MORGANTOWN — Music drifted across the hillsides at Mason-Dixon Historical Park as families settled into lawn chairs, children explored open spaces and neighbors gathered for an evening outdoors during Monongalia County Parks & Recreation’s Summer Concert Series.
The recent performance by 18 Strings served as another example of the growing seasonal tradition that has transformed local parks into gathering spaces centered around live music, recreation and community connection.
Created as a way to encourage residents to experience county parks in a new setting, the summer concert series continues to bring together audiences of all ages through affordable outdoor entertainment.
“The Monongalia County Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series was created to give our community another reason to enjoy our beautiful county parks while bringing people together through live music,” said Taylor Helms, recreation manager for Monongalia County Parks & Recreation. “We wanted to create affordable, family-friendly evenings where people of all ages can relax, spend time outdoors and make memories together.”
Held throughout the summer at Chestnut Ridge Park & Campground and Mason-Dixon Historical Park, the series combines local and regional musical acts with activities designed to create an atmosphere beyond the stage.
During the recent 18 Strings performance, families gathered throughout the venue while children participated in a free craft activity hosted by Mindful Roots. Community partners also contributed giveaways and support throughout the evening, adding to the experience between performances and intermission activities.
Each concert includes opportunities for attendees to engage with local businesses and vendors while enjoying concessions and food trucks or bringing their own coolers to enjoy picnic-style seating.
According to Helms, the series is designed to create experiences that extend beyond entertainment.
“It’s more than just a concert,” Helms said. “It’s an opportunity for neighbors to connect, children to play, local musicians to perform and families to experience everything our parks have to offer.”
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets or camp chairs and enjoy the natural surroundings while children dance, play with bubbles and take advantage of the open space.
As attendance and interest continue to grow, Monongalia County Parks & Recreation hopes to expand the series while keeping its community-focused identity.
“Our goal is to continue growing the concert series each year by bringing in a variety of musical genres that appeal to everyone and bringing on new performers, as well as fan favorites,” Helms said. “We’d love to see the concert become a summer tradition for all of our community and something that they look forward to each year.”
Future goals include increasing partnerships with local businesses, food vendors and community organizations while expanding family-centered programming around events.
Helms said the organization hopes the concert series also introduces visitors to the wider range of activities offered across county parks.
“We’d like to invite everyone to come out to experience all of our events and experiences here with Monongalia County Parks and Recreation,” Helms said. “For now, we hope that you bring your blanket, your lawn chair, let the kids enjoy the open space and enjoy the music. Our slogan is community, recreation and nature, and that’s what we hope to achieve.”
Remaining Summer Concert Schedule
Chestnut Ridge Park & Campground
346 Chestnut Ridge Camp Road, Bruceton Mills
July 4 — The Halftime String Band
July 18 — Soup Camel
Aug. 1 — Megan Jean’s Secret Family
Aug. 15 — Meadow Run
Aug. 29 — Weary Space Wanderer
Mason-Dixon Historical Park
79 Buckeye Road, Core
July 11 — Steve Ludwig and The Casual Hobos
July 25 — Dead All Along
Aug. 8 — The Hillbilly Biscuits
Concerts are held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person (cash only), children ages 6 and under are free, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. For more information visit https://www.monongaliacounty.gov/departments/parks_and_recreation/
