There’s something about being al fresco. Food tastes better. Drinks seem more relaxing. And entertainment has an extra gear. All summer long, you can find fantastic outdoor fun in the city, including Columbus Recreation and Parks Free Summer Performance Series. Mark your calendar for this Friday, June 2 and other dates in July and August, and head to Bicentennial Park to find some Rhythm on the River.



Did we mention it’s free to attend? That’s right; you can enjoy musical acts and an annual outdoor BalletMet production all without opening your wallet (unless you want to buy food or drink). Bring a blanket or a chair, then grab some food and drinks starting at 6:30 p.m. You’ll find Donatos pizza by the slice or pie and the Recreation and Parks Strawberry Food Truck, which will feature special edition menus from guest chefs. Food truck proceeds benefit the Department’s free food programs.

Friday you’ll hear the Grammy-Award winning sounds of The Blind Boys of Alabama, who have sung together since their childhood at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Deaf in the late 1930’s. Their unique gospel sound has made them world-wide legends, and they are recipients of lifetime achievement awards from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. The evening opens with local favorite MojoFlo, who offer their own sound with roots in funk, rock and jazz.

The remaining line-up for the summer includes:

June 23 - The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson/Hadden Sayers Band

July 14 - An Evening of Bluegrass with The Seldom Scene/Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

August 25 - BalletMet Performance