Lowell Summer Music Series sets 36th season lineup for Boarding House Park

By AI, Created 4:25 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – The Lowell Summer Music Series will return to downtown Lowell’s Boarding House Park from July 11 through mid-September with more than a dozen touring acts, a free Bicentennial concert, and a new 100-member season pass program. The 2026 season also includes free kids programming, the 45th annual Banjo & Fiddle Contest, and tickets now on sale for most shows.

Why it matters: - The 36th season gives Lowell a high-profile summer concert run at one of Massachusetts’ most intimate outdoor venues. - The series is adding a limited season pass offer that cuts the cost of attending all 12 shows by nearly half. - The lineup mixes legacy acts, current touring artists, family programming, and free community events.

What happened: - The Lowell Summer Music Series announced its 2026 lineup for Boarding House Park in downtown Lowell. - The season runs from July 11 through mid-September. - More than a dozen nationally touring artists are scheduled, including Graham Nash, Iron & Wine, Margo Price, JJ Grey & Mofro, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Watchhouse and Ripe. - Tickets for most shows are on sale now at Lowell Summer Music. - Season Pass Memberships go on sale Friday, May 15, at 10:00 AM. - The pass program is limited to 100 memberships.

The details: - The 2026 lineup includes: - July 11: Back to the 80’s with Jessie’s Girl - July 12: The Rat Pack Show, a free Bicentennial Celebration - July 17: The Fab Faux - August 2: JJ Grey & Mofro - August 7: Iron & Wine - August 8: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram - August 9: Ripe - August 14: Watchhouse - August 15: Pink Talking Fish - August 20: The Record Company featuring the Charlie Musselwhite Duo - August 21: Lotus Land - September 4: Margo Price - September 12: 45th Annual Banjo & Fiddle Contest - September 13: Graham Nash - The July 12 show begins at 6:30 PM, and doors open at 5:30 PM. - The Rat Pack Show marks Lowell’s 200th anniversary of incorporation as a town in 1826. - The free show is designed as a 1960s-style tribute featuring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. - Season Pass Memberships cover all 12 shows and are priced at nearly 50% off. - The series says the pass works out to less than $30 per concert. - Boarding House Park is described as a scenic, tree-lined setting where fans sit on blankets and beach chairs close to the stage. - The venue is located at 40 French St, Lowell, MA 01852. - The Lowell Summer Music Series is produced by the Lowell Festival Foundation. - The series operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit without taxpayer funding. - Revenue comes from ticket sales, sponsorships, grants and community support.

Between the lines: - The season pass looks aimed at turning occasional ticket buyers into full-season attendees. - The free Bicentennial concert and kids programming position the series as both a concert promoter and a civic institution. - The lineup leans into nostalgia and roots-driven acts, which fits the park setting and the series’ long-running identity.

What’s next: - Season Pass Memberships will be available starting Friday, May 15, at 10:00 AM. - Players can register now for the Banjo & Fiddle Contest. - Families can continue to use the Free Fun for Kids program on Wednesdays and Thursdays in July and August. - More information is available at the Lowell Summer Music Series website and the kids program page.