Free Summer Concert Series

Allegheny RiverTrail Park is turning up the volume this summer with the return of its Free Summer Concert Series, sponsored by The Short Family! Now in its fifth season and better than ever, the series features nationally rising artists, some of Pittsburgh’s favorite bands, a waterfront stage, expanded food and drink options, and unbeatable views… for FREE!

Concerts take place on the second Friday of each month from June to September. Come as early as 5pm to grab a spot on the lawn, a beer from Trace Brewing, and food from various alternating food truck options. The shows begin at 7 PM!

Bring your own chairs or picnic blanket and grab a spot on the river’s edge, on the lawn, or perched atop Eagles Watch – a favorite lookout for park visitors offering unmatched views of the river and the entire park.

Boaters are also encouraged to float on the Allegheny River and enjoy the music from the water! We’ll have speakers specially facing the river for a super cool experience for all. See you there!

Click here to read about our previous concerts.

What else to know

Food & beer is available at 5pm, shows start at 7pm. We encourage walking, carpooling, or using Uber whenever possible because our parking is limited. Indulge in delicious food options from various food trucks available for purchase. Our concerts are family-friendly and go on rain or shine!

ARP is committed to making our events accessible to everyone. We strive to adhere to current accessibility guidelines and are continuously working to improve the park user experience for all. For questions and information, please email Tony Miga, our Accessibility Coordinator, at tony@alleghenyrivertrailpark.org.

Thanks to the Short Family for making this wonderful series possible and 91.3 WYEP for being our 2025 Media Partner!

2025 Concert Lineup

Friday, June 13
The Commonheart

This Pittsburgh-based collective offers feel-good positivity, Golden Rule messaging, and active performances that nimbly ease through blues, vintage soul, and rock. The Commonheart is bonded by familial-like ties and a desire to foster spiritual uplift. Among its ranks are female backup singers, drums, bass, guitar, a horn section, and keyboards. Out front is Clinton, a lightning bolt charismatic frontman with dynamically expressive pipes that effortlessly traverse bluesy pleading, and honeyed balladeering.

Friday, July 11
Palmyra

Rising Virginia trio Palmyra has roots in the South, their music steeped in the sounds of traditional instruments and shaped by their time there, but their spirit defies easy categorization. Palmyra is a band that confronts complex topics. Their songs, which shift from folk to post-rock and even flirt with emo, reflect a band unafraid to push boundaries. In this way, Palmyra joins the ranks of Southern acts like Julien Baker, Band of Horses, and Cat Power—artists who’ve redefined what it means to come from the South, offering a sound that’s as expansive and evolving as the region itself. In 2024, Palmyra submitted their track “Shape I’m In’ to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, which led NPR to name them one of their ‘Best New Artists’.

Friday, August 8
The Sun King Warriors

Named Pittsburgh’s “Best Band,” Sun King Warriors blend roots rock and infectious percussion into an unforgettable musical experience. Led by Jim Donovan, founding member of platinum-selling Rusted Root, the band delivers energetic performances that ignite audiences with their engaging stage presence. Their live shows feature a mix of compelling original songs and fresh takes on classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, creating a vibrant atmosphere where fans can’t help but dance and sing along. Joining Donovan are talented musicians Kevin McDonald on guitar and vocals, Bryan Fazio on percussion, Kent Tonkin on bass and vocals, Joe Marini on drums and vocals, and Dan Murphy with his multi-instrumental skills. Together, they produce a sound that’s both timeless and innovative, appealing to music lovers of all generations. Sun King Warriors turn each concert into a communal celebration, making every performance an event to remember.

Friday, September 12
Good Brother Earl & Brownie Mary’s Kelsey & Co.

Formed in 1993, Brownie Mary was one of Pittsburgh’s hot acts during the 1990s. The core members Kelsey Friday and Rich Jacques met in Bethany college in West Virginia and started off doing covers at the local bars, eventually becoming inspired to pen their own tunes. After 7 successful years, the pair went separate ways and Kelsey Friday formed her own band which is now touring.

Good Brother Earl is a Pittsburgh-based band known for their blend of rock, Americana, and country influences. Formed in 2000, the group consists of Jeff Schmutz (vocals, acoustic guitar), Skip Sanders (keyboards), Dan Parks (electric guitar), David Throckmorton (drums), and Dan Paolucci (bass). They have released four albums, with their latest, “Dog Years,” launched in August 2023 after a 14-year hiatus. Over the years, they’ve opened for acts like Maroon 5, Guster, and Kansas, and their song “Lonely Heart” was featured in a nationwide AMC promotional commercial. The band maintains a strong local presence, performing regularly in the Pittsburgh area.