'Music in the Park' returning to downtown Olympia in July

"Music in the Park" is returning with free music and summer fun in downtown Olympia.

The Olympia Downtown Alliance announced the 45th anniversary of the summer series will take place on four Wednesdays — July 8, 15, 22 and 29. 

The concerts this year will feature local and touring acts performing samba, community chorus, surf punk, indie folk, Americana and pop-infused soul. 

“Whether you’re dancing in the park, singing with friends, or enjoying food from a local vendor, Music in the Park remains one of downtown Olympia’s favorite summer traditions,” said the  alliance in a newsletter that announced the series. 

There are four themes for the series — Olympia Family Fun Night, Punk Power, Next Gen Talent and Indie-Americana. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and takeout from downtown restaurants. Food vendors are still being finalized, but guests can expect favorites, such as Sofie’s Scoops, Lolli Llama Candy Company and Batdorf & Bronson Legacy Cafe. 

Performances 

On July 8, Olympia Family Fun Night will be held at Sylvester Park. The music of Samba Olywa (6-6:20 p.m.), Voices of the Sound (6:20-6:45 p.m.) and American Legion Band (7-8 p.m.) will kick off the series. 

On July 15, enjoy Punk Power at Sylvester Park from the dance-punk energy of J. Graves (6-6:45 p.m.) and Olympia surf-punk act The Proffits (7–8 p.m.). 

Witness Next Gen Talent on July 22 at Sylvester Park. Celebrate emerging local talent with singer-songwriter Anne Magnolia (6-6:45 p.m.) and Olympia-based soul-pop group WINEHOUSE (7-8 p.m.). 

Indie America closes the series on July 29 at Port Plaza, featuring songwriting and harmony from Erina (6-6:45 p.m.) and Americana band Daring Greatly (7-8 p.m.).