MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The third most popular summer concert series as determined by USA Today readers, The Ruby Summer Concert Series gets underway Friday night.
On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” director of the Atrs and Culture Department Vincent Kitch said nationally recognized tribute Almost Queen with special guests Philadelphia Feedom will open the 2026 season.
“They’re a Morgantown favorite and they haven’t been in town for a couple of years,” Kitch said. “They personify Queen and they are a true tribute- one of the best in the nation and it will be amazing.”
After the Almost Queen show the community will have 11 more free shows at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater through the end of summer. In 2025, over the 12 concerts, Fourth of July festivities, and other events, more than 50,000 people came to the park and spent about $180,000 on food and beverage and $50,000 on artist merchandise.
“They’re free to the community- it’s a gift to the community,” Kitch said. “It’s a gift to people who come from up to 20 states away, we’ve had international guests as well and that’s why the fund raising is important because we are in a budget situation too because can only afford certain artists.”
One of the most talked about concerts is Hanson on August 14 while many are excited about the Fabulous Thunderbirds July 31, and 38 Special to wrap the summer concert series up on August 28.
“Switchfoot I really wasn’t prepared to have that kind of response- we knew Everclear and Tonic would be favorites,” Kitch said. “I had someone come up to me and say it was the “millenials dream summer concert series” and thought well maybe it is this year.”
Kitch said residents and concert goers can make donations directly to summer concert series. The donations can be in any amount and they be dedicated to the Ruby Summer Concert Series if noted on the donation.
“If you want to come down and you love the kind of talent we’re bringing because they get more and more expensive each year,” Kitch said. “You can donate $10, $100, $1,000 directly form your phone and it goes directly to this park.”