Summer in Folsom means music! Live music, for free, 3 nights per week at 3 unique locations, with its own vibe.
Here’s your quick guide:
Palladio Center
Palladio concerts kick off the week on Wednesdays at 7pm. Located in the plaza, the best seats are up front, close to the band and the dancefloor. There are limited patches of lawn for spreading out blankets and low-rise chairs toward the back, with cement areas more suitable for chairs along the sides.
Views can be obstructed by tree and art pieces, but it is a beautiful spot, and they bring out the big guns for the music, with a focus on high quality cover bands.
It’s family-friendly, and there’s beer garden, too.
The official rule is that you cannot bring alcohol. Maybe there’s water in those red Solo cups.
Park in the garage, the big lot near Whole Foods, or the one by Nordstrom Rack.
If it gets too crowded head to one of the Palladio’s great restaurant choices; Chicago Fire Pizza and the new Back Bistro are my faves. The bistro also has a Wednesday late happy hour!
Wednesday evenings at 7pm through August 29
June 6 – Wonderbread 5 – Party Dance Band
June 13 – PopRocks – High Energy Dance
June 20 – When Doves Cry – Prince Tribute
June 27 – Notorious – Current thru today Hits
July 4 – No Concert – Happy 4th of July!
July 11 – Hip Service – Dance Party Extravaganza
July 18 – Cheeseballs – High Energy Party Dance Band
July 25 – Swift Country – Tribute to Taylor Swift
August 1 – Island of Black & White – Reggae Dance Band
August 8 – Mania – Beatles Tribute
August 15 – Take 2- Big Band Dance
August 22 – The Spazmatics – Nerds that Rock!
August 29 – Pop Fiction – Party Dance Band
Folsom Historic District
The Folsom Historic District concerts are held at the amphitheater, in the heart of the Railroad block. It’s a cozy venue with excellent sightlines.
Park for free in the nearby garage, and there is limited street parking as well.
If you enter from the back/top of the amphitheater, not that looking down toward the stage, it can be difficult to tell where the open seats are. Send a scout to the bottom and look up.
Officially a booze-free venue, I think there’s a ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy.
Be sure to visit the District merchants. It’s easy to walk up and grab a burrito to go from the Sutter Street Taqueria (say hi to Rosario), or a brisket sandwich from Heckle Ale House.
Note that there is construction going on for the new Round House building, which will soon house Scott’s Seafood and Willamette Valley Winery.
Every Thursday at 715p through July 26
June 7 – Island of Black and White – Blues/Reggae/Folk
June 14 – Rhythm Vandals – Viva Santana Show
June 21 – John Voeltz and The Side Hustle – Americana/Bluesy Rock/Good Times
June 28 – AKA – Rocking Dance Party
July 5 – Cash Prophets – Authentic Country Music
July 12 – Cynthia Renee and Company – 80’s/Rock/Country
July 19 – Todd Morgan and The Emblems – Pop/Rock/Soul
July 26 – Jessica Malone – Modern and Soulful Folk/Americana
Lions Park
Folsom Concerts in the Park happen every Friday night at Lions Park.
There is plenty of room to spread out. Bring a chair and sit up front by the gazebo, or head for the trees to get some shade. Lots of room for kids to run around. Bring a picnic.
Responsible alcohol consumption is allowed.
Every Friday at 7pm through July 27
June 1 – Island of Black and White – Reggae
June 8 – FBI- Rock
June 15 – Keep on Truckin – Music of the Woodstock Generation
June 22 – Dave Russell – Country
June 29 – Chad Bushnell – Country
July 6 – Innersoul Band – R&B/Latin
July 13 – Simple Creation Band – Reggae
July 20 – Have Mercy – Classic Rock
July 27 – Elana Jane – Country/Pop