There’s no shortage of live music in north central Ohio — and this summer proves it.
The beauty of our region’s music scene is its range. We’ve got independent venues showcasing original artists on tiny stages, raucous backyard bars hosting ‘80s cover bands and concert series that bring Grammy winners to public parks. Some shows are free and family-friendly. Others invite you to dress up, buy a ticket and make it a night out.
I’ve experienced Mansfield’s thriving music scene firsthand since 2017 — from hosting Newsroom After Hours to covering Mansfield Music Fest to countless summer nights in The Brickyard.
While I haven’t been involved in Ashland or Mount Vernon’s music scenes, I have no doubt they’re just as special. I set out to make this guide as exhaustive as possible for live music throughout Richland, Ashland and Knox counties.
Whether you’re someone who maps out shows to attend in advance or you just want to stumble into something good on a Friday night, this guide is for you. I tried to find something for everyone.
If I missed a performance or you have a show date to add later in the season, email me at zac@richlandsource.com and I’ll make sure it gets added. Let’s keep the music going.
This guide is organized chronologically, with individual shows listed by month from June through September. After that, you’ll find a roundup of ongoing concert series or places you can find live music on various summer dates. You can jump to a specific section anytime using the quick links below:
June
July
August
September
Ongoing
☀️ June
Tea & Tunes: New Lens — June 6
New Lens is a rising group of talented young musicians bringing a modern blend of indie rock and acoustic soul to the local scene.
📍 Mansfield (3rd Cup Tea) — Learn More
Gospel on the Square — June 7
Kick off the summer with an uplifting night of live gospel music in downtown Mansfield. This annual event brings together local choirs and gospel artists for a soulful evening.
📍 Mansfield (Central Park) — Learn More
Stefano at the Woodward Opera House — June 7
Enjoy an evening of powerful vocals and soulful melodies with Stefano, live on stage at Ohio’s oldest opera house. This intimate concert offers an unforgettable musical experience in downtown Mount Vernon.
📍 Mount Vernon (Woodward Opera House) — Learn More
Matt Rogers – Sunday Songwriter Series in the Spirit Room — June 8
Nashville rising star Matt Rogers makes his Spirit Room debut. Experience an intimate evening of storytelling, soulful country music and acoustic melodies.
📍 Mansfield (The Spirit Room at The Phoenix) — Learn More
Tea & Tunes: Jordon Baker and Eric Erdman — June 8
Join us for a mellow afternoon of music and community at 3rd Cup Tea. Enjoy two talented singer-songwriters in a cozy setting.
📍 Mansfield (3rd Cup Tea) — Learn More
Grill & Chill at Brandon Park — June 11
Family-friendly cookout with live music from Carefree Highway, games and more. A relaxing way to start your summer.
📍 Mount Vernon (Brandon Memorial Park) — Learn More
Live@Lunch Courtyard Series: Nate Williams + Mr. Bill’s Wood Fired Pizza — June 13
A great opportunity to grab lunch and enjoy live music (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) in Mechanics Bank’s courtyard in downtown Mansfield. This series kicks off with Nate Williams and delicious wood-fired pizza. More Live@Lunch dates listed below.
📍 Mansfield (Mechanics Bank) — Learn More
Country Night at Warehouse Tavern feat. Luke Watson — June 13
Enjoy a night of live country music, drink specials and fun with the great Luke Watson on stage. If you’re a country music fan, trust me when I say that you need to catch a Luke Watson show!
📍 Mansfield (Warehouse Tavern) — Learn More
Ashland Ale Fest — June 14
Taste dozens of Ohio craft beers with live acoustic music downtown. Includes food trucks and outdoor seating.
📍 Ashland (Main Street downtown) — Learn More
Ashland Area Community Concert Band — June 15
Celebrate Father’s Day with an uplifting night of music at the Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell. Directed by Joseph Lewis of Ashland University, this ensemble brings together regional musicians to perform Broadway hits, traditional marches and band classics.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
South Street Jazz Company — June 19
A smooth and soulful night of classic jazz and original stylings. Featuring Ashland University grad Melissa, this six-member band evokes the feel of a New Orleans jazz club.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Yellow No. 5 at Backroom Bar — June 20
Local favorites Yellow No. 5 headline a high-energy night at the Backroom. Special guests include Nick Careless and the Blase and The Corrupted Hearts.
📍 Mansfield (Backroom Bar) — Learn More
Leo Lovechild, Naked Eye and Garden of Eden at The Mothership — June 20
NYC’s Leo Lovechild headlines with a genre-blending blend of rock, folk and soul. Naked Eye brings alt-rock from Dayton and Nashville’s Garden of Eden adds bluesy psych-rock to the lineup. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8.
