Tim McGraw, Ashanti, DMB, Pitbull: 47 more great concerts to see this summer
When Lynyrd Skynyrd comes to Jones Beach, it’s not just a concert, it’s a holiday. Generations of families celebrate by picnicking in the parking lot for hours before the band even hits the stage.
"It’s Skynyrd Nation, man. We are the Grateful Dead of the south," says lead singer Johnny Van Zant, who replaced his older brother and original singer the late Ronnie Van Zant. "Our fans are family. We always make sure to treat them right. There’s no phoning it in at Jones Beach."
This summer the southern rock band will play Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh for the 15th time on Aug. 21 with Foreigner. Although Skynyrd originally announced its retirement from the road in 2018, that plan didn’t stick.
Free as a bird: Lynyrd Skynyrd, featuring Johnny Van Zant, is coming to Jones Beach. Credit: Getty Images/Jason Kempin
"Our late guitarist and founding member, Gary Rossington said, ‘Man, I don’t want to retire!’ There were many fans who didn’t want us to do it either," Van Zant, 66, says. "Gary said to me, ‘When I’m gone, I want this music to live on.’ As long as guitarist Rickey Medlocke and I are breathing, we are going to keep the band alive."
The Skynyrd concert is just one of several great shows to see this summer. Here are 51 concerts to mark on your calendar from June through September.
JUNE
TRIUMPH
The Canadian rock band returns to Long Island for its first local show in 43 years when "The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour" opens Northwell at Jones Beach Theater’s 2026 concert season on June 5.
"Songs like ‘Lay It on the Line’ ‘Magic Power’ and ‘Fight the Good Fight’ have a kind of integrity that I think people didn’t want them to go away. It’s part of the soundtrack to their lives," singer/guitarist Rik Emmett, 72, says. "When the band and the audience come together, a positive feeling emerges that makes it good to be alive."
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $56.50-$194.90
DAVID LEE ROTH
Still jumpin': David Lee Roth is headed for Huntington. Credit: Getty Images/Ethan Miller
Van Halen’s original frontman returns to The Paramount in Huntington for another round on June 7.
INFO 631-673-7300, paramountny.com
TICKETS $82-$204.15
JOHN WAITE
This British singer will be "Missing You" if you don’t come see him headline The Suffolk in Riverhead on June 12. John Cafferty ("On the Dark Side") opens the show.
INFO 631-727-4343, thesuffolk.org
TICKETS $76-$136
DARLENE LOVE
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee delivers her classic vocal style at The Suffolk on June 13.
INFO 631-727-4343, thesuffolk.org
TICKETS $90-$140
THE BLACK CROWES/WHISKEY MYERS
The brothers Robinson (singer Chris and guitarist Rich) continue their reunion this time centered around a new album, "A Pound of Feathers." The duo will share the bill with country rock band Whiskey Myers at Forest Hills Stadium on June 13.
INFO 888-929-7849, foresthillsstadium.com
TICKETS $28.68-$349.71
ASHANTI/TREY SONGZ
Local hero: Ashanti comes home to play Jones Beach. Credit: Getty Images for BET/Paras Griffin
Glen Cove’s own pop star shares the bill with R&B singer Trey Songz at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on June 18.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $40.50-$328.80
THE ROBERT CRAY BAND
Blues with a feeling: Robert Cray hits Westhampton Beach this summer. Credit: Rick Diamond
The guitarist plays the blues at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on June 19.
INFO 631-646-2675, whbpac.org
TICKETS $92-$121
YACHT ROCK REVUE
The Yacht Rock movement has reached the beach as Yacht Rock Revue, a tribute to the adult contemporary music of the late ’70s-early ’80s, takes over Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on June 19.
"The songs create such a good vibe. There’s a positive energy to all this music," singer/guitarist Nick Niespodziani, 50, says. "When people are looking to go have a night out at a concert, that’s the kind of energy they want. It works perfectly."
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $28-$148.55
DION
Pop legend Dion, 86, helps Westbury Music Fair celebrate its 70th anniversary on June 20.
