With live music, movies in the park and playground playdates there is always something fun and free to enjoy with the St. Charles Park District.
Keep those extra pop-up chairs and picnic blankets in the car and mark the calendars for 7 p.m. Thursday nights at Lincoln Park for the St. Charles Park District’s Concerts in the Park. Through Aug. 8 catch a live performance by some of the area’s favorite cover bands and a few local musicians.
Katie Miller, assistant superintendent of recreation, starts working on the concert lineup in November, securing favorite bands and scouting new performers, like Mellenium which includes local musicians playing a variety of music from different eras and is slated for July 11. On July 25 catch Radio Gaga, a band performing covers from Queen and Lady Gaga said to bring music and theatrics to the stage, Miller added.
“I feel like our summer concerts are a summer staple,” Miller said. “The vibe is so relaxed and inviting, it really creates that small-town feel.”
With Lincoln Park close to downtown St. Charles visitors can easily walk over after dinner, bring their own picnic or visit the onsite food trucks.
Another favorite is the Acoustic Jams in the Park from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays July 16-Aug. 27 in the beautiful Mt. St. Mary Park. Surrounded by tall trees enjoy the chill music by local performers playing cover songs as well as original tunes.
The whole family will enjoy a movie under the stars in Pottawatomie Park, featuring Shrek on July 19 beginning at 8:30 p.m. Blankets will be the best idea to grab a spot on the grassy slope and as the sun goes down.
For parents of young ones seeking daytime adventures, check out Park Play Dates from 10-11 a.m. Saturdays on July 13, 27 and Aug. 10. Preschool Supervisor Kara Guizzetti-Reif wanted to find ways for children and their parents, to find connections and discover new playgrounds in the community.
“We want people to explore the parks and discover ways to P-L-A-Y,” Guizzetti-Reif said, adding that visiting playgrounds was one of her and her daughters’ favorite activities when they were younger.
The Park Play Dates is free and open to all in the community. Families can visit for a while or stay the morning and Guizzetti-Reif has added themes to each play date for even more fun. The play dates are geared to families with children ages 7 and younger.
For those looking to get wet and muddy, mark the calendar for the return of Rusty Rodeo 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. Learn about the Rusty Crayfish and make new friends while scooping up crayfish from the Fox River. Crayfish are an invasive species in the Illinois waterway. Bring your own net, buckets and scoop up an award for collecting the most crayfish or catching the biggest crayfish. The event will take place outside of the Historic Piano Factory Pedestrian Bridge off Indiana Street.
Honk those horns for the free Big Truck Show, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at James O. Breen Community Park. View tractors and garbage trucks, emergency vehicles too. Trucks big and small will be on display for hands-on exploration. Bring your camera.
Summer is fleeting around these parts, make the most of the sunshine and get outside to enjoy the warmer weather and longer days. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or social activities, there are countless ways to summer with St. Charles Park District.