📍 Mansfield (The Mothership) — Learn More
Summer Kickoff with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder — June 21
Bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs brings his award-winning band to Ariel-Foundation Park for an unforgettable summer opener. This is a ticketed event.
📍 Mount Vernon (Ariel-Foundation Park) — Learn More
The Diamond Project — June 22
Relive the magic of Neil Diamond with Gary Gomez and his tribute band. From “Sweet Caroline” to “America,” this show brings all the hits and the heartfelt energy of Diamond’s live performances.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
June’s Last Tuesday Concert featuring The Emily Raff Trio — June 24
Jazz and soul from the Emily Raff Trio at Black Fork Commons. Presented by CIC of Shelby and the Renaissance Theatre.
📍 Shelby (Black Fork Commons Plaza) — Learn More
Bryan Bielanski and Pocket Vinyl at The Mothership — June 25
A unique performance where one half of Pocket Vinyl paints live on stage while the other performs piano-driven rock. Also on the card is globetrotting acoustic rocker Bryan Bielanski.
📍 Mansfield (The Mothership)— Learn More
The Bridge Live — June 26
Step back into classic rock’s golden age with covers from Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Billy Joel and more. Fronted by Mary Armstrong, this band delivers powerful vocals and high-energy nostalgia.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Live@Lunch Courtyard Series: Taylor Schlupp + Eshelman’s Table — June 27
Acoustic favorites from Taylor Schlupp and tasty eats from Eshelman’s Table, part of the weekly lunchtime music series at Mechanics courtyard.
📍 Mansfield (Mechanics Bank) — Learn More
Final Friday Concert Series – June Edition — June 27
Jaydon Telakowicz, Moonfire and Zack Attack will light up The Brickyard. Bring your lawn chair for one of Mansfield’s most loved traditions. Free and open to the public.
📍 Mansfield (The Brickyard) — Learn More
Oolong Gurus at 1285 Winery — June 27
The Oolong Gurus deliver a dynamic mix of rock and blues. Sip local wine while enjoying live tunes.
📍 Mansfield (1285 Winery at Blueberry Patch) — Learn More
4 Seasons, feat. Cody Nicolas, Sarah Goff, Nick Careless and Chico’s Brother — June 27
This show will feature four distinct musical styles while seamlessly rotating performances as one set. $5 cover with Grub Brothers food truck on site.
📍 Mansfield (La Luna) — Learn More
Blues, Brews & BBQ — June 28
Live blues bands, top-notch BBQ and craft beer make this Knox County bash a standout. Don’t miss award-winning BBQ and some of Ohio’s best blues musicians.
📍 Mount Vernon (Public Square) — Learn More
Local mixed genre show, feat. The Afrxnts, Thuh Koz, Aimpoint and Oddepoxy — June 28
Don’t miss this free show in the alley behind 3rd Cup Tea, featuring your favorite locals and a variety of hardcore, hip-hop, indie and electro-jazz.
📍 Mansfield (3rd Cup Tea) — Learn More
Ashland Symphony Orchestra “Pops in the Park” — June 29
Conducted by 2023 Grammy winner Michael Repper, this patriotic symphonic performance features the 1812 Overture with live cannons (weather permitting). A majestic way to start your Fourth of July week.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Leopardo with The Touch, Birds Cage, and Magnavoxs at The Mothership — June 30
All the way from Switzerland, Leopardo brings their psychedelic rock sound to The Mothership for a special Monday night show. I caught Leopardo at The Mothership a couple of years ago, and they’re incredible. Joined by locals — The Touch, Birds Cage and The Magnavox’s, this stacked lineup promises a night of bold, raw, original rock and roll.
📍 Mansfield (The Mothership)
🌻 July
The AMF Big Jazz Band — July 3
Experience big band swing from the 1940s–60s, complete with authentic brass arrangements and classic hits. Expect toe-tapping renditions of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Rare Vintage 10 — July 6
This horn-driven band delivers an electrifying show packed with hits by Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power. A must-see for funk and brass lovers.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Aftermath: Experience the 60s — July 10
Step into the ‘60s with authentic recreations of the decade’s biggest hits. Spot-on costumes and a vintage vibe bring The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and more to life.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Live@Lunch Courtyard Series: Tom’s Kitchen Table + Panchos Tacos — July 11
Enjoy feel-good folk-pop music from Tom’s Kitchen Table and fresh tacos from Pancho’s.
📍 Mansfield (Mechanics Bank) — Learn More
Tea & Tunes: Grace McClenathan — July 12
Tea, music and mellow summer vibes right in the heart of downtown with the incredibly talented Grace McClenathan.
📍 Mansfield (3rd Cup Tea) — Learn More
Head Games – A Tribute to Foreigner — July 13
From “Feels Like the First Time” to “Juke Box Hero,” this Foreigner tribute nails the soaring vocals and arena rock power of the original band.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival — July 18–20
60+ major rock and metal acts, tattoo artists, food trucks and tours of the Ohio State Reformatory. A full weekend of music and ink. 3-day and single day passes are available.
