Freeman Arts Pavilion season performances to kick off July 8
Freeman Arts Pavilion will celebrate the opening of a new permanent stage and back-of-house facilities at the outdoor venue near Selbyville.
A program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, a fundraising arts nonprofit, Freeman Arts Pavilion will present its 19th season with a mix of live music, comedy, theater and family-friendly performances. The foundation continues its mission to bring accessible arts experiences to the region while enhancing the experience for artists and audiences alike through its newly constructed performance infrastructure.
Performances for its 2026 summer concert series will kick off Wednesday, July 8, with Matteo Bocelli – Falling In Love World Tour; followed by Little Big Town, Thursday, July 9; Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show, Thursday, July 16; comedian Kathleen Madigan: Day Drinking Tour, Saturday, July 18; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Friday, July 24; Yachtley Crew - Seas the Night Tour, Sunday, July 26; and The Marshall Tucker Band, Friday, July 31.
The momentum keeps going with comedian John Mulaney: Mister Whatever, Sunday, Aug. 2; Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler with Spin Doctors, Tuesday, Aug. 4; The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, Thursday, Aug. 6; An Evening with Joe Bonamassa, Friday, Aug. 7; The String Cheese Incident, Sunday, Aug. 9; and The Fray - Summer of Light Tour, Monday, Aug. 10. The Indigo Girls return Saturday, Aug. 15; followed by country music artist Jake Owen, Sunday, Aug. 16; the Arts & Jazz Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 18; Clear Space Theatre Company’s production of “Mean Girls: The Musical,” Wednesday, Aug. 19; and Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen Friday, Aug. 21. A special celebration of 55 Years of The Allman Brothers, At Fillmore East, with Melody Trucks, The Fitzkee Brothers & Friends arrives Tuesday, Aug. 25; next come Lady A, Saturday, Aug. 29; Collective Soul, Sunday, Aug. 30; and Ray LaMontagne - Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour, Friday, Sept. 11.
“Performances will continue to be announced on a rolling basis as additional shows are confirmed,” said Patti Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. “This season represents a milestone moment for Freeman Arts Pavilion. Our new permanent stage and artist facilities allow us to elevate every aspect of the experience for performers, for patrons and for our community in a venue designed for the future.”
With the debut of the new stage, audiences will also experience choices of reserved seating and the reimagined grand green, featuring a nearly 30-foot grade that will enhance sightlines from all seating areas, along with a shifted layout orientation that will improve the overall viewing experience.
The stage has also been rotated about 90 degrees, allowing performers to continue enjoying Freeman Arts Pavilion’s signature sunsets without facing direct sunlight. The new orientation will allow patrons to enjoy direct views of the stage nestled within a backdrop of mature trees, as well as views of the lake.
“This grand opening season represents years of planning and community support coming to life,” Grimes said. “We can’t wait to welcome the community to enjoy the next chapter of Freeman Arts Pavilion.”
Learn more at freemanarts.org.