INFO 516-247-5200, thetheatreatwestbury.com
TICKETS $47.50-$128.90
AMY GRANT
Pop singer Grant ("Baby, Baby") brings "The Me That Remains Tour" to Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on June 21.
INFO 631-207-1313, patchoguetheatre.org
TICKETS $57-$157
JAMES TAYLOR
The 78-year-old singer/songwriter comes back to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater with his All-Star Band on June 23. Expect a two-set performance featuring his classics like "Fire and Rain," "You’ve Got a Friend," "Shower the People," "How Sweet It Is" and countless others.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $49-$610.90
JULY
SANTANA/DOOBIE BROTHERS
Latin soul meets blue-eyed soul on the "Oneness Tour" at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on July 2.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $47.60-$689.30
PAUL SIMON
Call it a homecoming as Paul Simon, 84, headlines Forest Hills Stadium on July 8 and 9 in the town where he grew up. However, don’t expect to see a cameo appearance from Art Garfunkel.
INFO 888-929-7849, foresthillsstadium.com
TICKETS $214.65-$1,245.11
ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION
Bluegrass queen Alison Krauss performs with Union Station at Westbury Music Fair. Credit: Getty Images/Jason Kempin
Blending country, bluegrass and folk Alision Krauss & Union Station take center stage at Westbury Music Fair on July 10.
INFO 516-247-5200, thetheatreatwestbury.com
TICKETS $53-$186.50
SARAH McLACHLAN
Not building a mystery: Sarah McLachlan will bring her "Better Broken Tour" to Forest Hills Stadium. Credit: Getty Images for NAMM/Jesse Grant
The singer's "Better Broken Tour" makes a stop at Forest Hills Stadium on July 11. Grammy winner Allison Russell will be a special guest.
INFO 888-929-7849, foresthillsstadium.com
TICKETS $78.62-$463.40
WEIRD AL YANKOVIC
Still weird after all these years: Al Yankovic, shown here parodying Devo, performs at UBS Arena this summer. Credit: Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP/Paul R. Giunta
The reigning king of pop music parody arrives at UBS Arena at Belmont Park in Elmont on July 11. Full costumed performances of "Amish Paradise," "Eat It," "Like A Surgeon" and more will be featured in the show.
INFO 516-460-8950, ubsarena.com
TICKETS $98.50-$174.60
LIONEL RICHIE/EARTH, WIND & FIRE
You may be dancing on the ceiling: Lionel Richie will team with Earth, Wind and Fire for what should be a memorable UBS Arena show. Credit: Getty Images for Live Nation/Adam Bettcher
Enjoy a night of R&B pop bliss when legends Lionel Richie and Earth Wind & Fire join forces at UBS Arena on July 14. Hear staples like "All Night Along" and "Dancing on the Ceiling" mixed with "Shining Star" and "September."
INFO 516-460-8950, ubsarena.com
TICKETS $75.95-$1,299.10
TODD RUNDGREN
The singer/songwriter/producer will "Bang the Drum All Day" during his "Damned If I Do Tour" at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on July 15.
INFO 631-207-1313, patchoguetheatre.org
TICKETS $77-$217
TRAIN
Train celebrates the 25th anniversary of "Drops of Jupiter" with its "25 Years in the Atmosphere Tour" at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on July 18 with Barenaked Ladies and Matt Nathanson in tow.
"We will play different songs from the ‘Drops of Jupiter’ album as well as cuts off our upcoming new record, ‘Mad Dog in the Fog,’ which comes out in August," says lead singer Pat Monahan. "There’s going to be some really cool visuals that we’ve never done before. Let’s just say we’ll have the planet Jupiter on stage with us, which I’m super excited about."
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $54.50-$269.60
MARTIN SEXTON
The one-man band heads out east to Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett on July 19 as part of his "Live Wide Open Tour."
