AC/DC at Huntington Bank Field (May 28)
Take the “Highway to Hell,” and you’ll find one of the most anticipated reunion rides of the summer, making a special stop on the shores of Lake Erie. The PWR UP tour is the long-awaited live performance of AC/DC’s 2020 record of the same name. Tunes from the 17th studio album will meet the likes of timeless hits from the 1980s and the most memorable riffs in rock history. $75.50+, 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, acdc.com
Wallows at Jacobs Pavilion (June 1)
Forces collide as Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston continue to tour their 2024 album, Model, in addition to a new EP, More, which was released in March. The cleverly titled Model & More tour will harness the dreamy, perfectly indie sound that Wallows has trademarked since 2017. Opening act Porches will punctuate the show with the same cadence. $25+, 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, wallowsmusic.com
Foxy Shazam at Grog Shop (June 1)
Break out your dancing shoes. Foxy Shazam will head from its home base in Southwest Ohio to our part of town, to showcase its throwback sound in a funky evening of glam-rock. $27.50, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd,, Cleveland Heights, foxyshazam.com
Pierce the Veil at Blossom Music Center (June 3)
Vic Fuentes, Tony Perry and Jaime Preciado are a quintessential hallmark of the emo-rock tide of the early 2010s, and this summer, they’re embarking on an Eras Tour of their own. The I Can’t Hear You world tour will celebrate nearly two decades of songs spanning across five albums. Hits like “King For a Day,” “A Match Into Water” and “Pass The Nirvana” will elevate an emotional, mosh-worthy setlist. $42+, 145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, ptvmerch.com
Robyn Hitchcock at Music Box (June 11)
English rocker Robyn Hitchcock will hit the Music Box for its Legends of American Music series — a fitting space for the prolific psych- and folk-rock music-maker, known also for his bands The Soft Boys and The Egyptians. $28-$38, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, robynhitchcock.com
Halsey at Blossom Music Center (June 13)
One of the biggest and most decorated pop stars of the past decade returns to Cuyahoga Falls after three years to celebrate her cancelled funeral — as she puts it. The For My Last Trick tour supports her latest album, The Great Impersonator, which explores life, death and grief through the musical influences of Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, Evanescence, Bruce Springsteen and more. If it’s really her last, it will certainly be a show you don’t want to miss. $56.50+ 145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, iamhalsey.com
Cults at Grog Shop (June 15)
The duo consisting of Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion recently rose to mainstream fame with “Always Forever” and “Gilded Lily,” but they’ve glistened in the alternative pop scene since 2011. Follin and Oblivion’s brief, nine-show summer tour makes a pit stop in Cleveland for a show packed with eccentric melodies and entrancing lyricism. $25, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, cultscultscults.com
Perfume Genius at Globe Iron (June 15)
What’s good about Perfume Genius’ music is that he brings a certain type of vulnerability to his songs. The 43-year-old indie singer explores his sexuality, his battle with Crohn’s disease (a chronic autoimmune disorder) and the obstacles gay men are met with. The Grammy-nominated singer took off after his 2017 album No Shape. $35, 2320 Center St., Cleveland, perfumegenius.org
Smino at the Agora Theatre (June 17)
Smino brings a new meaning to hip-hop with blends of neo-soul and rap. You might have heard the St. Louis-based rapper and songwriter on his hits like “Amphetamine,” and “Z4L.” The dynamic performer is hitting the road with rapper Samara Cyn and headed to Agora Theatre for his Kountry Kousins tour supporting his most recent album Maybe in Nirvana. $35+, 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, zerofatigue.com
Ledisi at House of Blues (June 17)
Following her closing act at the 2024 Tri-C Jazz Fest, Ledisi returns to Cleveland for her own headlining show on the love you too tour. The singer-songwriter will dazzle the stage with smooth, sensual tracks like “Alright” and “I Blame You.” $54.50+, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, ledisi.com
Goose at Jacobs Pavilion (June 19-20)
Known for its DIY ethos, indie-rock band Goose wheels into Jacobs Pavilion this summer to support its upcoming album Everything Must Go. The rock band, Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach, Trevor Weekz, Jeff Arevalo and Cotter Ellis, will bring musical improvisations and its ever-expanding fanbase together at a two-night Cleveland stint. $46+, 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, goosetheband.com
Outlaw Music Festival at Blossom Music Center (June 21)
