Concert Guide July 2026: Bob Dylan, Benson Boone, Noah Kahan, Mötley Crüe, Dave Matthews Band, and Tim McGraw

The strong summer concert season continues this month. Two of the hottest performers in Pittsburgh in July are Benson Boone and Noah Kahan. They are at PPG Paints Arena and PNC Park respectively. And what’s old is new again: With the legendary musician Bob Dylan, every concert is a new experience. The Dave Matthews Band always draws well at our summer shed, otherwise known as The Pavilion at Star Lake. Mötley Crüe will also be there celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Carnival of Sins Tour. Tesla is on that rock bill too. Additionally, country music superstar Tim McGraw plays Star Lake. Hollywood Casino at The Meadows features two big acts in their Event Center this month: The Marshall Tucker Band and Wayne Newton. Legendary bluesman Taj Mahal has a new album out and will be performing songs from it and other favorites at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall.

An interesting triple header features O.A.R., Gavin DeGraw, and Lisa Loeb. July is also a very festive month as evidenced by two top-notch musical gatherings: Northside Music Festival and Pittsburgh Music Festival. Both highlight talented hometown heroes.

The Concert Guide features (in chronological order) Spotlight Picks, Other Shows of Interest, and Big Shows on the Horizon. Get out and see what pleases you, whether it’s one of our concert picks or something entirely different. Mike Vargo (M.V.) also contributed to this guide.

Spotlight Picks

Friday, July 3

What makes Noah Kahan special is where he’s coming from. Part of that is geographic, because he’s not like country music stars who celebrate their down-home roots in the South or the West. Kahan hails from Vermont, where he grew up not on a ranch but on a tree farm. The title of his new album—this year’s The Great Divide—refers not to the famous watershed line that runs along the Rocky Mountains, but to the Vermont-New Hampshire state line. Further, although Kahan has a sizable country-music fanbase, his genre is more general and he’s also popular among college students, who say his music resonates deeply with young people’s heartfelt emotions. And that is the real key to this singer-songwriter’s appeal. More than his twangy tunes and remarkable high-pitched voice, it’s how he sings of the great divides within each of us—the feelings and forces that tug us in different directions, yet may somehow add up to make us whole. Noah Kahan’s concert at PNC Park is officially sold out, but hardcore fans will find ways to aftermarket their way in. Guest artists are Gigi Perez and Annabelle Dinda. 6:30 p.m. 115 Federal St., North Shore. (M.V.)

Tuesday, July 7

Benson Boone, who was raised in Monroe, Washington, has become a hot commodity very quickly since breaking into the music industry in 2021, first as a contestant on “American Idol” and then for his TikTok videos, before signing his first record deal that same year. He has two albums out, Fireworks & Rollerblades in 2024, soon followed by American Heart in 2025. Fireworks reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 200. The musician has been nominated for over 30 awards worldwide, winning several, including the Billboard Music Award for Top Billboard Global 200 Song and an iHeartRadio Music Award for Song of the Year, both for “Beautiful Things.” Boone played two shows at Coachella last year, even covering Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” with that group’s legendary guitarist Brian May. The pop rocker is known not only for his music, but also for his backflips. Boone’s tour poster humorously says “Backflips and Magic Included.” Catch Boone on his Wanted Man 2026 Tour. Special guest is Olivia O’Brien. 8 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (R.H.)

Friday, July 10

The Marshall Tucker Band began performing in Spartanburg, S.C., in the early ’70s. Excelling mainly in southern rock, the band also blends in some gospel, R&B, jazz, and country music. MTB’s sound is unique and catchy and has withstood the test of time. You may still hear “Heard It in a Love Song” and “Can’t You See” on the radio or in a blues bar on open mic night, but at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows you’ll hear it straight from the band, which is always better than a remake. This is a great opportunity to hear an early and important band in southern rock history. The Marshall Tucker Band is on its While I’m Young 2026 Tour. 8 p.m. 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (R.H.)

Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12

The Northside Music Festival is a free 3-day music, food, and arts festival occurring on several stages and locations on Pittsburgh’s Northside. Highlights include Timbeleza, André Costello, Black Ridge, Chet Vincent & The Music Industry, Cam Chambers, The Hawkeyes, Morgan Erina, Brad Yoder., Eagleburger Band, Bastard Bearded Irishmen, and The Vindys. Sunday is gospel day. For days and times see the festival website. (R.H.)

Saturday, July 11

Las Vegas now has pro football and hockey teams, and the city’s iconic entertainers always shine bright. One performer who bridges both old and new Vegas is Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton. A talent scout discovered Wayne Newton while he was playing with his brother Jerry and signed them to come play a two week stint in Vegas. That two week gig turned into a lifetime of entertaining people. Wayne Newton started to open for many top acts, including Jack Benny, and appeared on “The Jackie Gleason Show” many times. He even had a TV part for a while when he acted and sang as Andy, the young Ponderosa ranch hand on the classic western series, “Bonanza.” Newton asked for and received his own headliner in residence contract at the Flamingo Hotel in Vegas, one of the first of its kind. He scored a big hit in 1963 with “Danke Schoen” which hit No. 3 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart and No. 13 overall.  The song was even used in the classic 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, being lip-synced by Bueller.

There’s always been a little bit of mystery surrounding Newton and possible mafia ties, which Newton has always denied. Another curious happening in Newton’s life came in ’92, when his Elvis-inspired song “The Letter” went to No. 1 on the Cashbox pop and country song charts, but failed to register on the Billboard Hot 100—the first and only time this ever happened. Newton has done numerous charitable works and succeeded Bob Hope in 2002 as the chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle. He is currently touring his Wayne Newton Up Close and Personal show, in which he sings, plays the 13 instruments he has mastered, tells stories, and takes questions from the audience. This is a great opportunity to see a legendary Vegas entertainer. 8 p.m. Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (R.H.)

The mystical, Grammy Award-winning bluesman known as Taj Mahal will be performing at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall this month. Mahal plays not only guitar, but also piano, banjo, harmonica, and numerous other instruments. And in addition to singing he’s also a whistler. In his lively blues music, world-music elements can be heard, in addition to soul, roots, and reggae. In the 1960s Mahal was even in the rock band Rising Sons with Ry Cooder, Jessie Lee Kincaid, and future Byrds drummer Kevin Kelley. He has collaborated with many other musical heavyweights including the Rolling Stones, Etta James, Eric Clapton, and Ziggy Marley. Mahal has been nominated for Grammy Awards 18 times, winning five. Now he’s out with his latest album, Time, on which he’s reunited with the Phantom Blues Band. A never-before-heard Bill Withers composition can be heard on the new LP. 8 p.m. 510 East 10th St., Munhall. (R.H.)

Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12

Pittsburgh Brewing Company is presenting one of the biggest concerts of top local bands in recent memory. The inaugural Pittsburgh Music Festival, which replaces the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival, will happen July 11 – 12 on the Iron City Stages at the brewery in Creighton. On Saturday the all-star lineup includes Gathering Field, Norman Nardini with special guest David Granati, Sun King Warriors, Zac Keim Band, The Shiners, Band Together Pittsburgh Band, and Bill Toms & Hard Rain. Sunday’s superstar lineup features: Billy Price, Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers, Kenny Blake and The New Hip with special guests Megan Paullet and Xavier Allen, The Nied’s Hotel Band with special guests Jimmy Krenn, Joe Wodarek and Mike Filosemi, Guitar Zack, and Leonard T. Zanotti (LTZ) with special guest Nicole Belli. There will also be an acoustic stage for some softer sounds. The festival benefits Band Together and Autism Pittsburgh. Food, and of course, beverages will be available for sale. 150 Ferry St., Creighton. (R.H.)

