The Normandy Park Arts Commission will launch its 2026 Summer Sounds in the Park series this Sunday, July 12, bringing eight weeks of free live music and theater performances to Marvista Park.
The annual series will feature a mix of world music, Americana, classic Seattle acts, Shakespeare and a season ending jazz festival.
Most performances begin at 5 p.m. Sundays, with the Aug. 30 jazz finale starting at 3 p.m.
The lineup reflects feedback gathered through a community survey conducted after last year’s concert series.
“Most said they really liked the diversity of the programming, music from around the world, but a few also added that they wouldn’t mind hearing something a little more familiar,” wrote Paul de Barros of the Normandy Park Arts Commission. “That’s the mix we’re dishing up.”
This year’s series opens July 12 with Sonando, followed by Seattle string band Old Coast on July 19 and Brazilian forró group Foleada on July 26. Greenstage Shakespeare in the Park will present The Winter’s Tale on Aug. 2.
Additional performances include the Po’okela Street Band on Aug. 9, Leroy Bell and His Only Friends on Aug. 16 and legendary Seattle new wave band The Heats (“I Don’t Like Your Face“!) will rock the stage on Aug. 23.
The season concludes Aug. 30 with a jazz festival featuring the Susan Pascal Quintet at 3 p.m., The Wellstone Conspiracy at 4:30 p.m. and Pete Christlieb’s Tall and Small Band at 6 p.m.
De Barros noted that attendance has continued to grow, with one performance drawing about 400 people last summer.
The Arts Commission said the series will continue offering a broad range of musical styles, including Afro Cuban rhythms, Brazilian music, Hawaiian influenced reggae known as “Jawaiian,” Americana, rock and jazz.
An ice cream truck will again be available in the park during the performances.
The project is supported in part by a grant from 4Culture, according to the Arts Commission.
Summer Sounds in the Park 2026 schedule
- July 12: Sonando
- July 19: Old Coast
- July 26: Foleada
- Aug. 2: Greenstage Shakespeare in the Park presents The Winter’s Tale
- Aug. 9: Po’okela Street Band
- Aug. 16: Leroy Bell and His Only Friends
- Aug. 23: The Heats
- Aug. 30 (begins at 3 p.m.):
- 3 p.m. Susan Pascal Quintet
- 4:30 p.m. The Wellstone Conspiracy
- 6 p.m. Pete Christlieb’s Tall and Small Band