📍 Mansfield (Ohio State Reformatory) — Learn More
Tea & Tunes: Jody Odom Jr. — July 19
A smooth and soulful summer night at 3rd Cup Tea with the incredible Jody Odom Jr.
📍 Mansfield (3rd Cup Tea) — Learn More
Tiki Weekend featuring Live Music and BBQ Truck — July 19
Island vibes with live music from Low E and delicious BBQ from Smokin Gun. Held at Charles Mill Marina. The event runs all day with music from 6-9 p.m.
📍 Mansfield (Charles Mill Marina) — Learn More
PK Mayo Blues Band — July 20
Blending slide guitar, acoustic and electric blues with Americana flair, PK Mayo delivers high-energy, soulful performances that stick with you.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
The Outsiders — July 24
Best known for their 1965 hit “Time Won’t Let Me,” The Outsiders bring classic rock energy and legendary status to the stage.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Live@Lunch Courtyard Series: Luke Watson + Grunt Grub — July 25
Luke Watson returns for this downtown courtyard concert alongside delicious bites from Grunt Grub.
📍 Mansfield (Mechanics Bank) — Learn More
Final Friday Concert Series – July Edition — July 25
Taylor Schlupp, Emily Raff and a Mansfield staple, Red Ball Jets take the Brickyard stage to close out the month of July. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an essential Mansfield summer event.
📍 Mansfield (The Brickyard) — Learn More
Steve Brown at Hickory Vines — July 25
Smooth acoustic set in a vineyard setting. Great for wine lovers and music fans alike.
📍 Mansfield (Hickory Vines Winery & Venue) — Learn More
Cypher City Hip Hop Festival 2K25 — July 26
Don’t miss this dynamic, all-day celebration of hip hop culture, featuring emcees, DJs and dancers. Live performances from local and regional talent, beat battles, live podcasts, vendors and more!
📍 Mansfield (Richland County Fairgrounds) — Learn More
Tom’s Kitchen Table — July 27
This warm, community-rooted band delivers an engaging mix of folk and acoustic-driven pop. Their intimate vibe often includes surprise guest musicians.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Harp Twins feat. The Volfgang Twins — July 31
Electric and grand concert harps meet Viking percussion in this unforgettable genre-blending performance. Expect a show that’s as theatrical as it is musical.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
🌾 August
Magnetic (Acoustic Duo) at Red Fox Tavern — August 1
Enjoy an intimate night of acoustic music with Magnetic at Red Fox Tavern.
📍 Mansfield (Red Fox Tavern) — Learn More
Turn to Stone — August 3
A fan-favorite ELO tribute returns to Ashland with signature harmonies, string sections and stunning costumes. This is as close to an Electric Light Orchestra concert as it gets.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Gas Pump Jockeys — August 7
Relive the biggest hits of the ‘60s and ‘70s with this nostalgic, high-octane band. Members include legends from Ohio Express and The Cyrkle.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival — August 7-9
This Thursday through Saturday music & arts fest will feature live music from Phil Dirt & The Dozers, Sorelle and popular country artist Craig Morgan.
📍 Mount Vernon (Public Square) — Learn More
Live@Lunch Courtyard Series: EKG + Mad Meltz — August 8
Chill out with acoustic duo EKG and gooey grilled sandwiches from Mad Meltz.
📍 Mansfield (Mechanics Bank) — Learn More
Ashland Regional Ballet — August 10
Celebrate the performing arts with this diverse dance showcase featuring ballet, jazz, tap and modern choreography.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
The Will Call Quintet — August 14
A five-piece jazz-fusion outfit known for elegant grooves and original arrangements. Their electrifying live shows spotlight soulful flute, slick basslines and dynamic percussion.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Praisestock – 20th Anniversary — August 17
Christian music festival celebrating two decades. Full day of worship, music, food and family.
📍 Mount Vernon (Ariel-Foundation Park) — Learn More
American Elton John – Bill Conners — August 17
Bill Conners channels Elton John’s voice, piano mastery and flair for performance in this beloved tribute. Expect glitter, anthems and all the hits.
📍 Ashland (Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell) — Learn More
Live@Lunch Courtyard Series: Jevan Cole + Black Willow — August 22
Singer-songwriter Jevan Cole plays a lunchtime set while Black Willow serves seasonal eats.
📍 Mansfield (Mechanics Bank) — Learn More
The O’Mulligans at Michael Lynn Winery — August 23
The O’Mulligans bring their Rockin’ Blues sound to the winery’s beautiful outdoor patio for a relaxing evening set. Music starts at 6 p.m.
