Another Summer on Canal Street: Concerts on Canal Returns to Downtown Laconia
A few years ago, we launched Concerts on Canal with a simple goal to help create community, bring people together, and breathe new life into downtown Laconia. What started as an effort to showcase local and regional musicians has grown into one of our favorite summer traditions and a true summer highlight.
The series would not be possible without the support of the Putnam Fund. Their commitment to arts, culture, and community programming helps make these free concerts accessible to everyone and allows us to continue bringing outstanding musicians to downtown Laconia throughout the summer.
Concerts on Canal transforms Canal Street into a gathering place where residents and visitors can enjoy live music, support local businesses, and experience the energy of downtown Laconia. Annie's Cafe and The Village Bakery will be serving food during the events, Defiant Records & Craft Beer will be pouring the brews, and the city's Social District will be extended until 9:00 PM on concert nights, giving attendees even more time to enjoy everything downtown has to offer.
Whether you're a longtime Lakes Region resident or visiting for the weekend, Concerts on Canal is a chance to discover great music, connect with your neighbors, and celebrate the community that makes Laconia special.
Everway
June 5
The 2026 Concerts on Canal season kicked off with Everway, who brought a massive alternative rock sound to downtown Laconia. Known for polished hooks, soaring vocals, and dynamic songwriting, the band delivered an energetic start to the summer series and set the tone for the season ahead.
Learn More: https://www.everwayofficial.com
King Pine
June 19
King Pine brings pure Granite State energy to the stage. Their blend of punk rock attitude and indie rock sensibility creates a fast-paced, crowd-pleasing performance packed with driving guitars and infectious melodies. Expect a high-energy set built for summer nights.
Learn More: https://www.instagram.com/kingpineband
Dred Buffalo
July 3
Dred Buffalo has built a reputation as one of the most exciting rock bands in the Northeast. Fronted by the powerful vocals of Alerisa Rose, the band combines psychedelic rock, blues, and vintage hard rock influences into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Their dynamic live performances are equal parts groove, grit, and spectacle.
Learn More: https://www.dredbuffalo.com
Donaher
July 17
Manchester's Donaher crafts guitar-driven power pop inspired by the best of the 1990s alternative scene. Fans of Weezer, The Lemonheads, and Fountains of Wayne will immediately feel at home. Their songs are filled with sharp hooks, memorable choruses, and enough guitar crunch to make every set feel like the soundtrack to a perfect summer road trip.
Learn More: https://www.donaher.com
Michael Vincent Band
July 31
Few musicians in New Hampshire command a stage quite like Michael Vincent. Originally from nearby Gilford, Vincent has earned recognition throughout the blues world for his exceptional guitar playing and soulful songwriting. The Michael Vincent Band blends blues, funk, classic rock, and rhythm and blues into a performance that showcases decades of musical mastery.
Learn More: https://www.michaelvincentband.com
Cozy Throne
August 14
One of the most exciting emerging bands in southern New Hampshire, Cozy Throne refuses to stay within genre boundaries. Their music pulls from alternative rock, indie, grunge, and experimental influences while maintaining a unique identity all their own. With powerful vocals and unpredictable arrangements, every Cozy Throne performance feels fresh and completely authentic.
Learn More: https://www.instagram.com/cozythrone
Chris White Band
August 28
Closing out the season is Lakes Region favorite Chris White Band. Known for their versatile blend of acoustic rock, funk, blues, reggae, and roots music, they bring an upbeat, laid-back energy that's perfect for late summer. Their mix of originals and beloved covers makes them a crowd favorite wherever they play.
Learn More: https://www.chriswhiteband.com
More Than a Concert Series
Concerts on Canal is about more than live music. It's about creating opportunities for people to gather downtown, discover new artists, support local businesses, and experience the city in a different way.
We're especially grateful to the Putnam Fund for helping make these concerts possible. Their support allows us to continue offering free live music in the heart of downtown Laconia and investing in the cultural life of our community.
We're also thankful for the musicians, volunteers, local businesses, and concertgoers who continue to support the series year after year.
We'll see you on Canal Street.
