Once again this summer, the Concert in the Park series has returned to Oakdale. Join other community members at Dorada Park, adjacent to The Plunge, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday nights in Oakdale to enjoy free community-centered fun. The series is put on through the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Oakdale.

The popular concert series kicked off on July 12 and runs through Aug. 30, hot or cold, and all are welcome to attend. These free concerts last for eight weeks during the summer and combine the perfect ingredients for friends and family to enjoy the great outdoors.

Bri Swan, Oakdale Chamber of Commerce Membership and Marketing Coordinator, said the first Concert in the Park this past Friday yielded dozens of vendors and even more community members despite the hot weather. Valley Fire, an acoustic country and classic rock band, kicked off the first concert with a bang and set the bar high for the upcoming performers.

The Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Oakdale invites everyone to come down to Dorada Park to cool off with a nice, iced drink from Seed 2 Cup Coffee and get a hearty meal from House of Beef or Infinite Gourmet Catering, and finally, to round off the night with a cold dessert from Yogurt Mill. Those were just a few of the food/beverage vendors on hand for opening night.

Coming up next, on July 19, indie/folk-country singer Scott Patrick will take the stage and entertain at Dorada Park for a night filled with relaxation and fun.

The week after, July 26, features a fan-favorite performing group, Mariachi La Union De Modesto, with their exciting mariachi music. With various music genres and different singers every Friday night, there is a show for everyone at the Concert in the Park.

The month of August has many different artists grabbing the mic, including Remedy on Aug. 2, a classic rock band; Chris Farris on Aug. 9, a country and rock singer; Barbara Findlay and Jim Ramont on Aug. 16 featuring soft rock and country; Alex Lucero on Aug. 23 for a night of soul and Americana; and wrapping up the summer series will be the Fabulous Blue Notes with their musical blues on Aug. 30. The singers and bands booked for the Concert in the Park series are eager to share a joyful night of entertainment and fun.

Swan’s favorite part of the Concert in the Park program is “the coming together of the community” that is exactly what the event is about.

“The Concerts in the Park help show the Oakdale community that you don’t have to break the bank to have fun,” Swan stated.

Everyone is invited to Dorada Park to enjoy the free music and fun, and are advised to bring a blanket or lawn chair to settle in for the evening.

Swan reinforced that this event is not just about the music and entertainment but, more importantly, is about bringing everyone together. So, she said, don’t hesitate to stop by Friday nights through Aug. 30 and bring friends and family of all ages to enjoy the Concert in the Park.