Free Thursday night concert series brings a mix of exciting genres to amphitheater stage this summer
EL DORADO HILLS —Select Thursday nights in El Dorado Hills are set to take on a familiar summer rhythm as El Dorado Hills Town Center has officially unveiled its 2026 Live on the Boulevard concert series, bringing a full season of free live music back to the Town Center Amphitheater.
Returning as a summer tradition, the outdoor series opens June 11 and runs through late August, offering a mix of dance bands, tribute acts, country artists and crowd-favorite performers in a relaxed, community-centered setting at 4364 Town Center Blvd.
Each concert night follows a consistent flow that regular attendees have come to know well. Gates to the amphitheater open at 5:30 pm for each event, with music typically getting underway later in the evening as the sun begins to set. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, secure their spots and enjoy dinner at one of the Town Center’s restaurants before the show begins.
The 2026 season is presented with support from the El Dorado Hills Arts & Entertainment Foundation, Sky River Casino and Marshall Medical Center, continuing a long-standing partnership that has helped make the series one of the region’s most anticipated summer traditions.
Kicking off the season June 11 is Neon Velvet, a Northern California favorite known for its ability to immediately energize a crowd. With a wide-ranging setlist that spans the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s through today’s biggest hits, the band has built a strong following across festivals, clubs and private events. Their tight musicianship and high-energy delivery set the tone for a season designed to keep audiences on their feet.
Two weeks later, on June 25, Adam Aldama & The Aces bring their signature high-energy performance style to the stage. The five-piece group blends throwback hip-hop, R&B, pop, old school and Top 40 hits into a dynamic live show that features choreography, audience interaction and a nonstop party atmosphere that has made them a staple on stages throughout Northern California.
In addition to the Live on The Boulevard concert series, El Dorado Hills Town Center will also host its annual Independence Day celebration on July 3 with the return of its Fireworks and Freedom event, a large-scale community gathering that draws tens of thousands each year.
Now in its 15th year, the event will feature live music in two separate locations, including Hip Service performing at the amphitheater and a second band scheduled for the Theatre Plazathdg has yet to be named. The celebration will include fireworks launched from three locations—both sides of the lake and the top of the Regal Theatre—creating a multi-angle display visible throughout the Town Center. Event organizers note that attendance has reached approximately 31,000 people in past years, with El Dorado Hills Fire, the California Highway Patrol and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office on site to support safety operations.
The July 3 event will run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., with a full evening of activities beginning earlier in the day. Vendor setup starts at 2 p.m., followed by public chair setup at 5 p.m., with an online waitlist opening at noon for early amphitheater access.
Live music begins at 6 p.m. in the Theatre Plaza, followed by Hip Service taking the amphitheater stage at 8 p.m. until the fireworks program begins. A test firework is scheduled around 8:30 p.m., with the main show launching shortly after the national anthem at approximately 9:40 p.m. A kids activity area featuring bounce houses, shaved ice, balloon artists and a DJ will also be available leading up to the fireworks. Following the show, Hip Service will return to the stage to close out the night with a dance set through 11 p.m.
Following the special holiday event, the Thursday concert series continues in July with a tribute to one of the most iconic sounds in music history as Viva Santana takes the stage July 9. Widely regarded as Northern California’s top Santana tribute band, the group has spent nearly two decades recreating the legendary guitarist’s signature blend of Latin rhythms, soulful melodies and soaring guitar solos. Their performances often feature fan favorites like “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va” and “Smooth,” delivering a nostalgic yet powerful live experience.
On July 16, Top Shelf Classics brings a deep catalog of Motown, classic soul and R&B to the amphitheater. Known for their polished sound and tight arrangements, the band delivers a groove-driven performance that blends timeless hits with a dance-friendly atmosphere, drawing in audiences of all ages with familiar songs and feel-good energy.
The following week, on July 23, Super Bad takes over with a show built entirely around audience engagement and high-impact entertainment. Fronted by Henry Lange, the band delivers a wide-ranging set of dance hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond, combining strong stage presence with a party-style performance that has made them a standout across the California club and event circuit.
On July 30, when the concert series shifts into a special double header format featuring two full bands performing back-to-back. That evening begins with Cynthia Renee, a Sacramento-based country artist whose powerful vocals and authentic songwriting have earned her growing recognition in the modern country scene. Her radio singles “Working on a Hangover” and “Good on Me” both reached the Top 100, while her more recent release, “The Way God Made Me,” has generated award nominations and continued momentum.
Following Renee’s set, Cripple Creek takes the stage to continue the night’s country theme with a high-energy performance of their own. Since forming in 2012, the band has built a strong reputation across the West Coast, releasing multiple albums and earning national recognition in songwriting competitions. Their live performances have included appearances at major festivals such as Sacramento’s Golden Sky Festival and Santa Rosa’s Summer Country Music Festival, and they have shared the stage with top artists including Toby Keith, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and Dustin Lynch. Together, the two acts create a full evening of country music, offering fans a rare opportunity to enjoy two complete performances in one night.
The series continues Aug. 6 with Journey Unauthorized, a tribute act dedicated to recreating the sound and energy of Journey’s peak years in the 1980s. Featuring powerhouse vocals, layered harmonies and a commitment to live performance without backing tracks, the band delivers a concert experience centered around iconic hits such as “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Any Way You Want It,” inviting the audience to sing along from start to finish.
Closing out the 2026 season after a brief break on Aug. 27 is The Spazmatics, an internationally recognized ’80s new wave tribute band known for its over-the-top stage presence and nostalgic flair. Complete with skinny ties, horn-rimmed glasses and era-inspired dance moves, the band recreates the sounds and style of the decade with a performance that blends humor, musicianship and pure entertainment.
2026 Live on the Boulevard lineup:
June 11 — Neon VelvetJune 25 — Adam Aldama & The Aces
July 3— Special Fireworks and Freedom event
July 9 — Viva Santana
July 16 — Top Shelf Classics
July 23 — Super Bad
July 30 — Cynthia Renee + Cripple Creek (2 bands)
Aug. 6 — Journey Unauthorized
Aug. 27 — The Spazmatics
Event organizers remind attendees that while the concerts are free and open to the public, certain guidelines are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. An online waitlist for early chair setup opens at noon on each event day, allowing registered guests to enter early with up to four people. Attendees using the waitlist should line up by 5:15 p.m. at the corner of Brickyard and Holiday Inn.
All bags must be clear plastic or smaller than 8-by-6-by-1 inches, and all bags and coolers are subject to search. Due to ABC regulations, outside alcohol, beverages and ice chests are not permitted, and all beverages must be purchased within the event area. Blankets, personal tables, barbecues and roped-off seating areas are also not allowed.
With a full slate of Thursday night performances spanning multiple genres and generations, the 2026 Live on the Boulevard series is once again set to deliver a summer-long celebration of music and community in the heart of El Dorado Hills.
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