.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)