Imagine you’re sipping on a refreshing beverage, enjoying a picnic dinner and listening to the sounds of a local band play on a warm summer evening or maybe you are snuggled up under a blanket and watching a family-friendly movie on the big screen while savoring the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Either way, summer concerts and movies-in-the-park are the perfect low cost (did we mention free?) date night or evening out with friends.

We’ve got all the details on summer concert series and movies in the park all around North County this summer. Read on for your comprehensive guide to all the fun.

• Quick Search: North County Coastal | North County Inland

(Del Mar to Oceanside)

Summer Concerts

Carlsbad | TGIF Concerts in the Park

The City of Carlsbad has a long-standing Friday night summer concert series. It’s hosted at a variety of Carlsbad community parks from June to August. You can bring a blanket, low-folding chairs, and something to eat and drink. The concert area opens at 4pm and the concerts go from 6-8pm, with the park closing at 9pm.

Stagecoach Community Park

3420 Camino De Los Coches

• June 22 Stoney B Blues (Blues)
• June 29 80z All Stars (80s Covers)
• July 6 Lao Tizer Band (Jazz)

Poinsettia Community Park

6600 Hidden Valley Road

• July 13 The Detroit Underground (Soul/Motown)
• July 20 The Mighty Untouchables (Top 40)

Calavera Hills Community Park

• July 27 Jonathan Lee (West Coast Country)
• August 3 Phat Cat Swinger (Swing)

Alga Norte Community Park

6565 Alicante Road

• August 10 Orgōne (Funk/Soul/Afro-Disco)
• August 17 Poncho Sanchez (Latin)

Oceanside | Concerts in The Park

This is a free event! Hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department for the city of Oceanside and Friends of Oceanside Parks. Concerts happen one Friday a month and go from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with a “pre-show” at 5:00pm.

Rancho Del Oro Park

4701 Mesa Drive

• June 15 – The Mardels
• July 20 – The Greg Douglass Band

Mance Buchanon Park

425 College Ave

• August 10 -The Generations Boulevard Band

Solana Beach | Concerts At The Cove

Head to Solana Beach this summer for their annual summer concert series which takes place every Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 7:45pm at Fletcher Cove Park. Be sure to bring blankets, chairs, and something to nosh on. Leave the adult beverages and bbqs at home.

Fletcher Cove Park

140 South Sierra Ave

• June 21 – Ryan Hiller Duo
• June 28 – Navy 32nd Street Brass Band
• July 5 – Hullabaloo Band
• July 12 – Quartet Nouveau
• July 19 – Collin Elliot
• July 26 – Three Chord Justice
• August 2 – Funk Junkies
• August 9 – Jimmy and Enrique
• August 16 – Sully & The Blue-Eyed Soul Band
• August 23 – Rockadamy and the Special Guests

Encinitas | Concerts at Moonlight Beach

Iconic Moonlight Beach will be home to 4 free concerts in July and August. The concerts will go from 3-5 p.m and feature local bands. Free to the public. Parking in and around Moonlight can be tricky, so plan on arriving early.

Moonlight Beach

400 B Street

• July 1 – TBD
• July 15 – TBD
• Aug 5 – TBD
• August 19 – TBD

Del Mar | Summer Twilight Concerts

The first Summer Twilight Concert was held in 1983. 34 years later, they are still filling up the park with the sounds of local bands! Come enjoy the fun. All concerts are at Powerhouse Park.

Powerhouse Park

1600 Coast Blvd

Check Back for Scheduled 2018 Concert line up

Summer Movies

Oceanside | Movies By The Pier

Enjoy a family movie with a view of the pier and Oceanside sunset. The Amphitheater is 100% concrete, so be sure to bring comfy chairs and blankets. Of course, picnics are welcome, but there are also plenty of fabulous restaurants nearby. Movies start at sunset, approximately 7:45pm, so be sure to arrive in plenty of time to grab a good spot for viewing.

Junior Seau Amphitheater

200 N. The Strand Ave

• June 23 – Despicable Me 3
• July 21 – Coco
• August 25 – Star Wars the last Jedi

Carlsbad | Flicks By The Fountain

Bring your friends and family on Thursday nights this summer to the Carlsbad Village for “Flicks By The Fountain.” Films begin at dusk or around 7:45-8:00pm. Seating begins at 6:00pm.

State Street and Grand Ave Parking Lot

2897 State Street

• Schedule TBD

Solana Beach | Beach Blanket Movie Night

Grab a blanket and close out the summer with a movie overlooking the ocean. This event is packed with fun. There will be pizza, ice cream, popcorn and more food available for purchase. Movie begins at 6:00pm.

Fletcher Cove Park

140 South Sierra Ave

• August 25 – Movie TBA

Del Mar | Cinema By The Sea

Put on by the Del Mar Foundation, this event is free to the public. Movie starts at sunset. Be sure to bring a blanket (the ocean air can get cool) and a chair to sit on. Plus, free popcorn for movie watchers!

• May 19th – Weekend at Bernie’s – 17th Street Lifeguard Station
• June 15th – The Princess Bride – Powerhouse Park
• June 29th – Independence Day – Powerhouse Park

(Rancho Bernardo to Escondido)

Summer Concerts

Escondido | Sounds of Summer Concerts at The Ranch

The Escondido Sounds of Summer Concerts at The Ranch is happening every Friday and Sunday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. This is a free event. Food and wine is available for purchase. Bands vary.

