Summer evenings in Norwood will once again be filled with music as four popular concert series return to the Town Common. From big band favorites, jazz, and classics to children’s entertainment and the historic sounds of the carillon bells, residents and visitors have dozens of opportunities to enjoy free outdoor performances throughout July and August.

Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a relaxing evening with neighbors, or a chance to enjoy live music under the stars, Norwood’s 2026 summer concert season offers something for everyone.

Sunday Concerts on the Common Celebrates 32nd Season

The Town of Norwood Concert Committee will present the 32nd season of Sunday Concerts on the Common at the Walter J. Dempsey Memorial Bandstand. Concerts take place Sundays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and feature traditional favorites including swing, jazz, big band, and concert band performances.

The 2026 lineup includes:

July 5 – Portrait in Jazz

July 12 – Roy Scott Big Band

July 19 – Westwood Swing Band

July 26 – Sharon Concert Band

August 2 – JBTS Big Band

August 9 – She Bop Swing Orchestra

August 16 – Compaq Big Band

August 23 – Dan Gabel and His Orchestra (Special Performance sponsored by Bank of Canton)

August 30 – Legacy of Paul Alberta Jazz Orchestra (Special Performance sponsored by One Bistro)

Families, friends, and music lovers gather each week to enjoy a summer tradition that has become a staple of the community.

The Sunday Concerts on the Common series is supported by numerous local businesses and organizations, including 99 Restaurant & Pub, Acapulcos, Boston Tavern, Café Fresh Bagel, Castle Island Brewing, Conrad’s, The Cove by Dune, D&G Deli, Daddy’s Dairy, The Feisty Greek, Irish Brewing, Jake N Joe’s, Lewis’ Restaurant, Lustra Cleaners, Minas Café, Murphy’s Place, Napper Tandy’s, Shaw’s, Side Door Café, The Sixties Diner, Smokehouse BBQ, Stop & Shop, and Washington No. 7.

Historic Carillon Concerts Return for Their 41st Season

The sounds of Norwood’s historic Fifty-Bell Memorial Carillon will once again ring across town during the 41st Annual Carillon Concert Series.

Concerts are held on Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m., with a special Independence Day performance on July 4, at 2:30 p.m.

The 2026 schedule includes:

July 4 – Christina Meyer, Lee Leach & Margaret Angelini

July 6 – John Whiteside

July 13 – Christina Meyer

July 20 – Andrea McCrady

July 27 – Anton Fleissner

August 3 – Joey Brink

August 10 – Jonathan Lehrer

August 17 – Margaret Pan

August 25 – Margot Lang & Jordan Scoville

All concerts are held rain or shine. The best listening locations are on the Town Common and in the upper parking lot behind Town Hall off Central Street. Bell tower tours are available following most performances.

Dedicated on Armistice Day, November 11, 1928, Norwood’s Fifty-Bell Memorial Carillon was a gift from local banker and civic leader Walter F. Tilton. Today, it remains one of the town’s most distinctive landmarks and musical treasures.

The Carillon Concert Series is sponsored by the Town of Norwood, the Norwood Women’s Community Committee, the family of Betsy Dobson, and private donations to the Town’s Carillon Fund.

Kids Concert Series Returns for an 11th Summer

Families with young children will once again have a special reason to visit the Town Common as the Norwood Junior Woman’s Club presents its 11th Annual Free July Kids Concert Series.

Held on three consecutive Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Town Common Gazebo, the series features interactive performances designed to get children singing, dancing, and participating in the fun.

This year’s schedule includes:

July 14 – Evan with Music at the Blissful

July 21 – Small Singers & Shakers with Stacey Lynn

July 28 – Tiny Tunes Music with Nicole Candan

The family-friendly series is made possible through the support of One Local Bank, Poirier Sales & Service, Dempsey Insurance, and The Boch Fund.

Families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music and entertainment geared specifically toward younger audiences.

Summerfest Brings Variety to Wednesday Nights

The Norwood Arts Council’s popular Summerfest Concert Series returns to the Town Gazebo on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Known for showcasing a variety of musical styles, Summerfest offers a different experience each week and has become a favorite summertime tradition for residents of all ages.

The 2026 lineup:

July 8 – Roundhouse (Special Performance sponsored by Dedham Savings)

July 15 – Willie J. Laws Band

July 22 – Love Dogs

July 29 – Sweet Harmony

August 5 – PanNeubean Steel

August 12 – Boston’s Erin Og

August 19 – Slapback

August 26 – Squeezebox Stompers

Presented by the Norwood Arts Council, Summerfest is made possible through contributions from the Town of Norwood, local businesses, private citizens, and dedicated volunteers committed to promoting the arts within the community.

A Community Tradition

Together, these four concert series provide residents with an opportunity to enjoy a variety of live entertainment throughout the summer. Additional information about each performance can be found on the Town of Norwood Facebook page, @TownofNorwoodMA.

So grab a lawn chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy a summer filled with music, community, and tradition right in the heart of Norwood.

Photo courtesy of the Town of Norwood