📍 Lexington (Michael Lynn Winery) — Learn More
August’s Last Tuesday Concert featuring Triad — August 26
Free concert in Shelby with local band Triad. Hosted by CIC of Shelby and Renaissance Theatre.
📍 Shelby (Black Fork Commons Plaza) — Learn More
Final Friday Concert Series – August Edition — August 29
Come dance in The Brickyard for I.Ron, Frank Boyd Jr. and Conne. This promises to be a lively show. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a beer garden and food trucks.
📍 Mansfield (The Brickyard) — Learn More
🍂 September
Live@Lunch Courtyard Series: Tom’s Kitchen Table + Cub Country — September 5
The folk stylings of Tom’s Kitchen Table return to Mechanics Courtyard with food from Cub Country.
📍 Mansfield (Mechanics Bank) — Learn More
Mohican Bluegrass Festival — September 11–13
Camp out for three days of amazing bluegrass at the 34th Annual Mohican Bluegrass Festival. Family-friendly with food vendors and craft booths.
📍 Mohican Wilderness Campground on Wally Rd. — Learn More
CES Credit Union Free Concert Night w/ McGuffey Lane + Allison Road — September 13
Country legends McGuffey Lane and opener Allison Road play a free, family-friendly show at Ariel-Foundation Park. Bring chairs — no alcohol, food trucks on-site.
📍 Mount Vernon (Ariel-Foundation Park) — Learn More
Boys in the Band at Ashland County Fair — September 16
Tribute band Boys in the Band perform a high-energy set during the fair’s Tuesday night grandstand concert. Tickets are $15.
📍 Ashland (Ashland County Fairgrounds) — Learn More
Live@Lunch Courtyard Series: Emily Raff + Exclusively Yours — September 19
Close out the lunchtime music series with Emily Raff and lunch from Exclusively Yours.
📍 Mansfield (Mechanics Bank) — Learn More
Final Friday Concert Series – September Edition — September 26
The final show of the season featuring Abby & Cory, Lowe Band and Master TC & The Visitors. Don’t miss your last chance to enjoy a 2025 concert in The Brickyard.
📍 Mansfield (The Brickyard) — Learn More
🎧 Ongoing Series
South Street Grille – Live Music Weekends — May through September
Live music every weekend from May to September — a huge lineup featuring local bands like Tom’s Kitchen Table, Sarah Goff, Highland Grove and more. Great food, drinks and tunes.
📍 Ashland (South Street Grille) — Learn More
Vault Wine Bar Live Music — Ongoing
Wine and live music? Say less. Check the calendar for the latest shows.
📍 Shelby (The Vault Wine Bar) — Learn More
Concerts in the Park – Bellville Bandstand — Multiple Dates
A summer staple with weekly rotating performers. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the park, behind the Bellville Bandstand. Get there early to set up chairs and a picnic or maybe have dinner at the Wishmaker House, Fast Eddie’s or River Rock.
📍 Bellville — Learn More
Marshall Park Summer Concerts — Multiple Dates
Held throughout the summer at one of the area’s top green spaces. This series has dates from June-August and features Conne, Soul Town Live, Oolong Gurus and more!
📍 Ontario (Marshall Park) — Learn More
Kingwood Live on the Lawn — Thursdays in Summer
Enjoy the lush gardens of Kingwood Center while listening to live music on the lawn. The rotating lineup features Emily Raff, Townline 26, Sweet Umbra and more. Every Thursday starting at 6:30 p.m. in July.
📍 Mansfield (Kingwood Center Gardens) — Learn More
Open Mic and Karaoke at Element of Art — First Fridays, June–September
A welcoming open mic in downtown Mansfield hosted by Element of Art Studio/Gallery. All talents welcome — music, poetry, comedy and more. Doors open at 4:45 p.m.
📍 Mansfield (Element of Art) — Learn More
Mansfield Art Center Summer Concerts — June-August
Pair art and music with this unique outdoor series. A creative vibe for a summer night.
📍 Mansfield (Mansfield Art Center) — Learn More
Nellie’s Open Mic Nights — Ongoing
Open mic opportunities for musicians and poets. Performer sign-ups start at 5 p.m., and performances begin at 6 p.m. Open Mics are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of April, May and June.
📍 Mount Vernon (Happy Street Brü Werks) — Learn More
Buffalo Wild Wings Patio Series — Various Fridays & Saturdays
Live bands + wings on the patio. Easy, breezy summer nights at the Mount Vernon Bdubs.
📍 Mount Vernon (Buffalo Wild Wings) — Learn More
Live music at The Pub Kitchen & Tap — Multiple dates through end of August
Find live music at The Pub in Howard all summer long. This year’s lineup features shows from Rare Bird, Alan Carl Band, Appalachian Outlaws Duo and many more.
📍 Howard (The Pub Kitchen & Tap) — Learn More