INFO 631-267-3117, stephentalkhouse.com
TICKETS $90-$105
TOTO/CHRISTOPHER CROSS/THE ROMANTICS
Toto teams up with fellow ‘80s artists Christopher Cross and The Romantics for a triple bill at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on July 19. Expect to hear Toto classics "Hold the Line," "Rosanna" and the No. 1 hit, "Africa."
"There’s a quality to ‘Africa’ that is anthemic. The chorus is an earworm causing people to remember it," says lead singer Joe Williams, 65. "When we play it, the audience comes alive in a way that’s really remarkable to see. Everybody is on their feet, it’s almost like a religious experience."
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $35-$367.85
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
Making their annual trek to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, DMB is set to deliver once again on July 21.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $69.50-$549.30
CHICAGO/STYX
"The Windy Cities Tour" blows into Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on July 23.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $67.20-$452.60
GREAT SOUTH BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Long Island’s own Lollapalooza, now in its 18th year, presents more than 50 live acts across three stages over four days at Shorefront Park in Patchogue on July 23-26. This year’s lineup includes The Used, Sublime, Gov’t Mule, Bayside, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Little Feat and My Morning Jacket along with several others.
INFO greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com
TICKETS $78.81-$112.38
TIM McGRAW
The real McGraw: Tim brings his "Pawn Shop Guitar Tour" to Jones Beach. Credit: Getty Images for iHeartRadio/Matt Winkelmeyer
Toss on your cowboy hat and head to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on July 24 to catch Tim McGraw on his "Pawn Shop Guitar Tour 2026." Support act 49 Winchester opens the show.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $40.75-$548.70
MUSE
The British rockers' "Wow! The Signal Tour" hits Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on July 25. Bloc Party and the Temper Trap will open.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $40-$639.90
JOHN MELLENCAMP
The Indiana singer, 74, reaches back to his "Cougar" days and becomes a Mellencamp jukebox when he brings his "Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits" to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on July 26.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $68.20-$671.60
ROD STEWART/RICHARD MARX
At 81, Mr. "Do Ya Think I’m Sexy" says this is his final bow on his "One Last Time Tour," which comes to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on July 31. Pop balladeer Richard Marx ("Right Here Waiting," "Hold Onto the Nights") will be the special guest.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $90-$1,154.10
AUGUST
THE BEACH BOYS
It’s not officially summer if the Beach Boys don’t bring their brand of "Fun Fun Fun" to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 2.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $40.50-$250.10
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH
Get a dose of groove metal from Five Finger Death Punch at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 4. Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire round out the bill.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $42.50-$256.80
JIMMY BUFFETT’S CORAL REEFER BAND
In honor of the late Jimmy Buffett, the Coral Reefer Band keeps the tradition alive for Parrotheads at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 6.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $40.50-$286.10
CHRIS BOTTI
Botti language: The trumpet player will perform at Westhampton Beach PAC. Credit: TC Group
Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti takes the spotlight at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on Aug. 8.
INFO 631-646-2675, whbpac.org
TICKETS $127-$202
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE
Emo/pop-punks will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their landmark third studio album, "The Black Parade" at Citi Field in Queens on Aug. 9. Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand ("Take Me Out") as the opening act is a bonus.
INFO 718-507-8499, ticketmaster.com
TICKETS $127.50-$844.85
DEEP PURPLE/KANSAS
See Deep Purple play "Smoke on the Water" on the water at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 12 with special guest Kansas ("Carry On Wayward Son").
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $40.50-$182.10
THE STRAY CATS
The Massapequa-native rockabilly trio, featuring singer/guitarist Brian Setzer, bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom, takes over Westbury Music Fair on Aug. 14.
INFO 516-247-5200, thetheatreatwestbury.com
TICKETS $70.50-$256.35
HOWARD JONES/THE ENGLISH BEAT/WANG CHUNG/MODERN ENGLISH
New wave icon Jones headlines his own minifestival called the "Things Can Only Get Better Tour," which includes The English Beat, Wang Chung and Modern English at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 20, hosted by SiriusXM; s Richard Blade.
