words and photos by Hayden Seder
While there are always big-name concerts at some of Sun Valley’s larger venues—River Run Plaza, The Argyros, Sun Valley Pavilion—there are also numerous, free weekly concerts put on by some of the area’s favorite establishments with local musicians of all genres. Below are where to catch free tunes in the summer!
Ketch’em Alive
Arguably Ketchum’s best and best-attended free summer music event, Ketch’em Alive brings musical acts to Forest Service Park for an evening of lively tunes, dancing, and seeing friends every Tuesday from 6:30–8:30pm, June 17 through August 5. Pack a picnic or enjoy a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase from local onsite vendors.
- August 5: Andrew Sheppard
Wylde Beet Tiny Deck Summer Concert Series
Vegan restaurant The Wylde Beet on Main Street in Hailey is celebrating summer with their monthly Tiny Deck Summer Concert Series, where local musicians play free concerts on the restaurant’s patio. Plant-based food and beverages are available for purchase while you listen to tunes form 4pm to 8pm. Check their calendar listings for the most up-to-date info.
- August 8: Wildwoods (4–6pm) and Canyon Kids (6–8pm)
Hailey Rocks
Started as a similar event to Ketch’em Alive, Hailey Rocks is a free weekly summer music series, from June 26 to August 21, every Thursday at Hop Porter Park. In addition to both local and traveling musical acts, there are rotating food trucks, bike valet, and beer from Sawtooth Brewery.
- August 7: Cole & The Thornes
- August 14: Daniel Rodriguez
- August 21: Left on Tenth
Post-Hailey Rocks Series at the Liberty
Join the Liberty Theater each week after Hailey Rocks for a free, all ages musical performance from 9–11pm. Donations encouraged.
- August 7: Karoake
- August 14: SECUESTRADO and Up a Creek
- August 21: Video Game Night
Live Music for a Cause at Wicked Spud
The Wicked Spud has been hosting free music on Wednesdays in the summer for twenty-three years, and this year the tradition continues strong! Each week, family-friendly entertainment performs from 6–9:30pm, with proceeds going toward a different local cause. Grab a burger and a beer and support the community!
- August 6: Kim Stocking benefitting The Senior Connection
- August 13: The Johnny V. Band Thing benefitting Wood River Fire and Rescue
- August 20: Double Wide benefitting Sun Valley Realtors
- August 27: Up a Creek benefitting 43 North
- September 3: Rain Date and/or Porpoise Boy benefitting Wood River High School Football
Limelight Live Music Series
While the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum hosts live music year-round, the summer performances out on their large back patio are truly special, as you listen to music, take in views of Baldy, and order a drink and a bite to eat. Live music is 5:30–8:30pm Thursday through Monday, and Happy Hour specials run from 3–6pm daily.
- Aug 1: Michael Gabriel
- Aug 2: Douglas Cameron
- Aug 3: Mark Mueller
- Aug 4: Richard Blaire
- Aug 7: Kevin Ware
- Aug 8: Clayne Zollinger
- Aug 9: Big Daddy Kale
- Aug 10: Sophia Vandeburg
- Aug 11: Darci Carlson
- Aug 14: Kevin Ware
- Aug 15: David Cosca
- Aug 16: Jimmy Robb
- Aug 17: Carson Hasher
- Aug 18- Adam Williams
- Aug 21: Kevin Ware
- Aug 22: Avery Solago
- Aug 23: Paige & Morgan
- Aug 24: Chip Booth
- Aug 25: Andy Crosby
- Aug 28: Kevin Ware
- Aug 29: Michael Gabriel
- Aug 30: Adam Williams
- Aug 31: Ellie Mae
Summer Music Series in The Pasture
Hotel Ketchum presents the Summer Music Series in The Pasture, an outdoor patio area with seating, firepits, and gorgeous views. Music runs from 5:30–7pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Enjoy eclectic tunes and bites from the hotel’s neighbors, Ramen Cowboy, The Sweet Spot, and FRX.
- August 1: Charlie “Moonshine” Schubert
- August 7: Jimmy Mitchell
- August 8: Travis McDaniel
- August 14: Mark Mueller
- August 15: Luc McCann
- August 21: James “Taco” Tautkus
- August 22: Travis McDaniel
River Run Summer Series
Put on by Sun Valley Resort, the River Run Summer Series is a great time for live music, food trucks, and extended evening lift service to hit Baldy! In addition to the lineup of local musicians performing, there’s an outdoor bar, ice cream, a variety of food trucks, lawn games, and chairlift service running until 7pm, giving you three bonus hours of lift-assisted mountain biking and hiking adventures. Each Summer Series event also spotlights a featured brand partner and supports a local nonprofit organization through a portion of daily lift ticket proceeds.
- August 6: David Henry Band (nonprofit partners: Swiftsure; Mountain Humane)
- August 13: Various Lazy (nonprofit partners: Wood River Trails Coalition; Boulder Mountain Clayworks)
- August 20: High Mountain Heard (nonprofit partners: National Forest Foundation; US Forest Service)
- August 27: High Pine Whiskey Yell (nonprofit partners: Mental Well-Being Initiative with St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation; St. Luke’s Center for Community Health, NAMI-WRV; 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance & The Crisis Hotline; Love Like Ky; Flourish Foundation)
- September 3: Adam Williams Band (nonprofit partners: Rotarun; Higher Ground)
Jazz in the Park
On Sunday evenings in the summer through the end of July, head to Rotary Park in Ketchum for Jazz in the Park, a free evening of relaxing jazz from 6–8pm. Attendees are welcome to bring picnics and low-back chairs as they enjoy exceptional “easy listening” jazz bands on the banks of the Bigwood River.
First Fridays at SVMOA
A new summer series, the Sun Valley Museum of Art (SVMOA) presents First Fridays, an evening of art, community, and refreshments on the first Friday of the month. Local musicians and DJs transform the SVMOA gallery space with live performances while attendees explore current exhibitions and make art. Drop in anytime between 5–7pm.
- September 5: Sawtooth Strings
As always, check our calendar for more information on events!
