Where to catch (mostly free) live music in Mat-Su this summer

What you need to know:

• Live music events are happening across Palmer, Wasilla and Talkeetna, offering a range of venues and atmospheres.
• Most concerts are free, with some requiring only a food or drink purchase for entry.
• Events run throughout the summer, with many held weekly.

Listening to live music is a great way to get outside and enjoy everything Mat-Su has to offer during the long hours of summer daylight. Rain or shine, these concerts offer both a connection to the community and a way to satisfy your live music itch.

Looking for free and low-cost live music events happening this summer? Here’s a list:

Palmer

Palmer Friday Fling – Free admission. Grab a snack at a food truck, then catch free shows on the Friday Fling stage most Friday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. now through Aug. 8. Specific show times vary. Check the Palmer Chamber of Commerce’s Friday Fling Facebook page for updates each week.

Palmer Ale House 2025 Summer Concert Series – Free admission (mostly). The Palmer Ale House will host bands almost every Thursday, Friday and Saturday on its outdoor stage from 7 to 10 p.m. now through August, with a few ticketed shows scheduled between now and the State Fair.

On June 20 and 21, shows will also be held at Bleeding Heart Brewery from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Concerts shift to Fridays and Saturdays only through September before ending for the year.

Swing Into Summer Community Dance – Free admission. The Palmer Community Foundation will host a dance with live music by the band Feral Katz from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 14 at the Palmer Train Depot as part of the annual Colony Days celebration.

Wasilla

Music in the Park – Free admission. Join the City of Wasilla and Make a Scene Magazine every Saturday in June as they host bands at Iditapark from 3 to 6 p.m. A final concert will be held July 4 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. as part of the city’s annual Independence Day celebration. Food trucks, a beer garden and vendors will be on site for each event.

Taco Tuesday Concert Series – Admission with food or drink purchase. Chepo’s Mexican Restaurant just off the Parks Highway will host bands starting at 6 p.m. every Tuesday from June 3 through Aug. 5.

Talkeetna

Live at Five 2025 Summer Concert Series – Free admission. The Denali Arts Council will host bands every Friday through Aug. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Talkeetna Village Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Mountain High Pizza Pie Live Music Summer – Admission with food or drink purchase. Mountain High Pizza Pie will host bands every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June. Times vary, so be sure to check the calendar linked above.

Talkeetna Alaska Lodge – Free admission. The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge will host free live music every Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. through Sept. 21. An artist lineup is available on its website.

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