There is something about a free concert on the lakefront that turns an ordinary Thursday into a summer highlight. The Cleveland Metroparks Summer Concert Series brings Diamond Project — a Neil Diamond tribute band — to Edgewater Beach on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. It is the seventh of eight free Thursday evening concerts along the lakefront, and it is one of the best family-friendly outings within a 25-minute drive of North Royalton.
Event Details
- Thursday, July 23, 2026
- 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (live music begins at 5:00 PM)
- Edgewater Beach, 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH 44102
- Free admission — happy hour and beer garden by Leinenkugel's, plus food trucks and concessions
- ~25 minutes from 10621 Sherwood Trail via I-71 North
What to Expect
The concert takes place on the Wayside Furniture Stage at Edgewater Beach, with the Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie as the backdrop. Families typically bring blankets and low-back chairs, spread out on the grass, and enjoy the music while the sun sets over the water. The vibe is relaxed and inclusive — kids roam the lawn, parents chat with neighbors, and the food trucks keep everyone fed.
Diamond Project delivers a high-energy tribute to Neil Diamond with full band arrangements of hits like "Sweet Caroline," "America," and "Cracklin' Rosie." The setlist spans his decades-long catalog, so there is something for grandparents, parents, and kids alike.
Why This Is a Great Family Outing
Free admission removes the pressure of ticket prices. The early evening timing (4:00 to 8:00 PM) works well for families with young children — you can arrive, enjoy the music, and still be home for bedtime. The Edgewater Beach location adds a bonus: before the concert, kids can play on the sand or splash at the water's edge while parents set up the picnic spot.
For North Royalton families, the drive is straightforward — about 25 minutes via I-71 North. Pack a blanket, grab some snacks or plan to visit the food trucks, and you have a low-cost summer evening that feels like a mini-escape.
Tips for Attending
- Bring a blanket or low-back chair. The seating area is grassy and gently sloping. Standard-height lawn chairs can block views for others, so low-back chairs are preferred.
- Arrive early for parking. The lot fills up quickly on concert nights. Aim to arrive by 4:00 PM to secure a spot and settle in before the music starts.
- Pack layers. Lake Erie breezes can cool things down quickly after sunset, even in July. Light jackets or hoodies are a good idea.
- Stay for the sunset. Edgewater Beach offers one of the best sunset views in Cleveland. The concert wraps up around 8:00 PM, which is right around sunset time in late July.
A Lakefront Summer Tradition
The Cleveland Metroparks Summer Concert Series is a free, accessible tradition that makes Northeast Ohio feel like a place where summer is meant to be enjoyed outdoors. For families in North Royalton, it is a reminder that great city amenities are just a short drive away — and that the best evenings often cost nothing at all.
