Concerts on Kennewick’s Clover Island return this summer. Here’s who is playing
Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Clover Island Concert Series.
Emerald Spark Events took over the Kennewick popular summer music series on the Kennewick waterfront in 2025.
New organizers Alicia Cullison and Dara Quinn plan to keep the series running with big shows throughout the summer.
Now in its 21st year, the Clover Island Concert Servies hosts free shows on Wednesdays and ticketed concerts on Sundays. In 2025, headliners including Nappy Roots, Not.GreenDay and Cherry Poppin’ Daddies took to the stage.
“For many in the Tri-Cities, Clover Island concerts are part of summer tradition,” organizers said in an April 8 news release. “It is the bridge crossing, the river breeze, the sun going down behind the stage and that feeling that you are somewhere a little removed from the ordinary for a few hours.”
Here’s what — and who — to expect this year:
When is the Clover Island Concert Series in 2026? Where?
In 2026, the Clover Island Concert Series kicks off Wednesday, May 27, and runs through Wednesday, Aug. 19.
The series is held outside the Clover Island Inn at 435 North Clover Island Drive, owned by the Port of Kennewick. For the summer shows, a portable professional stage is set up in one of the hotel’s parking lots.
Once converted into an outdoor event venue, the parking lot has the capacity for 1,600 attendees.
This year, concertgoers will notice some changes.
“We wanted this season to keep the spirit people already love about Clover Island,” Cullison said. “That meant bringing back some classic audience favorites, putting more energy into the free community nights, adding food trucks and simplifying ticketing so people can make plans without a hassle.”
What’s new for the Clover Island Concert series in 2026?
Organizers say this year brings a “refreshed approach” to the longstanding summer concert series. There will be more focus on the free Wednesday shows and expanded food options.
“(It will be) a bit more focused. A bit more intentional,” organizers said. “Still very much about great live music in a setting people remember.”
One addition in this summer is food trucks, which will offer a variety of meal options.
The Emerald of Siam will provide bar service.
According to organizers, drink options will be similar to those in 2025, with several beers, wines and cocktails available. More Balebreaker beer varieties will be available on tap.
The Emerald of Siam’s token system will also return this year, with colored tokens valid all season long at both Clover Island concerts and the Live@5 community concerts in Richland.
Organizers learned a lot in Emerald Spark’s first year taking over the concert series, Cullison told the Herald.
“We stepped into it with a sense of adventure because there were a lot of unknowns,” Cullison said. “Fortunately, we were also building on a strong foundation created over the previous 19 years.”
She said there was a sense of community and familiarity with the existing audience, and Emerald Spark was able to introduce many new faces to the concert series as well.
“We learned and adapted in real time,” Cullison said, “and our staff, the performers and the audience all brought an energy that created so many memorable moments that people are still talking about.”
Who’s playing at the Clover Island Concert Series in 2026?
Some audience favorites are returning to the Clover Island Concert Series this year, and several new names are joining the lineup.
Here’s who is playing at free Wednesday shows in 2026:
- May 27: Stonehed
- June 3: The Knockoffs
- June 10: Coyote Kings
- June 17: Joel Gibson Jr.
- June 24: Dr. Rock & The Sturgeons
- July 1: Stompin’ Ground with the Kate Turner Band
- July 8: The Shades
- July 15: Englewood Heights
- July 22: Queens Gate
- July 29: Blue Tattoo
- Aug. 5: Colorblind
- Aug. 12: Groove Principal
- Aug. 19: Snacks at Midnight with The Dropouts
These acts are the ticketed shows on the 2026 schedule:
- May 31: Fastlane: A Tribute to Eagles
- June 14: The Gain Stage
- July 19: Catch A Wave: Beach Boys Tribute with Badlands
- Aug. 9: Hell’s Belles with Fallout
“This year, we made a more selective choice with our Sunday programming, focusing on artists and bands that have a strong history at this venue and have consistently connected with our audience,” Cullison told the Herald. “The one exception is our June 14 benefit show for The Gain Stage, which serves a different purpose: introducing that organization and spotlighting local performers who are on the rise.”
While previous years featured concerts every Sunday, Emerald Spark Events is opting for select Sunday shows in order to put more focus on Wednesday’s free shows.
“By tightening the Sunday schedule, we’re able to put more energy behind each show and support stronger turnout across the series as a whole, while also encouraging even more community participation at our free Wednesday night concerts,” Cullison said. “Those Wednesday shows are remain a big part of what makes Clover Island special — they’re welcoming, family-friendly and designed to bring a wide mix of people together around live music.”
How can I buy tickets for the Clover Island Concert Series?
Organizers say ticketing is simpler this year, opting for the more common Eventbrite ticketing service.
Sunday show tickets are $30 apiece plus $6.83 in fees for most shows, but $35 plus $7.64 in fees on Aug. 9. VIP tables are available, including 10 seats, for $400 plus $66.39 in fees.
Although Wednesday concerts are free, you can RSVP online. Some seating options are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can reserve a table for 10 for $100 plus an $8.55 fee.
Parking is free.
Doors open at 5:30 or 6 p.m. on Sundays and 5 p.m. on Wednesdays.