GRAMMY ON THE GO
Summer Concerts
Make Musical Memories
By Karen Shadrach
There’s something special about summer concerts. The warm weather, outdoor setting and lively music are the perfect recipe for creating unforgettable memories with our grandkids.
From classic rock, pop, jazz, blues and tribute bands to children’s music, you’re sure to find something that will appeal to both you and your grandkids. Many summer concerts take place in parks or other outdoor venues, serving up an opportunity to enjoy beautiful weather and fresh air.
Unlike more formal indoor concerts, summer concerts have a relaxed atmosphere with blankets, picnic baskets, and often room to dance. Many are free or low-cost, making them an accessible activity for families on a budget.
Day or Evening
If your grandkids are young, look for concerts featuring children’s musicians or family-friendly bands. If they’re older, explore concerts with music from a variety of genres. Opt for concerts held in parks or other outdoor venues with space to run around; avoid places with limited seating or restrictive rules.
Evening concerts can be fun, but if your grandkids are young, a daytime or early evening concert might be more suitable. Some concerts offer additional activities like face painting, crafts or play areas. Look for these extras to keep your grandkids entertained before the music starts.
For a fun and stress-free concert, bring a basket with your grandkids’ favorite snacks and drinks. Don’t forget water and sunscreen. Most venues have lawn seating, so grab comfortable chairs and blankets to sit on. The most important thing is to have fun. Dance, sing along, and enjoy the music together.
Check your local community board or online event calendars to find summer concerts near you.
A few local neighborhood concerts include the Independence Summer Concerts at the Independence Town Hall Bandstand on Brecksville Road. There are different bands every Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. Food trucks will be available from 6-9 p.m. The Bandstand in Lakewood Park on Lake Avenue hosts concerts on Sundays through Aug.11. The Recreation Center Park in Westlake on Hilliard Boulevard hosts concerts on Sundays through Aug. 4.
Many more communities offer single concerts or summer concert series.
A large summer concert venue is Wade Oval Wednesdays (WOW!), Cleveland’s favorite free summer concert series. The concerts are in Wade Oval at 10820 East Boulevard through Aug. 14 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Food trucks are onsite. The concerts include both a pre-show and a half-time show. Check out the University Circle website for their 2024 lineup. WOW! is a rain-or-shine event, but will be canceled if the weather turns severe.
Another large concert venue we are fortunate to have in Northeast Ohio is Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, located within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Blossom is a fantastic place to introduce your grandchild to classical music. Blossom Music Center, the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra, combines two key ingredients—excellent acoustics and a stunning natural park setting—to create one of the most recognizable music venues in America.
Blossom hosts live music shows, including both rock and pop festivals. When you purchase a lawn ticket, you can request two free youth lawn passes for children under 18. Upcoming performances include Lord of the Rings on Aug. 2-4 and Cirque Goes Broadway on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. What a pleasant way to spend a summer evening: under the stars with fantastic music.
Summer concerts offer a unique opportunity to create memories with your grandkids. So, find an outdoor concert near you, grab the grandkids, pack a picnic, and get ready to bond over music on pleasantly sunny days and gentle summer evenings.
