ELLSWORTH, Maine (June 16, 2026) – Gather your friends and head downtown. City of Ellsworth Launches 2026 Downtown Summer Concert Series
The City of Ellsworth is excited to announce the launch of our Downtown Summer Concert Series, bringing free live music to the Franklin Street Parklet every Thursday evening from July 23 through October 1, 2026.
The eleven-week series will fill downtown Ellsworth with live music, community connection, and summer fun. From local favorites to regional touring acts, the lineup offers something for every musical taste and provides another opportunity for residents and visitors to gather, explore downtown, and enjoy all that The Friendly City has to offer.
“This concert series is another example of how we’re investing in community,” said City Manager Charlie Pearce. “Downtown Ellsworth is a place where people naturally come together, and these Thursday evenings will give residents and visitors another reason to spend time here, support local businesses, and enjoy everything our community has to offer.”
Concerts will take place at the Franklin Street Parklet, a vibrant downtown space that has quickly become a hub for community events and gatherings. Guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner or dessert from downtown businesses and spend the evening in the heart of The Friendly City.
The City would also like to recognize Heart of Ellsworth for its leadership in creating and growing the Franklin Street Parklet into the vibrant downtown gathering space it is today. Through their vision, hard work, and commitment to community, the Parklet has become a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike. The Summer Concert Series itself grew out of Heart of Ellsworth’s efforts and has long been one of the organization’s signature summer events. We are also grateful to Black Moon Public House for curating this year’s concert lineup and bringing an exciting mix of local and regional talent to the stage. Together, these community partners have helped create the foundation for what promises to be a memorable summer in downtown Ellsworth.
“These events are about creating a place for people to gather,” said Roddy Ehrlenbach, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Ellsworth. “The Franklin Street Parklet has become one of downtown’s most welcoming public spaces, and these concerts are another way we’re bringing people together. Whether you’re coming for the music, meeting friends for dinner downtown, doing some fun shopping, or simply enjoying a summer evening outdoors, we hope this series becomes a favorite part of the season.”
The Downtown Summer Concert Series is made possible through partnerships with Black Moon Public House, Wallace Events, concert sponsors, and numerous community supporters who share a vision of creating memorable experiences in downtown Ellsworth.
2026 Downtown Summer Concert Series Lineup:
July 23 – The Mallett Brothers Band
July 30 – T.O.M.B. & 4WARNING
August 6 – River Bottom Funk
August 13 – OPEN X with Takoda and with Trisha Mason
August 20 – On The Rocks
August 27 – I Want My MTV Retro Band featuring Jessi Mallory
September 3 – Chris Ross with Amy Love
September 10 – Hymn For Her with Bowen Swersey
September 17 – Tim Lewis Band with Budd Williams
September 24 – Cam King’s DEAD NIGHT with Madcap Minstrels and Vinyl Vogue
October 1 – Downtown Barn Dance with Alice Slater and Friends
July 23–August 20: Concerts begin at 7 p.m. every Thursday
August 27–October 1: Concerts begin at 6 p.m. every Thursday
Whether you’re discovering a new favorite band, catching up with neighbors, or simply enjoying a summer evening downtown, the Downtown Summer Concert Series invites everyone to experience live music in the heart of Ellsworth.
2026 Summer Concert Series _ list of bands
