Families looking for a midweek dose of music can head to the North Andover Town Common on Thursday, July 16, when Matt Heaton & the Outside Toys bring their mix of rockabilly, surf rock, western swing and soul to the stage.

The free children’s concert starts at 10 a.m. at 800 Massachusetts Ave. and is part of North Andover’s Summer Children’s Shows on the Common series, which runs Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 30. No registration is required.

Heaton, known for his bright orange guitar and energetic performances, will be joined by upright bass and drums for a show designed to get kids moving. His family-friendly music career began after the birth of his son, Nigel, and he has since released four studio albums while building a following through his mix of original songs and classic children’s tunes.

Heaton is also a familiar name in the local music scene. Along with performing with the Outside Toys, he plays traditional Irish music with his wife, Shannon, and guitar in the instrumental surf band The Electric Heaters.

Cambridge music venue Passim has described the Outside Toys’ performances as a high-energy show featuring “the guitar twangin’, the standup bass slappin’ and the drums pounding.”

The Summer Children’s Shows on the Common series features eight free performances throughout July. The program is supported by North Andover Youth & Recreation Services through Brooks Skating program fees, community donations and local sponsorships. The North Andover Cultural Council also provided a $1,000 grant from the Mass Cultural Council for the 2026 season.

In case of rain, Thursday’s performance will move indoors to the North Andover Middle School Auditorium, 495 Main St.

More summer events

Sunday, July 19 — Rico Barr Band (classic rock, soul, blues), Summer Sunday Concert Series, 6 p.m., Town Common, 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover. Free.

Tuesday, July 21 — Ed Pop’s Magical Moments magic show, 10 a.m., Town Common, North Andover. Free.

Wednesday, July 22 — Matt Heaton & the Outside Toys, 10–11 a.m., Pomps Pond, 147 Abbot St., Andover. Free.

Thursday, July 23 — Magic & Puppets by Steve, 10 a.m., Town Common, North Andover. Free. Rain location: North Andover Middle School Auditorium.

Sundays through Oct. 4 — North Andover Farmers Market, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 120R Main St. behind Town Hall. More than 30 vendors and food trucks.

Residents interested in sponsoring a Summer on the Common performance or making a donation can contact Demi at [email protected].