In South Florida, free live music and free concerts are plentiful. Often, you’ll enjoy the sounds of local, regional & award-winning national performers in scenic settings, such as parks, along rivers, and at oceanfront venues.
Shopping plazas, restaurants and bars also feature live music.
For snacks, some events feature food trucks. Others permit DIY picnics.
The variety of talent spans a wide array of styles and tastes. Top 40. Party. Rock. Latin. Jazz. Reggae. Country concerts.
For some events, parking is free. Others, parking fees apply.
Free Live Entertainment in Broward
Featured events
- October 22 8 p.m. ArtsPark Live free performance featuring The Motowners. Description: “vibrant singers, dazzling costumes, and precision choreography accompanied by a full band.” ArtsPark is on Hollywood Boulevard & Federal Federal Highway in Hollywood 33020, free, information 954-921-3404 or online
- Jazz In The Park, TY Park, 6 p.m. October 29, 3300 N. Park Road, Hollywood 33021, free event featuring Broward College Big Band, 18-piece jazz ensemble, food vendors, bring your own blanket or lawn chairs
- Rockin’ Jake Band is featured 7 p.m. November 12, with free entry. Venue: Community Center, 1100 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek. Description of band is “original sound is a hybrid of second line, swamp funk, blues and zydeco.” Information online or 954-545-6600
Hollywood Beach Bandshell
Live entertainment from rotating variety of local bands usually 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesdays – Sundays at Hollywood Beach Bandshell, oceanside on Johnson Street, free for entertainment, beach parking fees apply, Read feature Free live entertainment at Hollywood Beach bandshell
Other Events
Friday Night Sound Waves
These popular oceanside performances are offered at different points during the year, and feature a rotating array of South Florida talent
Events include October 8 – December 31, Fridays @ 6:30 p.m. @ at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale. For information on dates & performers, read Friday Night Sound Waves offers free entertainment
Tunes ‘N Trucks
Free occasional events with live entertainment & food trucks in Sunrise Read: Free Tunes ‘N Trucks events in Sunrise
Jazz In The Pines
Live entertainment outdoors @ Jazz In The Pines, free events in Pembroke Pines include featured artist painting live, October 24 & other dates
Concert in Coconut Creek
Fabulous Fleetwoods are featured October 8 in a free outdoor event. Description of band: “blue wave, which is a kind of rocked-out version of blues.” Blankets, chairs & coolers are OK. No pets, please. Venue: Coconut Creek community center, 1100 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, website
Hollywood Beach Bandshell
Live entertainment from rotating variety of local bands usually 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesdays – Sundays at Hollywood Beach Bandshell, oceanside on Johnson Street, free for entertainment, beach parking fees apply, Read feature Free live entertainment at Hollywood Beach bandshell
Park & Ocean
Park & Ocean restaurant & garden @ a Florida state park on A1A, free live music outdoors usually afternoons &/or evenings Saturdays & Sundays, 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33304, 954-563-2900
Dania Pointe
Tentative —- Free outdoor entertainment, usually includes live & strolling performers & DJ weekends at Dania Pointe shopping & dining plaza, 150 North Pointe Drive, Dania Beach 33004, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fridays, 12 – 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturdays, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sundays, free parking
Tarpon River Brewing
Live entertainment some weekend nights, information on Facebook, 280 SW Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale 33301, 954-353-3193, website
Sistrunk Marketplace
Sistrunk Marketplace is a food hall and arts & events venue with assorted food & beverage vendors, 115 NW 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale 33311. Live music is usually 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Thursdays, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, and 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sundays, Register for free tickets online
Jazz Brunch
Jazz Brunch features free live entertainment outdoors at different points along Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale, usually 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. first Sundays, portable seats, picnics & pets are permitted, use Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, as address, fees for parking apply, website, read feature
Gulfstream Park Village
Gulfstream Park Village, shopping, dining & entertainment plaza, features free live music, usually 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, free parking, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach 33009, read feature
Boots On The Beach music festival
Live country bands, not yet announced. The free outdoor event, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. November 20, is at 149 SE 21st Avenue, Deerfield Beach, information is online
Carter Park Jamz
Free Events usually 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Third Fridays in June – October, 1450 W. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 33311
Bring your own blankets or chairs & refreshments.
- October 15 features Grooveline
For information, 954-828-7275
Restaurants
Plenty of restaurants & pubs offer live entertainment for patrons ordering food & drinks. Please phone venue & inquire about their policies, including if food & drink order is required.
Gallupi’s restaurant
- Live acoustic performers &/or bands outdoors week days & weekends, hours vary
- 1103 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach 33062, 954-785-0226
- Reservations recommended for weekends
- drinks & appetizer minimum encouraged
- entertainment listing featured on website
Marina 84 in Fort Lauderdale
- Usually 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Fridays & some Saturdays outside patio @ Marina 84 Fort Lauderdale, free, 2440 W. State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale 33312, 954-734-2424, website , please verify the night you want to attend
Holy Mackerel in Wilton Manors
- Usually 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays Holy Mackerel, 1414 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors 33305, 954-306-3690, website, free entry, indoor event, RSVP online
Inexpensive event
Soulful Sundays
Live performances in Pompano Beach. Tickets are $7.08 with taxes & fees, offered online only.
Events @ Ali Cultural Arts Center, information is online
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