Ballard’s isn’t just another beach bar. It’s a full-scale beachfront entertainment destination. With its huge outdoor stage, cabana seating, multiple bars, and a menu that ranges from lobster rolls to frozen cocktails, it’s built for both relaxation and celebration. While live music happens daily throughout the season, certain acts are booked for a reason: they draw a crowd, deliver every time, and define the high-energy atmosphere Ballard’s is famous for.
Whether you’re taking the ferry over for a day trip or staying for a long weekend, Ballard’s is the place to experience top-tier music on Block Island in the most unforgettable way—feet in the sand, drink in hand, and the ocean just steps away.
1989 – The Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute
Set to perform on June 29, 1989 is a full-fledged tribute to Taylor Swift that captures the sound, energy, and spirit of one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. But don’t let the tribute label fool you—this act is all-out production. The vocals are on point, the stage presence is dynamic, and the hits just keep coming. Expect an epic setlist packed with fan favorites from the 1989 album and beyond, from “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space” to deeper cuts that true Swifties will appreciate.
This is the perfect show for anyone looking to belt out chart-topping pop anthems while soaking up the sun or dancing in the sand. If you’re coming to Ballard’s with a group, this is one show everyone will enjoy—friends, families, couples, and Swift fans of all ages.
The Blushing Brides – Rolling Stones Tribute
Rock nostalgia doesn’t get better than this. On August 9 and 10, The Blushing Brides will channel the raw, untamed spirit of The Rolling Stones. With decades of experience and a powerful onstage presence, this legendary tribute band is known for their gritty renditions of classics like “Gimme Shelter,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Paint It Black.”
This isn’t just a cover set—it’s a full performance. From vocals that hit with Mick Jagger’s signature swagger to guitar solos that feel straight out of a Stones arena tour, The Blushing Brides recreate the full sound and chaos of a real rock concert, but with the sand under your feet and the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. If you want your music on Block Island loud, legendary, and unforgettable, this is your show.
Darik and the Funbags – New England’s Ultimate Party Band
No one brings the party quite like Darik and the Funbags. This band has been a staple on the East Coast party scene for years, and their return to Ballard’s on July 19, 20 and again on August 30, 31 promises to be one of the wildest events of the summer.
Known for their outrageous stage presence, interactive performances, and setlists that cover everything from classic rock to hip hop, they keep the energy high and the crowd moving from the first chord to the last note. Whether it’s an impromptu dance-off in the crowd or the band diving into a singalong anthem, this isn’t a show you watch—it’s one you become a part of.
If you’re headed to Ballard’s with a group and want a no-rules kind of beach party, make sure to catch Darik and the Funbags. Their performances are rowdy, fun, unpredictable—and 100% summer.
No Shoes Nation – Kenny Chesney Tribute
Set for July 12 and 13, No Shoes Nation brings the laid-back, toes-in-the-sand energy of Kenny Chesney to Block Island. Whether you’re a longtime Chesney fan or just love a good country song about sun, sand, and cold drinks, this tribute nails the beach-country vibe.
Expect a playlist full of summer anthems like “Summertime,” “Beer in Mexico,” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” all delivered with smooth vocals and that easygoing energy that has made Chesney a beach music icon. This show is all about good times, good people, and great music. Grab a drink, kick back in a beach chair, and enjoy what music on Block Island is all about.
Dirty Deeds – The AC/DC Experience
When Dirty Deeds hits the stage on August 11, get ready to crank the volume to eleven. This AC/DC tribute brings all the grit, power, and electrifying energy of the original band with screaming guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and vocals that could wake the neighbors across the water.
This is not for the faint of heart. If you want your Ballard’s experience to include headbanging in the sand and shouting along to “Back in Black,” “Highway to Hell,” and “You Shook Me All Night Long,” this is the show for you. High-energy and unapologetically loud, Dirty Deeds will remind you exactly why AC/DC became one of the most iconic rock bands in history.
More Live Music on Block Island This Summer
These five featured bands are just the beginning. Ballard’s offers live music every day during the summer, featuring a rotating list of talented musicians, regional acts, and DJ sets that keep the vibe alive from late morning into the evening.
From laid-back acoustic afternoons to all-out dance parties, the range of performers ensures that every visit to Ballard’s brings something fresh and exciting. Whether you’re coming for a weekend, a week, or a single unforgettable day, you’ll find music waiting for you at Ballard’s—and a crowd ready to enjoy it with you.
Experience the Best Live Music on Block Island
Ballard’s has built a reputation as the epicenter of music on Block Island, and this summer’s featured band lineup proves why. From tribute legends to party powerhouses, the shows at Ballard’s offer something for every kind of music fan. But more than that, they offer something uniquely Block Island: warm sand, ocean views, cold drinks, and live music that makes every moment feel like the highlight of your summer.
If you’re heading to Block Island in 2025, make sure Ballard’s is on your must-visit list. The bands are booked, the beach is ready, and the music is calling.
