Experience Music on the Breeze: 7 Free and Affordable Outdoor Concert Series for the 2024 Season

For music lovers and nature lovers alike, there's nothing quite like hearing music in a park setting, surrounded by trees and green grass.

Traditionally, Ames and the surrounding Story County area have offered a great selection of free or low-cost concerts in the great outdoors.

That tradition continues this year with at least seven locations featuring lively bands.

Two wineries, Prairie Moon of Ames and The Cellar of Madrid, offer outdoor concerts on weekends. Roosevelt Summer Sundays and Ames on the Half Shell both feature concerts at Ames city parks and are both longstanding, beloved community events.

The Ames Tribune has put together a list of the lineups for seven outdoor music events in Ames and the surrounding area.

1. Ames on the Half Shell gears up for 2024 season

Hosted by the Ames Jaycees, Ames on the Half Shell has a $5 cover charge that raises funds for the organization, which supports many important local projects.

The concerts are held on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through the end of June at Durham Bandshell Park.

Each concert has a local nonprofit as a community partner.

Food trucks will be onsite while beer, pop and water will also be for sale.

Address: Corner of Duff Avenue and Sixth Street

Website: amesjaycees.com

Check out Ames on the Half Shell 2024 Schedule Here

2. The long, storied history of the Ames Municipal Band

Among the most notable regular acts is the Ames Municipal Band, which is celebrating its 100th season this year.

With 52 members, ranging in age from high school to players in their 80s, the Ames Municipal Band is under the direction of Michael Golemo, who is in his 22nd year. Golemo is also the Director of Bands at Iowa State University.

“We are excited about our 100th season as we hope to have something extra-special at each week’s concert,” Golemo said.

Free hour-long concerts will be held at 8 p.m. every Thursday in June and July at Bandshell Park. The band will perform a different concert each week featuring popular music, light classical, hymns, marches and music from Broadway and films.

Each performance will feature a vocal soloist and at times, special selections, instrumental soloists and guest conductors.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. 

Check out the Ames Municipal Band Facebook page for additional and up-to-the-minute information.

Address: Corner of Duff Avenue and Sixth Street

Website: facebook.com/AmesMunicipalBand

Check out Ames Municipal Band guest Soloists for 2024 Schedule Here

3. Prairie Moon Winery kicks 2024 concerts at its Corncrib Stage

Prairie Moon Winery & Vineyards hosts live music from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Sunday through the end of September.

With a corncrib stage and a view of the vineyard, concertgoers can bring their own snacks or order brick-oven pizzas.

Admission is $5 for people 21 and over, which includes a free glass of sangria.

Wine, beer, water and soft drinks are available for purchase. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Several tables area available on the patio on a first-come, first-served basis. Chairs are available in the lawn, but concertgoers should consider bringing their own chairs or blankets.

Address: 3801 W. 190th St., Ames

Phone: 515-232-2747

Website: prairiemoonwinery.com

Check out Prairie Moon Summer Music Series 2024 Here

4. Roosevelt Summer Sundays begins 21st season

5. Threshold Learning Center to hold 6th annual Fresh Air series

6. Wheatsfield Co-op to hold Tiny Deck Concert Series

7. The Cellar Winery offers free music on Fridays, Sundays

Check out the details of the rest of the concert series here

source: Ames Tribune

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