Summer 2023 is just around the corner, and Los Gatos is gearing up for a season of music to remember! The last couple of years have transformed Los Gatos’ free music scene, and many, but not all, of our favorite shows are back for another season.
Some of our old favorites, like Jazz on the Plazz and Music in the Park, are back, some recent hits may be gone for good, and there are some new shows taking the stage. Knowing that you are as excited about these as I am, I have compiled a calendar of free outdoor music events for us all! (Not all artists and schedules have been announced, so please check the official event pages for the latest news).
Below please find a compilation of the three different Los Gatos free musical concert series and a few one-day festivals. As always, the information below is believed to be reliable, but as with any concert or outdoors event it is subject to change, so double check the website prior to going and always read the rules (especially if you plan to picnic). Hope to see you there!
2023 Summer Concert Series: Free Music and Fun in Los Gatos
Music in the Park – The Town page has officially announced a return of Music in the Park with the 2023 series! Past years cancellations were published over on Facebook with no update on those pages this year. The event website is not currently up and running, and no word on whether the Los Gatos Park Dance will return. Free concerts can be enjoyed Sundays from 5pm to 7pm on the Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn (from the Mercury). Dates to be announced – in 2022 they were scheduled from July 17th through September 4th.
Jazz on the Plazz – Also back, the event website calls the 2023 series “An Etta James Summer” and they’ve got a fantastic lineup ready! Check the Facebook page for regular updates and bonus entertainment. (And if you didn’t check out the Jazz on off the Plazz 2020 Virtual Shows they are all still available to watch online.) Concerts held every Wednesday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, from June 21st through August 23rd.
Please note that while the other music venues are 100% free, with Jazz on the Plazz, the “best” seats come with a price tag. This year the Sounds of Summer Festival (below) replaces the preview event Sounds of Summer: Spring Soiree from 2022. There has been no announcement on the end of season Gala, held last on September 17th, 2022.
Fiesta de Artes – In 2021 the Los Gatos Fiesta merged with the Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival and the sweet pairing will be back for more this year. The musical lineup and more is published online and we can anticipate a great show with some fantastic local favorites! You can also check their Facebook page for updates. Set to go the weekend of September 16th – 17th, 2023 at the Civic Center Lawn.
One-Day Only!
The Sounds of Summer Festival – Brand new in 2023 and for one day only, the Sounds of Summer Fesitval hits the stage on Saturday, June 3rd from 1-9pm at the Civic Center Park, where you find Music in the Park on Sundays. Food and beverage tickets are available for purchase. This event is by the same organizers as Jazz on the Plazz.
Fourth of July – Independence Day celebrations are returning to Oak Meadow park! Check the Town page for details on this event. The San Jose Wind Symphony, which is always the main musical feature of the day, is scheduled to begin performing at 1pm. Check back through those links for any future updates.
Gone For Good?
The Promenade – After a successful start in 2021, after two years of fun the new kid on the block appears to be gone for good.
Vasona Vibrations – PERMANENTLY CANCELED – The website still shows the 2020 cancellation, but take a peak at their Facebook page and you’ll see the current status: permanantly canceled.
Now for the full schedule of performances. Below is my hand-pulled schedule of free concert performances based on the currently announced lineups for these series.
Once again, please double check all rules, directions, and schedule information with the information on the festival website so you can enjoy the music to the fullest. A complete list of performers and dates is not yet available, please check the respective event site for most current information.
Music in the Park schedule not included, and Independence Day celebration may be subject to change below as no dates or lineup have been announced for either annual event.
Concert Series Lineup
| Series | Date | Day | Time | Performers |
| The Sounds of Summer Festival | 3-Jun-23 | Sat | 1:00pm | Gypsy Tribe |
| The Sounds of Summer Festival | 3-Jun-23 | Sat | 4:00pm | COLLECTIVITY |
| The Sounds of Summer Festival | 3-Jun-23 | Sat | 6:00pm | The Houserockers |
| Jazz on the Plazz | 21-Jun | Wed | 6:30-8:30pm | Gunhild Carling |
| Jazz on the Plazz | 28-Jun | Wed | 6:30-8:30pm | Etienne Charles Sextet |
| 4th of July Symphony in the Park | 4-Jul | Tues | 11:00am-3:30pm | |
| Jazz on the Plazz | 5-Jul | Wed | 6:30-8:30pm | Pamela Rose w/ Blues is a Woman Band |
| Jazz on the Plazz | 12-Jul | Wed | 6:30-8:30pm | Ren Geisic Quartet |
| Jazz on the Plazz | 19-Jul | Wed | 6:30-8:30pm | Lao Tizer Band |
| Jazz on the Plazz | 26-Jul | Wed | 6:30-8:30pm | MJF Regional Band and Vocal Ensemble |
| Jazz on the Plazz | 2-Aug | Wed | 6:30-8:30pm | Claudia Villela Quinte |
| Jazz on the Plazz | 9-Aug | Wed | 6:30-8:30pm | Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring Terrie Odabi |
| Jazz on the Plazz | 16-Aug | Wed | 6:30-8:30pm | Tiffany Austin with Full Spectrum Jazz |
| Jazz on the Plazz | 23-Aug | Wed | 6:30-8:30pm | David Benoit |
| Fiesta de Artes | 16-Sep | Sat | 10:00am | Gypsy Tribe |
| Fiesta de Artes | 16-Sep | Sat | 12:00pm (noon) | Tsunami |
| Fiesta de Artes | 16-Sep | Sat | 2:00pm | RPM Band |
| Fiesta de Artes | 16-Sep | Sat | 4:00-6:00pm | The Megatones |
| Fiesta de Artes | 17-Sep | Sun | 10:00am | Hoot ‘n Holler |
| Fiesta de Artes | 17-Sep | Sun | 12:00pm (noon) | Ten O’Clock Lunch Band |
| Fiesta de Artes | 17-Sep | Sun | 2:00pm | The Johnny Neri Band |
| Fiesta de Artes | 17-Sep | Sun | 4:00-6:00pm | The Houserockers |
