Summertime entertainment in the park

Grab a blanket and head out to enjoy entertainment at local parks

By Claire Nunn on July 12, 2021

Few things beat a beautiful Pacific Northwest summer evening spent at a local park listening to music, watching movies and other entertainment varieties. We're talking a full picnic dinner, blankets, chairs and the whole family out to enjoy the festivities. If you agree and are looking to spend an evening as such, here is where local entertainment in the park is happening this summer. 

Dupont's Concerts in the Park is a great place to start. On select Thursdays starting at 7 p.m. at Clocktower Park on Palisade, families can gather to listen to local bands and relax in the large field of grass. The current line-up is The Olson Bros Band a country/rock group on July 8, Buddy, Ritchie & the Bopper a tribute band will jam out at the park on July 29. Aug. 12 the audience can enjoy Candy Shoppe, a live seven-piece band playing dance hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The concert series will close out on Sept. 2 with Ian Dobson, a steel drum dance party. For more information, visit www.dupontwa.gov/534/Concerts-in-the-Park.  

Lacey in Tune is another opportunity to soak up entertainment in the park. Located at Huntamer Park on the corner of 7th Ave. and Woodland Square Loop, this six-week series features entertainment, music and movies in the park. A children's entertainment series will take place on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. through Aug. 10. Entertainment includes Jeff Evans the magician, Eric Ode's original music for kids and families and more. Wednesday the park will feature their concert series at noon through Aug. 11. The series will feature Dueling Crooners, WA Nat'l Guard Full Metal Racket and more. On Fridays at 8 p.m. through Aug. 6 the park will feature movies in the park. Movies will include The Goonies, The Croods: A New Age, Wonder Woman-1984 and Jumanji: The Next Level. It's important that, due to COVID-19, families must register for these events. To register and check out additional details, visit here https://bit.ly/360ql9A.

Lakewood's Summer Nights at The Pavilion located at Fort Steilacoom Park is another great option to head to for some tunes. Kicking off July 15 and continuing on Friday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. until Aug. 26. Featured bands will include Good Co, Swing, Rockaroke (Karaoke with live band), Eagles Tribute Band and more. For more information prior to attending and for COVID-19 restrictions, visit https://cityoflakewood.us/summer-nights-at-the-pavilion-concerts/.  

One of the most beautiful settings in the South Sound is Pioneer Park in Steilacoom which the 2021 Steilacoom Summer Concert Series calls home. Concerts are scheduled for every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. starting Aug. 4 and running through Aug. 25. For performers and other important information, go to https://townofsteilacoom.org/.

Last up on the list of must check out summer entertainment is Yelm Jazz in the Park. This year the event returns as a two-day event taking place on Aug. 6-7 at the Yelm City Park. Over the two days, attendees will have the opportunity to listen to all sorts of jazz acts. Admission is free and a beer and wine garden will be featured at the event. For more information on the event, visit https://bit.ly/3h6DF2H.