Sunday, July 12

How long has Bob Dylan been around? He was born before the attack on Pearl Harbor. His debut album dropped five years before the first Super Bowl. Through the rest of that century into this one, Dylan has been eclectic. He was covered by Jimi Hendrix and collaborated with Allen Ginsberg (seen in the background above). His admirers have ranged from William E. King (author of the first PhD dissertation on Dylan) to John Paul II (the pope when Dylan was doing Christian music) to Kazuo Ishiguro, who received the Nobel Prize in Literature the year after Dylan did. He has composed and/or played and sung in genres including folk, rock, talking blues, the Great American Songbook … and a genre that can only be called “Dylan.” Dylan has been prolific—40 studio albums and counting, plus numerous bootleg albums, collaborations, films, and more. Millions of people can quote their favorite lines from Dylan lyrics; perhaps you’ve been cornered by one of them. 

But here’s the thing. Aside from all the attention to his poetic language, Dylan is first and foremost a musician. He loves to perform live with other musicians. In concert, you can’t expect him to play a song the way it was recorded, as he’s constantly tinkering with the beats and sounds. He is currently on a tour of smaller, more intimate venues, playing setlists that are mostly reworked versions of his classics. Bob Dylan visits Pittsburgh for a show at Stage AE. Guest artists are Jimmie Vaughan and The Tilt-A-Whirl Band and Brittney Spencer. Doors at 5 p.m., music 6:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (M.V.) 

Friday, July 17

Mötley Crüe’s “Girls, Girls, Girls,” and “Home Sweet Home“ are some of the top hits generated by the group. The Crüe, one of the best-selling bands of all time, was formed in Los Angles in 1981 by Tommy Lee (drummer) and Nikki Sixx (bass). The band also includes John 5 (lead guitar) and Vince Neil (lead vocals). Mötley Crüe is known for living the rock ‘n roll lifestyle to the extreme. Tommy Lee was married to Pamela Anderson of “Baywatch” TV fame for a few years, even starring in a short film with her. A few years back it looked like the band was in its final phase, but they have been reinvigorated and continue to rock on. Mötley Crüe’s tour this year is titled Return to the Carnival of Sins, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Carnival of Sins tour, and includes new sets and stage effects. Better yet, the Crüe is visiting The Pavilion at Star Lake along with another great band, Tesla. 

Tesla formed in Sacramento, California, in the 1980s and was originally called City Kidd. However, their manager didn’t like the name, plus there was already a band with that name, so they found inspiration from inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. The band really hit its stride in the early ’90s with a tight group, the rich vocals of Jeff Keith, and the ability to craft some popular power ballads. Breaking up in 1996 and reuniting in 2000, the band remains popular and continues to create new works. Tesla is set to release its first album in seven years, Homage, on July 17. This will add to the current tally of having sold over 25 million albums. Tesla’s best known songs include “Love Song,” “What You Give,” and “Signs.” Extreme opens for Mötley Crüe and Tesla, with one dollar of each ticket donated to ASAP! (the After School Arts Program). 6:30 p.m. 665 PA Rte. 18, Burgettstown. (R.H.)

Saturday, July 18

Country superstar Tim McGraw seems to be at a very good place in life. He is a very popular act, having won three Grammy Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music awards, 11 Country Music Association (CMA) awards, and more. Thirteen (!) of his albums have occupied the number one spot on the Top Country Albums charts. Oh, and he’s married to the talented and lovely Faith Hill. But life hasn’t always been a bed of roses for McGraw. Growing up, he thought his stepfather was his real father until, while searching for Christmas presents at age 11, he found his birth certificate with his father listed as the famous baseball pitcher Tug McGraw. Tim’s mother took him to meet Tug, who initially denied the fact. Years later, though, Tim and Tug became very close until Tug’s death from a brain tumor in 2004. In response, Tim recorded the memorable song “Live Like You Were Dying.” Now is the time to catch him live, as Tim McGraw visits The Pavilion at Star Lake on his Pawn Shop Guitar Tour, with guest artists 49 Winchester.  7 p.m. 665 PA Rte. 18, Burgettstown. (R.H., M.V.)

