It starts with a warm breeze and the quiet hum of anticipation. The sun hangs low over Arthur Street, casting golden light across the city. Somewhere nearby, a guitar is being tuned. A voice clears. A foot taps. And then, as if the whole city has taken a breath together, the first chord strikes—and Thunder Bay begins to sing.

Welcome to Summer in the Parking Lot, a soul-stirring concert series hosted by the heart of the city’s hospitality: Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre. This is not just a hotel event. This is a story in motion. A gathering of strangers who will become friends. A lineup of local legends who will become lifelong memories. A summer you’ll never forget, held in the hands of a place that never stops giving.

The Hotel That Became a Stage

Most hotels welcome you with a smile and a keycard. The Superior Inn welcomes you with a beat.

Nestled at 555 W. Arthur Street, this newly reimagined hotel has done something truly unexpected. Its parking lot, once a quiet space for cars and passing footsteps, has transformed into the city’s newest, boldest open-air music venue. Every Thursday night this summer, that same space turns into a sanctuary of sound. The lights go up. The amps crackle. And the magic begins.

It’s the kind of place where your hotel check-in might be followed by a spontaneous dance under the stars. Where the bartender at Lake & Spruce knows what cocktail pairs best with live blues or indie rock. Where the front desk team tells you which band is playing like they’re sharing a family secret. Because that’s what Superior Inn is. A family. A rhythm. A place where your room comes with a soundtrack.

Every Thursday Tells a New Story

From June 19 to August 28, every Thursday evening paints a new picture of Thunder Bay’s incredible musical talent. The lineups are nothing short of legendary. Names like THROWBACK, Radar and the Rockets, SoundBox, Wilson and Shabaz, and many more bring genres ranging from classic rock to alternative, from country to pure head-banging power.

There are also two special event nights that stand taller than the rest. On July 17, Kelly Daniels, Blood Red Moon, and The Lazys light up the night with thunderous energy. And on August 28, the final show of the season brings a festival-worthy conclusion featuring Tom Cashmore Band, Headrush, and The Commoners. These nights are bigger, bolder, and louder. Tickets are just twenty dollars, or one special punch on your concert card.

And it’s not just the music that matters. It’s the experience. Imagine sipping your favorite drink while kids dance near the front row. Imagine meeting people from across Canada who came not for the hotel, but for what it has become. A beacon of sound. A sanctuary for local music. A landmark reborn.

Stay for the Night, Stay for the Soul

If you’ve never experienced a concert from the comfort of your hotel doorstep, now is your chance.

Each Thursday, Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre opens its arms not just to guests, but to the city itself. Whether you’re checking in from out of town or walking over from around the corner, you’re stepping into a space where the hospitality is warm, the vibes are high, and the music is unforgettable.

The hotel features modern, comfortable rooms, ample free parking, pet-friendly accommodations, and one of the coziest restaurants in Thunder Bay. Lake & Spruce, located right inside the hotel, is more than just a place to eat. It’s the perfect pre-show hangout, serving meals that warm the stomach and the soul.

And when the concert is over, you’re just steps away from your pillow. No traffic. No taxis. Just music still echoing in your heart as you drift into sleep.

More Than a Show. It’s a Movement.

Summer in the Parking Lot is not just an event. It’s a statement. It’s about bringing music to the people, where they are. It’s about making the hotel more than just a resting place. It’s about turning Thursdays into traditions and strangers into choirs.

With support from NORCAT and the Superior Multicultural Music Development Society, this concert series is powered by passion, built on community, and driven by a belief that great things happen when people come together with purpose.

So whether you’re in Thunder Bay for a night, a weekend, or the entire season, let Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre be your home for the summer. A home where every Thursday, the city comes alive with the rhythm of live music, laughter, and connection.

This summer, the best seat in the house might just be in the parking lot.

Plan Your Summer Stay Today

Concert Admission: Seven dollars at the gate or with a punch card
Special Event Nights: July 17 and August 28, Twenty dollars admission or one special punch
Gates Open: 6:00 PM
Show Starts: 6:30 PM
Venue: Parking Lot of Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre, 555 W. Arthur St, Thunder Bay