As summer settles in, the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra invites audiences to leave their worries at the door, slip on their flip-flops, and head for the islands — no passport required.
The Phil’s upcoming It’s Tropical Rock concert, June 27 and 28 at Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., will feature the music of Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, The Beach Boys, Bobby McFerrin and other icons of laid-back summer listening. Postponed from February by a winter storm, the performance arrives just in time to usher in the season.
“You’ve never seen the orchestra like this,” said conductor Steven Karidoyanes. “This concert is pure fun — tropical shirts, beach vibes, incredible singers and music that instantly transports you somewhere warm. We’re bringing the ultimate summer party to Memorial Hall.”
That spirit of invitation has become a hallmark of “The Phil” in recent years. While the orchestra continues to perform beloved classical works, it has worked to meet audiences where they are — through film scores, Broadway favorites, holiday spectaculars, pops concerts or collaborations that blend orchestral music with familiar popular genres.
According to Executive Director Kara McEachern, that approach reflects the organization’s broader mission. “We want everyone to feel that the Philharmonic belongs to them,” McEachern said. “Whether someone attends every classical concert or is walking into Memorial Hall for the very first time because they love Jimmy Buffett, that’s a win for us. Music should be joyful, welcoming and something that brings people together.”
Audiences can expect a soundtrack packed with feel-good favorites, such as “Margaritaville,” “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude,” “Kokomo,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “On the Dock of the Bay,” “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and “Hot Hot Hot,” backed by the full power of the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra.
“We’re all Parrot Heads in my household,” Karidoyanes said. “And as a lifelong Beach Boys fan, I can’t wait to share this music with our audiences.”
Joining the orchestra are acclaimed guest artists Travis Birch, a Nashville-based vocalist and guitarist who has performed with Martina McBride, Merle Haggard and Kenny Chesney; and internationally recognized vocalist Chris Blem. Broadway and national touring performer Shaleah Adkisson brings additional star power, while pianist and musical director John Boswell brings decades of experience performing alongside legendary entertainers.
Creative direction will be provided by Emmy and Grammy nominee Scott Coulter, one of New York’s most celebrated vocalists and producers known nationally for creating symphonic touring productions that bridge the worlds of popular music and orchestral performance.
The result promises to be a community beach party with an orchestra at its center — a fitting way to launch summer in America’s hometown, because it’s always “five o’clock somewhere.”
For tickets or more information go here.
Tuesday, June 16
What would happen if humanity learned—without question—that we are not alone? That unsettling premise drives “Disclosure Day,” Steven Spielberg’s first original extraterrestrial film in decades. The science-fiction thriller stars Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, and Eve Hewsonin a story that explores the global consequences of revealing proof of alien life. Written by longtime Spielberg collaborator David Koepp and featuring a score by John Williams, the film blends suspense with big questions about fear, truth, and humanity’s place in the universe. At Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave, June 12–18, 4:30 and 7:05 p.m. Daily. For tickets go here.
Acclaimed novelist Stephen P. Kiernan will be at Book Love, 7 Village Green South, The Pinehills, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss his latest novel, “Pollock’s Last Lover.” Set in 1950s and early-2000s New York, the novel follows two women whose lives intersect through the legacy of artist Jackson Pollock and a disputed painting said to be his final work. Registration required. To register go here: Book Love Bookstore.
Author Julie Gerstenblatt will appear at Book Love, 7 Village Green South, The Pinehills, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a conversation with novelist Annie Hartnett about “The Stargazer of Nantucket,” the sequel to “Daughters of Nantucket.” The historical novel follows an adventurous young woman who stows away on a merchant voyage from Nantucket to China in 1851, uncovering family secrets and facing dangers on the high seas. The event includes a special shopping experience with Fisher Nantuckets. Registration is required. Information: Book Love Bookstore.