"The song ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ focuses on hope. It’s about when things aren’t going so well in our lives or in the world, but you can’t lose hope that we can change things and have an effect on where the future goes," says Jones, 71. "We all need a bit of hopeful stuff in our lives. Music gives us a break from all the tough stuff going on."
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $35-$439.20
LYNYRD SKYNYRD/FOREIGNER
Two 1970s-era classic rock bands come together for the "Double Trouble Double Vision Tour," which arrives at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 21.
"It’s going to be a night of great hits," Van Zant says. "We will be digging back pulling out some old chestnuts as well as some newer stuff to keep it fresh for us. But expect the classics too."
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $40-$415.40
DIANA ROSS
Stop! In the name of Diana Ross, who comes to Tilles Center. Credit: Getty Images for AIDS Healthcare Foundation/Rick Kern
The Queen of Motown, 82, headlines LIU Post’s Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville on Aug. 23.
INFO 516-299-3100, tillescenter.org
TICKETS $165.10-$260.25
10,000 MANIACS
This alt-rock band from upstate Jamestown celebrates its 45th anniversary with a set of staples ("These Are the Days," "Trouble Me," "Like the Weather") at The Suffolk on Aug. 23.
INFO 631-727-4343, thesuffolk.org
TICKETS $55-$115
PITBULL/LIL JON
Party king: Pitbull, with help from Lil Jon, will get the crowd moving at Jones Beach. Credit: Getty Images for iHeartRadio/Daniel Boczarski
Latin superstar Pitbull brings the party to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 25 with his "I’m Back Tour." Rapper Lil Jon opens the show, which should be the biggest rave-up at the beach this year.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $470.90-$1,019.90
CHRIS STAPLETON
The country star brings his "All-American Road Show" to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 26. Carter Faith opens the show.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS Sold out (check for last minute availability)
WILLIE NELSON
At 93, Willie Nelson is still rolling with his Outlaw Festival featuring Sheryl Crow, the Avett Brothers, Robert Randolph and Stephen Wilson Jr. at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 28.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $54.50-$587.15
BERZERKUS
Get caught up in a cyclone at heavy metal festival Berzerkus with Lamb of God, Black Label Society, Down, Suicidal Tendencies, Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 29.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $40.50-$258.05
SEPTEMBER
MELISSA ETHERIDGE
The singer-songwriter will focus on her new album "Rise" at The Paramount on Sept. 1.
INFO 631-673-7300, paramountny.com
TICKETS $68.25-$255.45
LIL WAYNE
The rapper delivers "20 Years of Carter Classics" Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Sept. 10. Southern hip-hop artist 2 Chainz is the support act.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $54.50-$268.40
JASON ALDEAN
Country superstar Alden’s "Songs About Us Tour" comes to Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Sept. 11 with Chase Matthew, Mackenzie Carpenter and Dee Jay Silver.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $67.45-$567
JOHN FOGERTY/STEVE WINWOOD
Rollin' rollin' rollin' by the ocean: John Fogerty, 80, former leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival, makes a rare Jones Beach appearance. Credit: Getty Images for Americana Music Association/Erika Goldring
Rock icons John Fogerty and Steve Winwood pair up for a double bill at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Sept. 12.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $40.50-$439.50
WU-TANG CLAN
Wu-Tang Clan will drop some East Coast hardcore hip-hop on Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Sept. 13 with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $67.20-$815.55
TLC/SALT-N-PEPA/EN VOGUE
Get ready for the ultimate ladies night out with TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Sept. 15
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $54.50-$328.80
MEN AT WORK
Go "Down Under" with the Australian band on Sept. 17 at LIU Post’s Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.
INFO 516-299-3100, tillescenter.org
TICKETS $57.30-$125.20
TAKING BACK SUNDAY
Long Island’s own emo band returns home to perform at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater’s Bay Stage on Sept. 24. Thrice and Saves the Day open the show.
INFO 516-221-1000, northwellatjonesbeachtheater.com
TICKETS $78.25
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
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