Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes patio season, backyard BBQs, weddings, golf tournaments, and every reason to gather and celebrate. June 20 marks the first full day of summer, and it seemed like the perfect time to offer a little inspiration for anyone looking to create the ultimate summer playlist.
Whether you’re relaxing after a long round of golf or firing up the dance floor at a wedding, the right soundtrack can make a good event great. Here are a few simple tips to help you build a playlist that fits the season—and the moment.
1. Choose songs that just feel like summer
Some songs are instantly tied to warm weather, cold drinks, and good times. These are the tracks that people know from the first beat, and they bring everyone into the moment. Classic summer favourites include:
Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
Hot in Herre – Nelly
Island in the Sun – Weezer
California Gurls – Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
If it sounds like something you’d hear at a beach party or on a patio playlist, it probably belongs here.
2. Mix nostalgia with newer crowd-pleasers
A great playlist usually spans a few generations. The sweet spot is somewhere between throwback hits and current favourites—something for everyone, whether they’re twenty or sixty. Try mixing in tracks like:
Levitating – Dua Lipa
Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars
Mr. Brightside – The Killers
I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
Watch the room as songs play—people tend to light up when a song from their “era” comes on.
3. Match the vibe to the setting
Not every summer gathering is a dance party, and not every playlist should be packed with high-energy hits. The best playlists flow with the event. A backyard BBQ or casual pub night might call for mellow acoustic tunes or soft rock. Weddings and celebrations usually start slow and pick up steam as the night goes on.
Pay attention to the moment, and let the music build with it.
4. Throw in a few surprises
Some of the most memorable party moments come from the songs no one expects—but everyone ends up singing. It could be a country hit, a 90s boy band track, or a karaoke classic that brings the crowd together. A few unexpected (but always welcome) choices might include:
Man! I Feel Like a Woman – Shania Twain
Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) – Backstreet Boys
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Fishin’ in the Dark – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
Unexpected doesn’t mean out of place—it means fun, familiar, and full of energy.
5. Think about how you want it to end
Like any good story, a party should have a strong ending. Maybe it’s a slow, sentimental close, or maybe it’s a group singalong to cap the night. Here are a few songs that tend to leave a lasting impression:
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
Purple Rain – Prince
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
When in doubt, go with something everyone knows by heart.
Want help bringing your summer soundtrack to life?
Whether it’s a wedding, community celebration, or backyard bash, we can help bring the music, the energy, and the experience. At Gemini Entertainment, we work with you to create the right vibe for your event—whether it’s all-out dancing, low-key background music, or something in between.
Planning something this summer? Get in touch and let’s talk about how we can help make it unforgettable.