QuickTake:

Join Willamalane Park and Recreation District as it hosts six outdoor music shows, every Wednesday and Thursday through the end of July. Bring a blanket and a picnic.

Willamalane Park and Recreation District is hosting picnic-style concerts at Island Park in west Springfield for the next three weeks, with the first evening of live music Wednesday, July 16, featuring an Americana-rock group. 

Gates and concessions open at 5:30 p.m. at the park, 200 W. B St. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $3, or free with a nonperishable food donation. Donations support the food pantry at Willamalane Adult Activity Center. 

Bands will play every Wednesday and Thursday through July 31. The Thursday night shows are new this year. Each band will play two sets, separated by a 20-minute intermission. 

Willamalane suggests attendees bring blankets or chairs. Visitors can bring their own picnic or buy from concession stands. Beer and wine will be for sale, but Willamalane said no outside alcohol is allowed in the park. Dogs must be on leash. 

Due to construction on Mill Street, there will be limited parking compared to years past, Willamalane spokesperson Whitney Hoshaw said. The B Street entrance to the park is closed. Willamalane suggests street parking near the West D Street entrance for those who are driving.

Pedestrians or anyone needing accessible parking can also enter via South A Street. There is overflow parking at Booth Kelly, 303 S 5th Street, and visitors can walk to the South A Street entrance, Hoshaw said.

The city of Springfield is hosting a free bike valet at the D Street entrance from 5:30 to 9 p.m. 

Willamalane’s recommended routes to Island Park. Credit: Courtesy of Willamalane Park and Recreation District

While the concert series has gone through name changes and program adjustments, Willamalane has been organizing outdoor concerts since 1996, Hoshaw said. 

“It’s a long-time community favorite,” she said. 

The schedule of bands:

  • July 16: Connectarine, an Americana-rock ensemble
  • July 17: Rock n Rewind, a high‑energy classic rock and blues party band
  • July 23: Natsukashii Soul, a neo‑soul, funk and acid‑jazz quintet
  • July 24: The Koz, a five‑piece classic rock revival outfit
  • July 30: Left on Wilson, a psychedelic jam-rock group
  • July 31: Candy Apple Bleu, a soft‑rock/yacht‑rock band  

For more event day details, visit Willamalane’s website.