Americana singer-songwriter Monica Rizzio brings her blend of Texas roots and Cape Cod sensibilities to the Spire Center for the Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St., as part of the Spire Lobby Series. Presented by the Antonia and Vladimir Kulaev Cultural Heritage Fund, the series transforms the venue’s lobby into an intimate 70-seat listening room showcasing local and regional musicians. Rizzio, known for her storytelling, humor, and emotionally resonant songs, will perform music from her acclaimed solo albums, including “Sunshine Is Free,” which was recorded in Nashville with producer Michael Rinne and a roster of guest musicians. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.15. For more information, visit Spire Center for Performing Arts.
Thursday, June 18
Plymouth Farmers Market at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Fresh, local, seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods sourced locally for Plymouth residents and visitors. Every Thursday through October from 2:30 to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Storytime on the front lawn is at 4:30 p.m. For information go here.
Friday June 19
Fridays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 5 to 9 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music 6 to 9 p.m. with Tim Clark. Information: The Pinehills Events Calendar.
Fridays on Shirley Square is back with live music at the See Plymouth tourism headquarters in downtown at the corner of Court and North Streets. Fridays on Shirley Square will have live music on Fridays all summer long from 4 to 6 p.m., June through August, and ending with First Fridays in September and October. For information go here.
Comedian and former engineer Don McMillan brings his uniquely nerdy brand of stand-up to the Spire Center for the Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St. Best known for his recent run to the finals of “America’s Got Talent,” McMillan has built a national following with what he calls “the funniest PowerPoint presentation you’ll ever see” — a fast-paced mix of comedy, charts, graphs, and observations on everyday life. A winner of the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, he has appeared on “The Tonight Show,” HBO, and Comedy Central, and has become one of Dry Bar Comedy’s most-viewed performers. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49-$54. For more information, visit Spire Center for Performing Arts.
Saturday June 20
Celebrate the arrival of summer through the lens of Wampanoag tradition during Strawberry Thanksgiving at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Known as Wuttáhimneash in the Wampanoag language, the strawberry is recognized as the first berry of the season, signaling a time of gratitude, gathering, and renewal. Held at the Historic Patuxet Homesite, the day will feature traditional cooking demonstrations exploring Indigenous foodways, live music and storytelling by Mashpee Wampanoag artisan Keon Jackson, and hands-on activities including archery, corn husk doll making, and the burning of a mush8n, weather permitting. Activities included with museum admission. For information go here. Plymouth residents pay just $5 per person for admission with proof of residency.
Arts & Crafts on the Green returns from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Town Green, 26 Court St. The free, family-friendly event features local artisans, handmade ceramics, paintings, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, live demonstrations, and music throughout the day. Presented by Inebri-Art in partnership with To The Moon and Back, the event supports creativity, community, and families raising children with medical complexities. Entertainment by Bobby Paluzzi. For information and summer schedule, go here.
Saturdays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North. Live music 3 to 6 pm. with Chris LeBeau. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks, artisan markets, lawn seating, and Book Love Bookstore’s seasonal pop-up book and gift crate. For information go here.
Set sail for a summer evening on the water during the Second Annual Bug Light Sunset Cruise aboard Captain John Boats’ Tails of the Sea. Proceeds will be used to help save Bug Light. Departing from 10 Town Wharf, the two-hour cruise features ocean views, live music by Trop Rock Rudy, and a relaxed sunset voyage around Plymouth Harbor. Tickets include a Bento Box dinner from Plimoth General Store and a cash bar. Boarding begins at 6:45 p.m., with departure promptly at 7 p.m. The cruise returns at 9 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person. For tickets, go here.
