30-05-2025
Free family-friendly concert series returns to Richland for the summer
There are some telltale signs of summer in Tri-Cities, like the Columbia River filling up with boats and the mountains becoming covered with hikers.
As temperatures rise, the number of local events to choose from expands significantly. In summertime, Tri-Cities becomes bustling with things to do, especially live music. There are multiple festivals planned in the coming months, as well as several concert series lasting all summer.
Multiple concert series start in late May, including the longest-standing Live@5 concert series, which begins May 29.
Entering its 21st year, just one year ahead of the Thunder on the Island concert series, Live@5 is a community favorite for family-friendly entertainment. It is presented by Stephens Media Group, a digital media company that runs six Tri-Cities radio stations, with Yakima Federal Savings and Loan as the primary sponsor, according to a recent news release.
The Live@5 concert series provides free music at John Dam Plaza every Thursday through summer. Here's this year's lineup:
May 29 - Backroads
June 5 - Englewood Heights
June 12 - Groove Principal
June 19 - Stoney Lonesome
June 26 - Badlandz
July 3 - The Knockdowns
July 10 - Fat Fox
July 17 - Time Machine
July 24 - Stompin'Ground
July 31 - Queen's Gate
Aug 7 - Joel Gibson Jr.
Music starts at 5 p.m. and is completely free.
Local businesses will have tables set up, so attendees can support various Tri-Cities vendors while enjoying the music, but no purchases are necessary.
This year, the beer garden is hosted by The Emerald of Siam. With owner Dara Quinn launching Emerald Spark Events with her business partner Alicia Cullison, the popular Richland restaurant is able to take its mobile bar setup to more events than ever this year.
The Emerald also provides drinks at the Thunder on the Island concert series on Clover Island, which has free concerts on Wednesdays and paid shows on Sundays.
Food trucks will also be onsite, so you can head to the park straight after work for dinner, drinks and live music.
If you're bringing kids, Knockerball Tri-Cities is hosting a children's Fun Zone, said the release from Yakima Federal Savings and Loan.
'Live@5 has proven to be that rare kind of event that brings together people and families from across the Tri-Cities to enjoy a night out in a beautiful park setting — with great food, drinks, local vendors, and the best music the region has to offer,' Dan Manella, the Stephens Media Group general manager, said in the release.
