Summer in Royal Oak is set to become a lively musical experience! The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce proudly presents its eagerly anticipated Summer Concert Series at the beautiful Centennial Commons Park. Running every Thursday from July 10 through August 14, 2025, this six-week celebration of music and community brings together families, friends, and neighbors for evenings filled with fantastic live performances under the open sky.
Free Community Concerts in Royal Oak
The Summer Concert Series transforms Centennial Commons into a lively gathering space where music lovers of all ages can relax and enjoy high-quality entertainment. Conveniently located within Royal Oak’s social district, concert-goers can enhance their experience by bringing beverages from nearby restaurants to enjoy during the performances. Simply grab your favorite lawn chair or blanket, settle in on the grass, and let the music create a perfect summer evening in one of Royal Oak’s most cherished green spaces.
What truly sets this concert series apart is its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for the entire family. The dedicated kids’ area, generously sponsored by Woodward Corner Market & Meijer, offers a variety of free activities including face painting and balloon artists at every concert. The first four Thursdays feature an exciting climbing tower provided by Oakland County Parks, giving young attendees a chance to burn energy between musical sets. And no summer event would be complete without ice cream—Ray’s Ice Cream will be providing complimentary treats for children 12 and under while supplies last at each concert, making this truly a full-family experience.
Weekly Lineup Showcases Diverse Musical Talents
The 2025 concert schedule kicks off on July 10 with early entertainment by Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music® Student Bands at 5:30pm—a feature that continues each week throughout the series. Between sets, DJ Invisible keeps the energy high with curated playlists, ensuring the good vibes never stop. Opening night spotlights Klezundhiet at 7:00pm, bringing their unique sound to the park, followed by the notable Firewalkers taking the stage at 8:30pm for a rousing performance to close the inaugural evening.
The following week on July 17, music lovers can enjoy tribute performances starting with FIRST RAITT honoring the legendary Bonnie Raitt at 7:00pm. The evening culminates with ROOM FULL OF HENDRIX at 8:30pm, delivering a powerful homage to Jimi Hendrix’s revolutionary sound. July 24 brings good-time rock ‘n’ roll from THE BEGGARS with special guests THE CUSTODIANS at 7:00pm, followed by Detroit rock legends SPONGE at 8:30pm, promising an unforgettable night of hometown musical heritage.
Summer Rhythms Continue Through August
As July transitions to August, the musical journey continues with Royal Oak’s own crooner BOB MERVAK taking the stage at 7:00pm on July 31, followed by KILLER FLAMINGOS at 8:30pm presenting their repertoire of dance hits guaranteed to get everyone on their feet. August 7 brings the soulful sounds of Theo Gridiron & Friends at 7:00pm, with Detroit Centrix following at 8:30pm to deliver their distinctive blend of indie, soul, funk, and R&B that showcases the diverse musical talent emerging from Detroit.
The series wraps up on August 14 with The Jeff Scott Band presenting their soulful performance at 7:00pm, setting the stage for a grand finale by The Detroit Retro Society at 8:30pm. This closing act takes audiences on a musical journey through Detroit’s illustrious musical history, from classic Motown to modern hits that have shaped the city’s sound. It’s the perfect way to conclude six weeks of exceptional live music that celebrates both established acts and emerging talents in our lively community.