Orfila Vineyards & Winery

13455 San Pasqual Road

San Marcos | Summer Music Fest

Saturday June 9th, join the community at Walnut Grove Park for their annual Summer Music Fest. Local bands and local craft brews will be served up. The festivities go from 12 to 8 pm. Note: This event is not free. $12 early bird, $20 at door, Children under 12 are free. Bands include Craigsband, Calphonics, Bill Magee Blues, Peace Frog and Dani Aribere.

Walnut Grove Park

1950 Sycamore Dr.

• June 9 – Music Fest (Featuring local craft brews)

San Marcos | Summer Concerts in the Gardens

Wood House Gardens in Woodland Park

1148 Rock Springs Road

• June 30 -Craig’s Band Rock | Road Noise | Bill Magee’s Blues Band
• July 21 -Detroit Underground Rock and Funk
• August 25 -Tony Suraci and the Highwayman Band
• September 15 – Legends of Country Rock – Sully and the  Blue Eyed Soul Band

Poway | Concerts In The Park

Summer Concert in the Park Series happening June to August at from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Parking is free at Old Poway Park, but $5 at Lake Poway. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic dinner or snack. Plan to arrive early to park and secure a seat near the stage.

Lake Poway

14644 Lake Poway Road

• June 24 – Pop Vinyl
• July 8 -The Mighty Untouchables
• July 22 – Britains Finest
• August 5 – Pickle Back Shine

Old Poway Park

14134 Midland Road

• July 15 – Highland Way
• July 29 – Lisa Sanders Band
• August 12 – Pomerado Community Band – Big Band

Fallbrook | Party Off the Grid Summer Series

The Fallbrook Village Association presents this “Party Off the Grid” community event – Including live music by Big Rye and The Mercenaries, food, bounce houses and more. There is a $5 fee to enter the wine and beer garden, but this includes a complimentary drink.

Bean & Bug Coffee Lounge Parking Lot

139 S. Main Avenue

• June 9
• June 23
• July 7 (Carnival Edition)

Fallbrook | Summer Nights Downtown Block Party

Come enjoy live music, delicious food, classic cars and a kids zone. Festivities begin 5:00pm and end at sunset. There is a beer and wine garden, which requires a $5 entry fee.

Main Avenue And Alvarado

Downtown Fallbrook

• July 21 – “Rock the Block” (Tony Suraci)
• August 4 – “Sheriff’s National Night Out” (Sugaray Rayford Band)
• August 18 – A Salute to our Military (Kevin Moyles & The Niteriders)

Summer Movies

Vista | Movies In The Park

Grab a warm blanket and a lawn chair and join other Vista residents for a movie with family and friends. These movies-in-the-park are free for the community. Vista’s movies are happening at two different parks. Nights can be cool, so be sure to bundle up. There will be free popcorn. Movies begin at 8:00pm

Buena Vista Park Ball Fields

1851 S. Melrose Drive

• June 17 – Star Wars Rogue One (PG-13)

Brengle Terrace Park

1200 Vale Terrace Drive

• July 15 – Moana & Summer Fun Fest

• August 12 – Sing

Escondido | Movies In Grape Day Park

This is the 10th year that Escondido has held their annual season of movies-in-the-park. The Escondido History Center, the Escondido Rotary and the City of Escondido Recreation Department sponsor this family-friendly event. There will be activities for little ones before the movie starts. Refreshments available for purchase from vendors such as Chick-Fil-A and Rita’s, as well as old-fashioned popcorn. Activities start at 7:00pm. The movie begins at dusk.

Escondido History Center at Grape Day Park

321 North Broadway

• June 24 – Sing
• July 8 – The BFG
• July 22 – Disney’s Moana
• August 5 – Secret Life of Pets

San Marcos | Movies In The Park

The City of San Marcos presents its annual Movies in the Park. More details to come soon.

Wood House Garden at Woodland Park

671 Woodland Parkway

• July 8- TB
• August 5 – Inside Out

Poway | Summer Movies in The Park

The City of Poway hosts its annual free Summer Movies in the Park. Bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars. Movies will be shown on a giant, cinema-quality outdoor screen. There will be a free, family-oriented recreation area open one hour before the movie begins. Parking at Poway Community Park is free. As always, these events are very popular, so come early and get a good seat! The fun goes from 6:00pm-9:30pm

Poway Community Park

13094 Civic Center Dr

• June 21 – The lego Ninjago Movie
• July 5 – Ferdinand
• July 21 – Coco
• August 4 – Cars 3

Old Poway Park

14134 Midland Road

• August 18 – Robin Hood

Fallbrook | Summer Movies in The Park

The City of Fallbrook wants you to join them at their annual movies in the park. Of course, the movies are free for the community. Be sure to bring a jacket and blanket and chairs and something to munch on. The movies begin at dusk.

Fallbrook Community Center

341 Heald Lane

• TBD

Live Oak County Park

2746 Reche Road

• TBD

Your Turn…

Hope to see you there!

Let us know in the comments below which of these North County events you are looking forward to!