Thursday, July 23

What began as teenagers passing time in drummer Chris Culos’ basement soon became O.A.R.’s first album, The Wanderer. Now, after 30 years together—years that included several platinum records, sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, and nine more studio albums—the ever-evolving rockers (O.A.R. = “Of a Revolution”) visit Pittsburgh on their Three Decades Tour. You may hear some songs from their new album due out in September, Three Tinted Windows, of which they’ve already previewed the title track. And you’ll definitely hear two other outstanding artists touring with O.A.R. Singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw jetted to fame when a single from his 2003 debut album Chariot, the rollicking “I Don’t Want to Be,” was chosen as the theme music for CW’s teen drama “One Tree Hill.” Since then, DeGraw has displayed a range of styles and moods, as in “Face the River” from his 2022 album of that name. And rounding out the bill is the uniquely multitalented Lisa Loeb. Her early hit “Stay (I Missed You)” remains a fan favorite to this day. Loeb has acted in reality TV and in horror films, written children’s books and released music for kids, and voiced animated characters. She’ll be there live to help animate O.A.R.’s concert at Stage AE. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., music 6:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (C.M., M.V.)

Friday, July 24

Decades after the group’s founding and two years after induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Dave Matthews Band still leaves fans guessing what they might hear at the next concert. “Ants Marching” or “Gravedigger”?  “Crash Into Me” or “Crush”?  But all the choices are good, so regardless of which songs Dave and his bandmates put on the setlist (or how they’ll play them), one thing is certain: Crowds will show up. DMB recently ranked fourth in concert tickets sold worldwide since 2001, according to Pollstar’s Most Popular Touring Artists of the Millennium. (And they were the top-ranked U.S. artists, finishing just ahead of Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen.) Formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991, DMB has moved hearts and feet across generations with a compelling mix of rock, jam, and jazz. They’ve also released 10 studio albums, seven of which debuted at number one. Their hit single “Crash Into Me” was the pillar of the soundtrack to Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed movie Lady Bird. Reserve tickets ASAP for the Dave Matthews Band at The Pavilion at Star Lake, because they’re going fast. 7:30 p.m. 665 PA Rte. 18, Burgettstown.. (C.M., M.V.)

Other Shows of Interest

Thursday, July 2
John McDonald (Moondog’s Pub)

Friday, July 3
Sierra Sellers (Pittsburgh Winery)

Sunday, July 5
Quiet Riot (Jergel’s Rhythm Grille)

Saturday, July 11
Hugo Cruz and Caminos (City Winery)

Sunday, July 12
Etta Cox (Con Alma)

Monday, July 13
Robert Jon & The Wreck (Jergel’s Rhythm Grille)

Tuesday, July 14
Tubby Daniels (Arts Landing)

Thursday, July 16
Trampled By Turtles (Roxian Theatre)
David Throckmorton Quartet (Con Alma)

Friday, July 17
Blackberry Smoke (Timber Rock Amphitheater)
Boilermaker Jazz Band (Con Alma)

Sunday, July 19
Ken Karsh Trio (Con Alma)

Wednesday, July 22
Stewart Copeland (Palace Theatre)
Harry Connick, Jr. (Heinz Hall)

Thursday, July 23
Air Supply (Palace Theatre)

Friday, July 24
Flood City Music Festival (Johnstown)
King Blue Heron (Mr. Smalls Theatre)

Saturday, July 25
Dirty Heads and 311(Stage AE)
Ruff Creek (Hollywood Casino at The Meadows)

Tuesday, July 28
Tommy Lehman (Arts Landing)

Wednesday, July 29
PINKNOISE (Crafthouse Stage & Grill)

Thursday, July 30
Amy Grant (Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall)
Cat Power (Mr. Smalls Theatre)
Tiffany (Jergel’s Rhythm Grille)

Big Shows on the Horizon

August 2
The Black Keys (Stage AE)
Richard Marx (Palace Theatre)

August 8
Parker McCollum (The Pavilion at Star Lake)
Rock, Reggae & Relief (Downtown)

August 12
Courtney Barnett (Roxian Theatre)

August 14
Todd Rundgren (Stage AE)

August 20
Billy Idol (The Pavilion at Star Lake)

August 24
TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue (The Pavilion at Star Lake)

August 25
Kesha (The Pavilion at Star Lake)

August 29
Bruno Mars (Acrisure Stadium)
Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson (The Pavilion at Star Lake)

Rick Handler is the executive producer of Entertainment Central Pittsburgh.

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