Now in his 90s, Shotgun Willie is still rocking — and also, impressively, hosting one of the biggest travelling festivals in the country. Teaming up with Bob Dylan and a host of other performers (Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers and Myron Elkins), this fest will go down as one of the biggest shows of the summer. $67.20+, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, blackbirdpresents.com
Hurray for the Riff Raff at Beachland Ballroom (June 24)
After releasing its critically acclaimed album The Past Is Still Alive last year, Americana group Hurray for the Riff Raff will bring a rootsy blend of music to the Beachland as a part of an expansive North American tour. $23.50-$28, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, hurrayfortheriffraff.com
Tri-C JazzFest (June 26-28)
Tri-C’s annual JazzFest is making its way back to PlayHouse Square for its 46th year. The anticipated educational festival promises three days of music that range across the genres. This year’s lineup includes Grammy-nominated trombone player Trombone Shorty & New Orleans, the beloved Sun Ra Arkestra and the Cuban-based band Pedro Martinez Group. The festival also features free concerts featuring regional jazz performances on Playhouse Square’s plaza. $250+, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, tri-c.edu/jazzfest
Tyler, The Creator at the Rocket Arena (June 28)
Tyler, The Creator has been an influential artist in hip-hop and genres beyond, bringing a unique voice to the 2010s rap scene with his unique voice, vivid storytelling and witty wordplay. Now, the musician is stopping by the Rocket Arena for his Chromakopia world tour. Two special guests, rapper Lil Yachty and hip-hop duo Paris, Texas, will join. $124+, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, chromakopia.com
Larchmere PorchFest (June 28)
Cleveland’s Larchmere Porchfest is a music festival unlike any other. Larchmere residents open their front porches as stages for nearly 30 local bands and musicians, giving a snippet of Northeast Ohio’s scene. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and coolers and maybe you’ll find your new favorite artist. 12800 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, larchmereporchfest.org
Luke Bryan at Blossom Music Center (July 11)
Luke Bryan is no stranger to Blossom Music Center. The country superstar and beloved American Idol judge is a highlight of the venue’s robust country lineup this summer. Expect songs like “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” and “Play It Again” at the stop on his summer 2025 tour. $130+, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, lukebryan.com
Ezra Furman at Beachland Ballroom (July 16)
This July, enjoy punky, sunshiney bliss in the Beachland Ballroom, courtesy of Chicago artist Ezra Furman. She's known for her raw, high-energy music and lyrics that tackle topics like mental health and gender. You might have heard her music featured on the Netflix show Sex Education. $25-$30, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, ezrafurman.com
Cynthia Erivo with Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center (July 27)
The Oscar-nominated actress and vocalist will be “Defying Gravity” alongside the Cleveland Orchestra with an arrangement of iconic numbers, plus an assortment of Erivo’s original songs. Erivo’s boisterous voice and stage presence and the enchanting sounds of the ensemble will be sure to capture everyone’s hearts. $35+, 145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, cynthiaerivo.com
Big Time Rush at Blossom Music Center (July 29)
The former teen heartthrobs, known from a Nickelodeon show of the same name, returned for a reunion nearly three years ago. After a stint of new music, the band is going back to its roots to play the most beloved songs from its hit TV show. Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Carlos Pena-Vega and Logan Henderson will be joined by singers and former co-stars Katelyn Tarver and Stephen Kramer Glickman for a night of feel-good nostalgia. $40.95+, 145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, bigtimerushofficial.com
Of Montreal at Beachland Ballroom (July 30)
Head into the colorful, funky world of Of Montreal at this Beachland Ballroom bonanza, celebrating the band’s 20th anniversary of its groundbreaking album The Sunlandic Twins, along with 2024 album Lady on the Cusp. Plus, a Cleveland connection: Band founder Kevin Barnes was born in Rocky River. $25-$30, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, ofmontreal.net
Nelly with JaRule, Eve and Special Guests at Blossom Music Center (Aug. 5)
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his debut album Country Grammar, Nelly joins forces with JaRule and Eve to bring a night of nostalgia to Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls for his Where The Party At tour. $41+, 1145 W. Steel Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, nelly.net