The Plymouth Center for the Arts will celebrate the debut of its new Sculpture Garden with The Secret Garden Revealed, a Summer Gala and Fundraiser, at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 11 North St. Guests can stroll the garden’s inaugural outdoor sculpture exhibition while enjoying live music by the Ed Lucie Jazz Trio, cuisine from The Chef’s Table, a raw bar by Island Creek Oysters, art sales, auctions, and raffles. Highlights include a “Secret Garden” key raffle offering chances to win trips to Greece and Tuscany, a $50 art sale, and an auction of an original watercolor by nationally recognized artist Andrew Kusmin. The exhibition features works by artists from Plymouth, Cape Cod, the South Shore, and across New England. Proceeds support the center’s exhibitions, educational programs, and community arts initiatives. For tickets go here.
Acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter Paul Thorn brings his blend of blues, roots music, humor, and homespun wisdom to the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St. Drawing from his latest album, “Life Is Just a Vapor,” Thorn’s songs offer reflections on resilience, love, and the challenges of everyday life, delivered with the storytelling skill that has earned him a devoted national following. A former professional boxer, Thorn is known for balancing wit and heart in songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Tickets are $48.25 to $53.15. For information, visit Spire Center for Performing Arts.
Sunday, June 21
The Mayflower Beer Garden, The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North continues. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks, lawn seating, and Book Love Bookstore’s seasonal pop-up book and gift crate. BookLove will host a Farmer’s Market from 9 to 12 p.m. every other week and Sunday Artisan Pop-up Shops at the Village Green North. Live music 12 to 3 p.m. with Brent Burwell. For more information go here.
Wednesday, June 24
Project Arts returns for the summer with its first free concert at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 16 Water St., on the waterfront, featuring Fat City Band with Irish Step Dancers opening, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Come early and treat yourself to dinner from a food truck. For information and schedule go here. Free concerts will take place every Wednesday through August 26.
Thursday, June 25
The Plymouth Public Library Foundation’s Garden Tour and Fair begins with a free sustainability fair in the Dr. Richard M. Shiff Garden, 132 South St. from 10 a.m. to noon. Talk to a master gardener, have your soil tested and talk to sustainability partners including Wildlands Trust, Mass Audubon, and the Open Space Committee, as well as vendors selling garden-related items, raffles, and more. The self-guided garden tour takes place at five Plymouth gardens from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets for the garden tour are $30 in advance or $40 on the day. The garden tour will feature a variety of unique local gardens, with a Plein Air artist painting at each site. For more information and tickets go here.
Plymouth Farmers Market at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Fresh, local, seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods sourced locally for Plymouth residents and visitors. Every Thursday through October from 2:30 to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Storytime on the front lawn is at 4:30 p.m. For information go here.
Saturday June 27
The Town of Plymouth will host residents and visitors in Town Square at 1 p.m. for a special community ceremony, Revolutionary Plymouth, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The program will feature a public reading of the Declaration by participants representing Plymouth residents of both 1776 and 2026, along with patriotic music, a flag-raising ceremony, a color guard salute, and remarks from local and state officials. Organized by the Revolutionary Plymouth 250th Commemoration Committee, the event offers a chance to reflect on the nation’s founding ideals and Plymouth’s enduring role in the American story. Free and open to the public. For information go here.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., at 7:30 p.m. to kick off summer with It’s Tropical Rock, a beach-party-inspired concert featuring the music of Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, The Beach Boys, Bobby McFerrin and more. For more information see the lead story. Tickets and information are available through the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra.
Sunday June 28
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., at 3 p.m. to kick off summer with It’s Tropical Rock, a beach-party-inspired concert featuring the music of Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, The Beach Boys, Bobby McFerrin and more. For more information see the lead story. Tickets and information are available through the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra.
Plymouth Tea Dance, billed as the South Shore’s first queer afternoon dance series, debuts Saturday, June 28, at 10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 206. Created by DJ Sosan (Kelly Bearer), the event aims to create a welcoming gathering space for the local LGBTQ+ community through music, dancing, and connection. Bearer, who moved to Plymouth in 2025 after years DJing queer events in Colorado, plans to expand the concept into a rotating series of pop-up events throughout town. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Advance purchase is recommended. For information and tickets go here.