Italian singer and songwriter Matteo Bocelli will appear at the Freeman Arts Pavilion this summer.
Freeman Arts Pavilion will launch its 19th season — and a new era — in 2026, celebrating the grand opening of its new permanent stage and back-of-house facilities with a diverse lineup of live music, comedy, theater and family-friendly performances from July through October.
The outdoor venue — a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, a fundraising arts nonprofit based near Selbyville — continues its mission to bring accessible arts experiences to the region while enhancing the experience for artists and audiences alike through its newly constructed performance infrastructure.
The first wave of the 2026 season showcases a lineup of performances spanning genres and generations. The summer season begins on July 8 with Matteo Bocelli — Falling In Love World Tour; followed by Little Big Town on July 9; Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show on July 16; comedian Kathleen Madigan: Day Drinking Tour on July 18; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Preservation Hall Jazz Band on July 24; Yachtley Crew — Seas the Night Tour on July 26; and The Marshall Tucker Band on July 31.
August keeps the momentum going with comedian John Mulaney: Mister Whatever on Aug. 2; Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler with Spin Doctors on Aug. 4; The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA on Aug. 6; and An Evening with Joe Bonamassa on Aug. 7; The String Cheese Incident: Just Keep Spinning Tour on Aug. 9; followed by The Fray-Summer of Light Tour with Dashboard Confessional on Aug. 10; the Indigo Girls return on Aug. 15; country music artist Jake Owen on Aug. 16, the Arts & Jazz Festival on Aug. 18; and Clear Space Theatre Company’s production of Mean Girls: The Musical on Aug. 19; Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen takes the stage on Aug. 21; a special celebration of 55 Years of The Allman Brothers “At Fillmore East” with Melody Trucks, The Fitzkee Brothers & Friends arrives on Aug. 25; Lady A on Aug. 29; Collective Soul on Aug. 30; and Ray LaMontagne — Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour on Sept. 11, with additional performances and special events still to be announced as part of the 2026 season.
Public on-sale begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at freemanarts.org.
Performances will continue to be announced on a rolling basis as additional shows are confirmed, said Patti Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation.
“This season represents a milestone moment for Freeman Arts Pavilion,” said Grimes. “Our new permanent stage and artist facilities allow us to elevate every aspect of the experience — for performers, for patrons and for our community. As we open our 19th season, we’re proud to continue expanding access to the arts while welcoming audiences to enjoy world-class performances in a venue designed for the future.”
With the debut of the new stage, audiences will also experience choices of reserved seating and the reimagined Grand Green, offering new ways to enjoy Freeman Arts Pavilion events. Unlike previous seasons, the redesigned Green will feature a nearly 30-foot grade that will enhance sightlines from all seating areas, along with a shifted layout orientation designed to improve the overall viewing experience.
The venue includes paved pathways throughout, including to the Grand Green and terrace, and reserved seating for added accessibility and comfort. The stage has also been rotated about 90 degrees, allowing performers to continue enjoying Freeman Arts Pavilion’s signature sunsets without facing direct sunlight. The orientation of the stage will allow patrons to enjoy direct views of the stage, nestled within a backdrop of mature trees, as well as views of the lake.
Depending on the show, configurations may include a mix of reserved seating and general admission in the Lawn section, or reserved seating paired with general admission in both the Lawn and Terrace sections. Performances may feature either a standing-room-only pit on the Floor for fans who prefer to be close to the action or fully reserved seating on the Floor for a traditional concert experience.
Freeman Arts also introduced new add-on experiences, including Patio Passes for select performances, which provide access to standing-room-only areas near the front seated sections of the Grand Green. Ticket insurance is now available as an added convenience, giving patrons greater peace of mind when purchasing tickets.
“This grand opening season represents years of planning and community support coming to life,” Grimes said. “Seeing the new stage and Grand Green take shape to welcome audiences is incredibly meaningful for our Board of Directors and team — we can’t wait to welcome the community to enjoy the next chapter of Freeman Arts Pavilion.”
“As an arts nonprofit, Freeman Arts offers performances for all ages to enjoy with the support of the local community, including its members and donors who uplift our vision, mission and purpose all year long.”
For more information, visit freemanarts.org.
First round of the 2026 season lineup
July
- Matteo Bocelli: Falling In Love World Tour (July 8)
- Little Big Town (July 9)
- Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show (July 16)
- Kathleen Madigan — Day Drinking Tour (July 18)
- Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Preservation Hall Jazz Band (July 24)
- Yachtley Crew — Seas the Night Tour (July 26)
- The Marshall Tucker Band (July 31)
August
- John Mulaney: Mister Whatever (Aug. 2)
- Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler with Spin Doctors (Aug. 4)
- The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA (Aug. 6)
- An Evening with Joe Bonamassa (Aug. 7)
- The String Cheese Incident: Just Keep Spinning Tour (Aug. 9)
- The Fray — Summer of Light Tour with Dashboard Confessional (Aug. 10)
- Indigo Girls (Aug. 15)
- Jake Owen (Aug. 16)
- Arts & Jazz Festival (Aug. 18)
- Clear Space Theatre Company presents Mean Girls: The Musical (Aug. 19)
- Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen (Aug. 21)
- Celebrating 55 Years of The Allman Brothers At Fillmore East with Melody Trucks, The Fitzkee Brothers & Friends (Aug. 25)
- Lady A (Aug. 29)
- Collective Soul (Aug. 30)
September
- Ray LaMontagne — Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour (Sept. 11)
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