There’s something special about enjoying live music in an intimate environment, and that’s what the Cape Cod Melody Tent provides. After originally opening on Main Street in Hyannis in 1950 as the Cape Cod Music Circus, the Melody Tent has evolved to become one of the Cape’s preeminent concert destinations.
The Melody Tent hosted operettas and musical comedies almost exclusively in its formative years. However, in the 1970s, the tent started booking musical acts to fill empty dates, eventually turning it into a concert venue. Those early days as a music venue brought performers like Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, and Frankie Valli to the Cape, allowing music lovers to see these stars up close.
Today, the Cape Cod Melody Tent remains an attraction for locals and visitors that brings international acts to the region. With only 2,300 seats, you’ll be as close as possible to these performances, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here’s a look at what’s coming to the Melody Tent in the summer of 2024.
June 2024 Events
The 2024 season kicks off on June 2 with a show by country rock performer Brantley Gilbert. Then, on June 8, Jo Dee Messina will bring her country chart-toppers to the Cape for a show.
Three days later, on June 11, Bonnie Raitt makes her return to Cape Cod accompanied by special guest James Hunter, while blues artist Keb’ Mo’ will perform on June 14.
June 16 will bring the Happy Together Tour, featuring groups like The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, the Vogues, Badfinger, the Cowsills, and the Association to the Cape. All these bands had hits in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, and you’re sure to recognize most of them.
As we move through the middle of June, the Melody Tent will host the comedy of Pete Davidson on June 18, the music of Scotty McCreery on June 20, and a Taylor Swift tribute show on June 21. The month then finishes up with shows by Three Dog Night on June 28, Elle King on June 29, and the Pop 2000 Tour featuring OTown, BBMak, Ryan Cabrera, LFO, and Chris Kirkpatrick of NSync on June 30.
The Cape Cod Melody Tent starts getting busy toward the end of June, and the party continues throughout the summer.
Shows in July 2024
July will be an interesting month at the Melody Tent because there’s a good mix of known artists, comedy acts, and tribute bands.
It all starts on July 6 with a performance by Little River Band. The venue then has a show by country star Walker Hayes on July 7, followed by the comedy of Nikki Glaser on July 12.
On July 13, Journey tribute band Voyage will take the stage, with Jesse’s Girl, an 80s tribute band, making an appearance on July 18. July 19 will also bring a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, An Evening With Rumors, to the Cape.
July 20 is a date comedy lovers will want to circle on their calendars, as the host of NBC’s Late Night, Seth Meyers, will visit Cape Cod. That show will be followed by the comedy of Brian Glowacki, who is from the Boston area and is gaining notoriety around the country.
The end of July will be very busy at the Melody Tent, with Gavin DeGraw performing on July 25, tribute band Almost Queen appearing on July 26, the Boston Comedy Blowout coming on July 27, and soft rock cover band Yachtley Crew visiting on July 28.
August 2024 Performances
June and July are busy at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, but the venue hosts even more shows in August.
First, on August 1, Led Zepplin tribute Get the Led Out is coming to the Cape. There will then be two performances by comedian Bob Marley on August 3 and an ABBA tribute concert on August 4.
August 6 will feature a show by singer-songwriter Grace Potter, August 8 will bring rock group Needtobreathe, and funk and alt-pop band Ripe will play on August 9.
One of the biggest nights of the summer at the Melody Tent is bound to be August 10, when the venue hosts two back-to-back shows by The Beach Boys. The next night will also be memorable with Face 2 Face, an Elton John and Billy Joel tribute concert, taking place.
On August 15, The Regz comedy troupe will perform, followed by shows by KC and the Sunshine Band on August 16 and Ashley McBryde on August 17. The Cape Symphony Orchestra will take the stage on August 18, too, accompanied by legendary folk musician Livingston Taylor.
August 21 will have a show by Little Feat, while August 23 is bound to be special because The Righteous Brothers will visit the Cape as part of their farewell tour.
For something a little different, you can visit the Melody Tent on August 24 for an appearance by Matt Fraser, the country’s top psychic medium, although it’s worth noting this is an 18+ show.
The Melody Tent then finishes its summer schedule with shows by Joe Bonamassa on August 29 and Chris Janson on September, bringing this epic 2024 season to a close.
Visiting the Melody Tent
Most Melody Tent shows start at 8:00 PM, although a few of them kick off at 7:30. There are also some 5:30 shows for artists performing twice in the same evening.
Ticket prices vary based on the artists, and some shows feature special VIP ticket packages that come with meet-and-greet sessions and the best seats in the house. You can also grab an express beverage pass for most shows that gives you access to a dedicated beverage-only lineup, so you don’t spend too much time waiting for a drink.
Make sure you buy your Melody Tickets early for the 2024 season because most of these shows will sell out well in advance.
