The Santee Summer Concert Series has been bringing the community together since 1984. That's 42 years of free live music on Thursday evenings, and the 2026 lineup is already set.
Every Thursday from June 11 through August 13, 2026 (skipping July 2), the City of Santee hosts free outdoor concerts at Town Center Community Park East from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Bring a blanket, a chair, and some snacks. Parking is free.
2026 Lineup
June 11: The Pistol Blonde (country). The kickoff show sets the tone with country music, and the early-summer weather in Santee is usually perfect for it. Evenings in June run in the mid-70s.
July 16: Cassie B (top hits from the 90s to today). This one tends to draw the biggest family crowd because the playlist hits every generation.
July 30: Detroit Underground (funk). If you want people dancing on the grass, this is the night.
August 6: The Sea Monks (rockabilly country). A good blend for the crowd that likes its country with a little more edge.
August 13: BETAMAXX (80s hits). The season closer. BETAMAXX is a known quantity on the San Diego cover band circuit, and 80s nights always pack the park.
What to Know
The concerts are free. No tickets. No reservations. Just show up. Town Center Community Park East is located at 550 Park Center Drive, right in the heart of Santee's Town Center area. It's adjacent to the Cameron Family YMCA and Sportsplex USA.
Food trucks often line the park perimeter during concert nights. But if you want to grab dinner before or after, the Town Center area has plenty of options. Board & Brew at 214 Town Center Parkway is a five-minute walk. The Coffee Corner at 235 Town Center Parkway handles the caffeine side. Tsunami Modern Cuisine at 205 Town Center Parkway does sushi and Asian fusion. And Chuze Fitness at 215 Town Center Parkway is right there if you want to work out before you park it on a lawn chair for two hours.
The Series in Context
The concert series is one of several regular events produced by the City of Santee. Others include Santee Salutes (a summer patriotic celebration), Friday Nights Live, and the Santee Bunny Trail in spring. The Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival on Memorial Day weekend is the biggest single-day event, drawing over 30,000 people.
For more events and things to do in Santee, check the entertainment listings on San Diego Lineup.
