Summer concerts in the park return to Crestline this year

The Crestline Friends of the Library are delighted to announce the return of the beloved Summer Concerts in the Park, a free outdoor music series drawing families, retirees, and music lovers from across the San Bernardino Mountains. Held on the lawn beside the Crestline Library, these relaxed Sunday afternoon performances have become a seasonal highlight for locals escaping the valley heat.

Each concert showcases a different musical style, ranging from folk and bluegrass to classic rock, jazz ensembles, and children's performers designed to delight younger audiences. The programming draws inspiration from similar park concert traditions seen in Sydney and Brisbane, where community performances bring neighbourhoods together under wide open skies.

Beyond the music, the concerts remind everyone that libraries remain vibrant community hubs rather than quiet relics of a bygone era. Funds raised through concession sales and raffle tickets go directly toward children's books, teen reading programmes, and the annual Memorial Day Book Sale that keeps the shelves stocked year-round.

The lineup and featured genres for the season

This year's roster leans on regional talent, with several acts travelling from the Los Angeles area. Bluegrass fans will recognise familiar names from the festival circuit, while jazz enthusiasts can look forward to a Sunday devoted to swing standards. The opening weekend features an interactive children's performer whose shows have become a staple at school assemblies throughout the mountain communities.

Tribute acts pay homage to artists such as the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and the timeless Brill Building songbook. These nostalgic sets draw the largest crowds, so arriving early to claim a good patch of grass is wise. Parents often treat tribute nights as a chance to introduce older children to the music they grew up with.

The series also includes a youth showcase where local teens perform alongside adult mentors, echoing mentoring programmes that thrive in places like Melbourne's community music hubs. These collaborative performances highlight the library's commitment to nurturing young talent and giving younger musicians a proper stage.

Weekly schedule and performance times

Concerts run every Sunday afternoon from early June through late August, kicking off at 4:00 pm and wrapping up by 6:00 pm. The mid-afternoon start lets families enjoy a morning at the lake or on the trails before settling in. Gates open at 3:30 pm, and volunteers begin laying out chairs shortly afterwards.

The full schedule, along with any last-minute weather updates, is published on the library's official site at https://crestlinefriendsofthelibrary.org/. Printed flyers are also available at the front desk. Rain dates typically fall on the following Sunday, though organisers try to keep the original date whenever possible.

Late July brings the warmest temperatures of the year, but a few concerts coincide with cooler mountain evenings perfect for spreading out a blanket. Visitors from hotter lowland areas often treat the Sunday concerts as a refreshing weekend ritual, much like the sundown sessions that draw crowds to coastal venues around Perth.

What to bring and park guidelines

Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or low-back chairs, and don't forget plenty of water, especially during the warmer afternoon sets. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome, and many regulars bring homemade treats to share with neighbours seated nearby. Coolers must fit comfortably under your chair so walkways remain clear.

Leashed dogs are welcome in the outer perimeter of the lawn, though owners are asked to keep pets away from the central seating area where small children often play. The grassy surface can be uneven in places, so closed-toe shoes are recommended for anyone planning to dance near the stage. A small number of accessible parking spots sit close to the entrance for visitors with mobility needs.

Waste and recycling bins are provided throughout the venue, and a friendly reminder to take your rubbish home helps keep the park looking its best. Smoking and vaping are not permitted on library grounds, in keeping with the family-friendly atmosphere organisers work hard to maintain. First aid volunteers are present at every concert, identifiable by their red vests.

Supporting the library through music

Every dollar generated through the concert series stays within the community, funding new acquisitions, summer reading prizes, and youth programming at the Crestline Library. Concession stands are staffed by volunteer board members and run entirely on donated goods, meaning almost every sale contributes directly to the cause. Raffle tickets for themed baskets are sold between sets, with winners announced during the final song of the afternoon.

Local businesses sponsor individual Sundays, gaining visibility while helping underwrite performer fees and sound equipment rental. These partnerships mirror the sponsorship culture seen at community events across Adelaide and Hobart, where small enterprises recognise the value of supporting neighbourhood gatherings. Patrons are invited to thank sponsors in person or online, as a little recognition goes a long way toward keeping partnerships alive.

For those unable to attend in person, donations can be made anytime through the library's website or by dropping a cheque at the front desk. Recurring memberships also offer benefits such as reserved seating and early notification of upcoming fundraisers. Music and literacy make a natural pairing, and the Friends of the Library are proud to celebrate both.

Volunteer opportunities and how to get involved

Volunteers form the backbone of the concert series, handling everything from setup and teardown to ticket sales and stage announcements. Shifts typically run two to three hours, and training is provided for anyone new to the role. Students seeking community service hours are especially welcome, and many teens return year after year to reconnect with friends made during previous summers.

Roles vary widely, so there's something to suit nearly every interest and skill set. Some volunteers prefer behind-the-scenes work like coordinating with performers, while others thrive on greeting guests and helping families find the perfect patch of lawn. Musicians interested in performing at a future Sunday concert are encouraged to submit a demo and bio to the programming committee for consideration.

The Friends of the Library meet on the first Tuesday of each month at the library's community room, and anyone curious about volunteering is welcome to attend. It's a relaxed, friendly gathering where newcomers can learn about ongoing projects and find a role that matches their availability. Getting involved with the concerts is one of the most enjoyable ways to give back to Crestline and meet neighbours who share a love of music and books.

Come along to a Sunday afternoon concert this season, bring a picnic, and enjoy an evening of live music beneath the pines. Your presence supports the Crestline Library and helps fund programmes that bring joy to readers of every age. Whether you attend one show or all twelve, the Friends of the Library look forward to welcoming you to the lawn.