Summer is the season for outdoor concerts, and we’re lucky to have an incredible music scene in the Pacific Northwest. The City of Lake Oswego’s Parks & Recreation Department is excited to invite the community back for this year’s Summer of Music Concert Series, a collection of free, family-friendly live shows with a terrific lineup of artists performing in some of the city’s most beautiful spaces!

This is the 31st anniversary of the summer concerts, which began on July 4 and will go through August with a full schedule of talented bands and musicians. The Wednesday concerts are every week in August from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at picturesque Westlake Park, and the performing cover bands will rock out to classic tunes that are sure to get your heels tapping! Aug. 7 will feature the Chris Baum Project, whose harmonious repertoire covers modern soul & R&B artists, followed by Beat Division on Aug. 14, bringing all the best 80s dance music. The fun continues on Aug. 21 with Ants in the Kitchen, a band that covers a wide variety of rock, funk, blues and soul favorites, and the series will conclude on Aug. 28 with the Journey tribute band Stone in Love.

The concerts additionally play every other Sunday in August at Millenium Park Plaza from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with a selection of local artists performing their original music. Hillstomp, a wildly entertaining alternative country and punk blues duo, will appear on August 4th, and Mbrascatu, a fantastic local Italian rock band will appear on Aug. 18.

Blankets and low-profile chairs are recommended, and leashed dogs are welcome at both venues. Food vendors will be onsite with various delicious selections, such as loaded sandwiches, gyros, southern BBQ breakfast, bubble tea, ice cream, snow cones and more. People can bring outside food, beer, wine, and seltzers if they wish, but no hard alcohol or spirits. The City of Lake Oswego has partnered with local businesses to ensure plenty of convenient parking, including ADA spaces.

The Parks and Recreation Department always throws an incredible party, and for the concert series, they’ve created the quintessential summer vibe. “It’s definitely a picnic atmosphere, and people are happy to be outside,” Lance Hofstad, Concert Coordinator for the City of Lake Oswego, says. “It’s fun to watch the kids – they love to dance and run around with their friends.”

Events like this have many moving parts and a large team works together behind the scenes. “It includes all the people who keep the parks looking great to those who ensure we get the best musicians and vendors, to the people who print the flyers and the local police and fire departments who watch for safety,” says Lance. “Everyone cares about making it a success.”

So gather your friends and family this summer for a community celebration of music in Lake Oswego. “It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy local music and maybe dance a little,” Lance says. “We encourage everyone to come out and be part of the fellowship of the community while appreciating the live entertainment and our beautiful outdoor venues.”

For more information on Summer of Music 2024 Concert Series, please visit their website at www.ci.oswego.or.us/concerts.