Music Venues and Concert Series on the Eastern Shore
Hey there, I’m Meag. Marketer by day and local business and happenings enthusiast by night. Join me on my journey to find cool things to do and places to go on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
It had been a while since I’d been to a concert (my formerly pregnant self could never) but about a month ago, Michael and I got to go see Taking Back Sunday with some friends at Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach and talk about nostalgia. I was instantly transported back to 2007 and I could smell the burn of my hair straightener. My eyes started to itch thinking about the massive amount of eyeliner I slathered on my waterline. The feel of the spikey little rubber earrings.
The whole thing was magical from start to finish. Not only is the venue one of my favorites for it’s cas atmosphere, but the crowd was top notch. We made friends, had a considerable amount of personal space, and we were wrapped up by 10:30pm. Does it get any better?
If you’re looking to rock out on the shore over the next few months, here are the music venues and concert series you’re going to want to keep tabs on. Make sure to click the link at the end of the list to see the full list on the blog that includes smaller restaurants that regularly have live music.
1. Rocking the Docks in Lewes, DE
Idk if they stepped up their marketing game, but I found this concert series on Instagram this year and you can bet I’ll be keeping tabs on next year’s schedule. Not only is it on the water, helloooo sunset vibes, the series boasts a variety of genres, local vendors, food trucks, AND free parking. This is also where you can grab the ferry to Cape May (the next morning, of course. Shows run through August.
2. Burley Oak Brewing Company In Berlin, MD
I also didn’t realize Burley does a summer concert series where you can get individual event tickets for as low as $20 and a series ticket for $85. I’m psyched to see Joey Harkum and Bumpin Uglies there in a few weeks - the atmosphere and the beer are awesome!
3. The Freeman Stage In Selbyville, DE
The Freeman Arts Pavilion just got an insane makeover and is arguably the largest venue on the shore, hosting the most well known names and acts. In August, you can see acts like:
Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler with Spin Doctors
The Fray-Summer of Light Tour with Dashboard Confessional
Jon Pardi
Lady A
and more!
4. The Avalon Theatre In Easton, MD
I didn’t know about this venue but I do like Easton quite a bit. Wouldn’t be a bad place to do an overnight trip and add this to the list of places to go. Looks like they have some smaller name concerts but a variety of events and venues. Peep The Wailers playing late September!
5. The Mainstay In Rock Hall, MD
An honorable mention, mostly because I love the quaint little town of Rock Hall and all of it’s charm. The Mainstay is a nonprofit live music and performing arts center that was known for it’s jazz acts and now boasts a variety of genres and acts each week ranging from bluegrass and folk music, to Gospel, and Celtic.
Restaurants with Live Music on the Eastern Shore
Ocean City, Maryland
Seacrets – By far the largest. Multiple stages, live music almost daily in season, and a capacity of around 5,000 people.
Fager's Island – Sunset deck with acoustic performers, jazz, and dance bands.
Macky's Bayside Bar & Grill – Weekend bands and DJs.
The Purple Moose Saloon – Rock, tribute bands, and touring acts.
Dewey Beach, Delaware
Rusty Rudder – Waterfront stage with big summer crowds.
Northbeach – Beachfront concerts and DJs.
The Starboard – Live bands and weekend entertainment.
Salisbury & Lower Eastern Shore
Brew River Seafood House & Dock Bar – Probably Salisbury's most consistent waterfront live music destination in warm weather.
Evolution Taproom & Pizzeria – Regular acoustic acts and brewery events.
St. Michael’s and Mid-Shore
Carpenter Street Saloon – Local favorite with frequent live music.
The Jetty – One of the Kent Narrows' busiest music spots.
Big Owl Tiki Bar – Outdoor bands throughout the summer.