STAMFORD — The first ever "Summer in the Park" will take place at Mill River Park this month, promising a series of concerts, food and drink festivals and cultural celebrations.
Here's what you need to know to attend.
What is "Summer in the Park?"
The inaugural series is a combination of concerts, the popular Hey Stamford! Food Festival and the Colombian Independence Day Festival, among other offerings. All of the events will take place in Mill River Park in downtown Stamford.
When will "Summer in the Park" take place?
The bulk of the planned events are scheduled for Thursday through Sunday for the next three weeks with a start time of 5 p.m. and an end time of 10 p.m.
Organizers recently released a full schedule of events, which begin on Thursday with a concert by iconic rapper Busta Rhymes and fellow rapper Fabolous. The following day, the Bon Jovi tribute band "Raise Your Hands" will perform on Friday for the first of three "Summer Fun Fridays," which are touted by organizers as "Connecticut’s premier outdoor happy hour" with live tribute bands, themed bars, and a rotating lineup of food vendors.
Then on Saturday, pop duo Aly & AJ will take the stage. Rounding out the weekend, The Midtown Men will perform a free show singing songs from the 1960s on Sunday. The group includes original actors from the Broadway hit "Jersey Boys," according to organizers. The Midtown Men show, presented by The Karp Family and The Palace Theatre, is replacing a previously announced event titled "Jazz in the Park" that was canceled.
Who else is performing?
The second week will feature a Thursday night performances by Soulja Boy and Bow Wow, with an opening set by Stamford native Mike Squires, who recently garnered attention for leading the effort to power wash the exterior of the Macy's building in downtown.
Jammy Buffet, a Jimmy Buffett cover band, will perform the following night.
Then, on July 19, the Colombian Independence Day Festival will take over Mill River Park with Colombian food offerings, dance troupe performances and a concert featuring musicians Fariana and Jesse Uribe.
The final week will include a concert by R&B musician Mariah the Scientist on July 24 and a show by the Zac Brown Tribute Band on July 25.
Other events during the series include the "Fairfield County Dance Festival" on July 15; the JCC summer performance at 12 p.m. on July 20; and a Connecticut Ballet performance on July 22.
What other events are part of the festivities?
The Hey Stamford! Food Festival will return for its eight year and will close out the 17-day "Summer in the Park" string of events on July 26-27.
It will feature dozens of food vendors, live music, themes cocktail cars and interactive culinary experiences for visitors of all ages.
Tickets for either day are $15 before fees.
"Summer in the Park" will also include a "Wednesday Night Beer Garden" with a live DJ on July 16, 23, 30 and Aug. 6.
How much are tickets for the concerts?
Prices vary depending on the event. The "Summer Fun Fridays," for example, cost $10 before fees to attend.
The only available tickets for the Busta Rhymes show are $50 before fees for a general admission entry and $125 before fees for a VIP ticket that includes access to a private viewing section, among other benefits. Tickets for Aly & AJ cost $30 before fees.
Who is organizing the event?
"Summer in the Park" is a collaboration between Parachute Concerts, the Mill River Park Collaborative, Hey Stamford!, The Karp Family and Stamford Downtown.
Correction: This story has been updated based on corrected information from the organizer to reflect The Midtown Men show is replacing a previously announced event titled "Jazz in the Park."