Black Moth Super Rainbow at Mahall’s (Aug. 8)
Indie-psychedelic-pop band Black Moth Super Rainbow is bringing its hazy sound to Mahall’s in Lakewood this summer. The Pittsburgh-based group has released a total of eight full-length projects. $21, 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, instagram.com/houseofbsmr
The Fray at The Agora (Aug. 9)
In the heyday of Grey’s Anatomy, “How To Save A Life” was an inescapable song, thrusting this pop-rock band into our collective pop-culture memory forever. Maybe you want to hear the throwbacks, or maybe you want to get a taste of some new stuff from the band’s appropriately titled album The Fray is Back. Either way, it will all be showcased at the Agora in August. $49.50+, 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, thefray.com
MGK Day (Aug. 13)
While we don’t know what specifically is in store for MGK Day yet, what we do know is that for the past few years Machine Gun Kelly has returned to his hometown for a citywide celebration that culminates in numerous performances and festivities — and, somehow, the party gets bigger and bigger every year. Cleveland, mgkday.com
RELATED: The Magnetism of MGK in Cleveland
Neil Young at Blossom Music Center (Aug. 15)
After nearly 13 years away, the iconic Neil Young will return to Northeast Ohio for a show with his new band the Chrome Hearts on the Love Earth tour, supporting the newly released Oceanside Countryside album. The release, a “lost” album from 1977, adds to Young’s expansive, 40-plus album discography. $81+, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, livenation.com
Morgan Wallen at Huntington Bank Field (August 15-16)
A household name on the music charts, Wallen has proven he is made for large-scale performances. This summer, he takes Cleveland’s biggest stage for two nights alongside Thomas Rhett, Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley for a star-studded show of pop-country excellence. $149.75+, 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, morganwallen.com
PorchRokr Festival (Aug. 16)
Get a taste of Northeast Ohio’s musical talents at this unique outdoor music festival in Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood. Last year’s fest featured over 150 acts on nearly 40 stages, performing genres across the board. Celebrate Northeast Ohio’s music scene with live performances, food and fun. Highland Square, Akron, highlandsquareakron.org
The Black Keys at Blossom Music Center (Aug. 22)
Akron natives Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach have a big-time homecoming show as a part of The Black Keys’ 2025 tour. The Blossom concert supports No Rain, No Flowers, the band’s whopping 13th studio album release, set to arrive this year. $54.50+, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, theblackkeys.com
St. Vincent at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Aug. 29)
Alt-rock icon Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, will bring her electrifying performance to the Rock Hall's summer concert series. The Grammy-winning artist shapeshifts on each album, and brings forward a gritty, primal side forward in 2024's All Born Screaming. $55-$75, 1100 E. 9th St., Cleveland, rockhall.com
Nine Inch Nails at Rocket Arena (Aug. 31)
Trent Reznor has come quite a long way from the roots of Nine Inch Nails’ foundation and the band’s earliest performances at small Lakewood venues. This summer he’ll go full-circle, showcasing the industrial rock band’s foundational releases in the region where it all started. $53+, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, nin.com
Alabama Shakes at Jacobs Pavilion (Sept. 8)
Standout soloist Brittany Howard returns to the stage with her trusted sidekicks, guitarist Heath Fogg and bassist Zac Cockrell, after an eight-year hiatus. The three-piece band has stunned the rock and soul scenes since 2011 with powerful vocals and a unique grooviness you won’t find anywhere else. While Alabama Shakes boast just two albums, Boys & Girls and Sound & Color, it’s maintained a rich repertoire only deepened by the art of live performance. $55+, 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, alabamashakes.com
“Weird Al” Yankovic at Blossom Music Center (Sept. 13)
Weird Al, the parody music king, hosts a polka-filled party at the tail end of summer — one that’s sure to be filled with his brand of goofball energy and quirky tunes. $56+, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, weirdal.com
RELATED: “Weird Al” Yankovic in Cleveland
Fresh Fest (Sept. 13)
Fresh Fest celebrates the arts and urban agriculture by promoting health and wellness, highlighting fresh and local food with performances from Northeast Ohio-based artists. Though a lineup for this annual festival has not been announced, it’s sure to be a perfect way to bring the summer to a close. Free, 8129 Otter Ave., Cleveland, freshfestcleveland.com
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